Summary:
Zip code 21122 in Pasadena, MD, is served by two public middle schools, Chesapeake Bay Middle and Northeast Middle, both part of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools district, which holds a 3-star rating and ranks 13th out of 25 districts in Maryland.
Chesapeake Bay Middle is the clear standout, ranking in the 80th percentile (69th out of 339 schools) with a 4-star rating for the 2025-2026 school year, while Northeast Middle ranks in the 47th percentile (178th out of 339) with a 2-star rating. This 109-place gap is reflected in test scores: Chesapeake Bay Middle achieves 32.8% proficiency in Math and 63.4% in ELA, compared to Northeast Middle's 15.2% and 45.9%, respectively. Both schools share a notable strength in Algebra I, with proficiency rates around 68%—far exceeding the district average of 26.3%—likely due to a selective advanced program. However, the schools serve different populations, as 48.61% of Northeast Middle students are eligible for free/reduced lunch versus 26.49% at Chesapeake Bay Middle, and chronic absenteeism is higher at Northeast Middle (24.8% vs. 18.4%).
Despite nearly identical per-student spending ($17,646 vs. $17,282), the performance gap highlights the impact of socioeconomic factors and school culture. Chesapeake Bay Middle is a rising star, consistently improving its state ranking from the 71st to the 80th percentile over three years. For Northeast Middle, the core challenge is its low Math proficiency, which is roughly half the district average, alongside high chronic absenteeism. Families in this area will find a stark contrast between a high-performing, improving school and one facing significant academic and attendance hurdles, with the district's resources allocated similarly to both.
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