Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 21012

Middle schools in zip code 21012 (Arnold, MD) are served by two top-performing public schools, Severn River Middle and Magothy River Middle, both part of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district and located on the same campus at 241 Peninsula Farm Rd.

Both schools are standout performers in Maryland, each earning a 5-star rating from Schooldigger. Magothy River Middle is the higher-ranked school, placing 15th out of 339 middle schools statewide (96th percentile) for the 2025-2026 school year, while Severn River Middle ranks 24th (93rd percentile). Both schools dramatically outperform district and state averages in core subjects. For example, in 8th Grade Science, Magothy River (63.4% proficient) and Severn River (53.4%) nearly double the state average of 30.9%. In ELA, both schools achieve roughly 76-78% proficiency versus the state average of 51.7%. An interesting anomaly is in Algebra I: Severn River posts a higher proficiency rate (85.7%) than Magothy River (77.0%), despite Magothy River's higher overall rank. Both schools have relatively low rates of economic disadvantage (free/reduced lunch rates around 18-20%) and low chronic absenteeism, with Magothy River's 10.8% rate being exceptionally low compared to the district average of 19.9%.

Magothy River Middle has shown a clear upward trajectory in its state ranking, improving from 25th to 15th over three years, suggesting effective leadership and teaching strategies. Severn River Middle has been more consistent, hovering around the 24th-27th rank. Since both schools share the same address, their different academic profiles point to internal factors like school culture or subtle differences in student body composition as key differentiators. For parents, this zip code offers two excellent middle school options, with Magothy River slightly ahead in overall ranking and Severn River excelling in advanced math placement.