Summary:
There are two middle schools serving grades 6-8 in the 20785 zip code of Landover, Maryland, both part of the Prince George's County Public Schools district, an area where over 93% of students come from low-income households.
Kenmoor Middle is the standout school in this area, enrolling 1,021 students and ranking in the 58th percentile statewide—a significant improvement from the 48th percentile three years ago. Its math proficiency rate of 23.4% and ELA proficiency of 49.6% both exceed district averages, and its chronic absenteeism rate of 17.5% is well below the district's 30.2%. Most notably, Kenmoor's Algebra I proficiency rate of 59.7% is nearly three times the state average, indicating a highly effective advanced math program. In contrast, G. James Gholson Middle faces severe challenges, ranking in the bottom 21% of Maryland middle schools with math proficiency at just 7.2% and ELA at 25.9%. Its chronic absenteeism rate of 42.2% is more than double Kenmoor's, and despite a lower student-teacher ratio of 12.3:1, its per-student spending of $17,635 is lower than Kenmoor's $21,329.
The key takeaway for parents is that these two schools, despite serving nearly identical high-poverty populations, are on opposite trajectories. Kenmoor Middle is improving year-over-year and demonstrates that effective resource allocation—such as its standout Algebra I program—can drive success even in a high-needs community. G. James Gholson Middle, however, is stagnant with single-digit math proficiency and an absenteeism crisis that undermines learning. The data clearly shows that a lower student-teacher ratio alone does not guarantee better outcomes; the higher spending and specialized programs at Kenmoor appear to be making a tangible difference.
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