Summary:
Zip code 20715 in Bowie, Maryland, is home to a single high school, Bowie High, which serves grades 9-12 and is part of the Prince George's County Public Schools district.
Bowie High presents a complex picture of contrasts. On one hand, the school excels in English Language Arts (ELA), with 53.4% of students proficient—a rate that surpasses the district average and nearly matches the state average. It also boasts a strong 91% graduation rate, significantly higher than the district's 78.9%, and a low 5.2% dropout rate. However, these successes are sharply contrasted by a critical weakness in mathematics, where only 5.2% of students are proficient, compared to 13.7% in the district and 27.1% statewide. This extreme disparity between ELA and math performance is the school's most striking feature.
Further complicating the picture is a chronic absenteeism rate of 39.0%, which is nearly nine percentage points worse than the already-high district average. This high rate of missed school days is likely a major factor behind the low math scores. With 52.75% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch and a student-teacher ratio of 19.1:1, the school serves a diverse population. While the high graduation rate suggests strong student retention, the abysmal math proficiency raises important questions about whether students are being advanced without mastering core skills. For parents, Bowie High is a school of clear strengths in ELA and graduation, but with significant challenges in math and attendance that require careful consideration.
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