Summary:
Elementary Schools in zip code 20872 (Damascus, Maryland) include three schools—Clearspring Elementary, Lois P. Rockwell Elementary, and Damascus Elementary—serving grades Pre-K through 5th as part of the Montgomery County Public Schools district, which holds a 4-star rating.
Clearspring Elementary stands out as the top performer, earning a 5-star rating and leading in math (55% proficient) and science (57.1% proficient), far exceeding district averages. However, it shows a notable weakness in 3rd-grade math (38% proficient), suggesting a need for targeted support at that level. Lois P. Rockwell Elementary offers strong, consistent results with the lowest chronic absenteeism (17.2%) and lowest spending per student ($21,839), yet it outperforms the district in all subjects, making it a reliable choice. Damascus Elementary faces the most challenges, with the highest free/reduced lunch rate (46.22%) and chronic absenteeism (26.1%), and the lowest academic performance, despite having the highest per-student spending ($25,886).
Key takeaways include a strong correlation between attendance and achievement, as the two higher-performing schools have lower absenteeism. Grade-level performance varies significantly across schools, with some grades excelling while others lag, highlighting the impact of specific teachers or curriculum changes. Overall, families in this area have a clear top choice in Clearspring, a balanced option in Lois P. Rockwell, and a school in Damascus that serves a higher-needs population with additional resources.
Thank you for your feedback!