Summary:
In zip code 20706 (Lanham, MD), there is one middle school, Thomas Johnson Middle, serving grades 6 through 8 within the Prince George's County Public Schools district, an area with a high concentration of economic disadvantage where nearly 95% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Thomas Johnson Middle stands out for its exceptional performance in advanced math, with 57.9% of Algebra I test-takers scoring proficient in the 2025-2026 school year—far exceeding the district average of 11.1% and the state average of 21.3%. This is a remarkable bright spot, especially given that overall math proficiency across all grades is just 9%, and English Language Arts proficiency is 32.5%. The school also boasts a low chronic absenteeism rate of 10.5%, compared to the district's 30.2%, suggesting strong student engagement despite challenging circumstances. Per-student spending is $17,270, which is relatively high but likely reflects the resources needed to support a high-needs population.
While the school's state ranking has improved slightly from the 24th to the 29th percentile over recent years, there is a clear gap between subjects: ELA proficiency is over three times higher than math proficiency. The Algebra I success indicates a strong selective program for advanced students, but overall math scores, particularly in 7th grade where only 5.3% are proficient, point to a systemic challenge. For parents, this school offers a dedicated environment with strong attendance and a standout advanced math program, but core academic proficiency in math and science remains an area needing significant improvement.
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