Summary:
This analysis examines eight elementary schools serving grades PK through 5 in the 21122 zip code of Pasadena, Maryland, all part of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district, which holds a mid-tier state ranking.
Bodkin Elementary stands out as the top performer, earning a 4-star rating for three consecutive years and ranking in the top 30% of Maryland elementary schools. It boasts the highest math (41.6%) and ELA (61.3%) proficiency rates, the lowest chronic absenteeism (8.3%), and the lowest percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (16.87%). Lake Shore Elementary and Fort Smallwood Elementary form a strong second tier, both maintaining consistent 3-star ratings and above-average state rankings in the 63rd to 67th percentile. In contrast, High Point Elementary is the lowest-performing school, with a 2-star rating, the lowest proficiency scores (23.8% math, 35.1% ELA), the highest chronic absenteeism (25.0%), and the highest free/reduced lunch rate (58.05%). Pasadena Elementary shows a notable decline, dropping from a 4-star to a 3-star rating and falling from the 76th to the 60th percentile over two years, despite having the highest per-student spending ($23,007).
A key finding is the strong link between socioeconomic status and performance, with schools having lower poverty rates consistently outperforming those with higher rates. Chronic absenteeism is a major challenge for lower-performing schools, with High Point's rate three times higher than Bodkin's. Interestingly, spending per student does not directly correlate with performance, as Bodkin spends a modest $17,036 per student while outperforming schools with higher spending. Additionally, a notable drop in 5th grade math proficiency occurs across almost every school, suggesting a need for targeted support in upper elementary math. The average math proficiency across the zip code is 32.8%, average ELA proficiency is 51.1%, and average chronic absenteeism is 16.4%.
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