Summary:
Zip code 21015 in Bel Air, Maryland, is home to a single middle school, Patterson Mill Middle School, which serves grades 6 through 8 and is part of the Harford County Public Schools district.
As the only middle school in the area, Patterson Mill Middle School stands out for its consistent academic excellence. The school has earned a 4-star rating and ranks in the 81st percentile statewide for the 2025-2026 school year. Its overall English Language Arts proficiency rate of 73.4% far exceeds both the district (61.1%) and state (51.7%) averages, demonstrating a strong literacy program across all grade levels. The school also excels in advanced coursework, with Algebra I proficiency at 49.1%—more than double the state average of 21.3%—and Geometry proficiency at 41.1%, nearly double the district average. Additionally, 8th-grade science proficiency is notably high at 47.6%, compared to 30.9% statewide. While overall math proficiency is above average, a closer look reveals a decline by grade level, with 6th graders at 35.3% proficiency dropping to just 6.9% in 8th grade. This is likely because advanced students take Algebra I and Geometry, which are tested separately, indicating a strong advanced math program rather than a weakness.
Key metrics further highlight the school's strengths. The student-teacher ratio is a favorable 14.5:1, and per-student spending is $14,947. Chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at 10.3%, less than the district's 18.5%, which correlates with high academic performance and positive school culture. Only 21.23% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, suggesting fewer economic barriers to learning. Overall, Patterson Mill Middle School offers a high-quality education with a strong STEM focus, robust literacy programs, and a supportive environment, making it an excellent choice for families in the 21015 area.
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