Summary:
This analysis examines ten elementary schools in the 21207 zip code, which spans both Baltimore City Public Schools and Baltimore County Public Schools, serving students from Pre-K through 5th or 8th grade in a community with high levels of economic disadvantage.
The standout performer in the area is Powhatan Elementary, which holds the highest state ranking (62nd percentile) and boasts the lowest student-teacher ratio (11.8:1). Its overall English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rate of 60.4% is nearly nine points above the state average. Another notable improver is Winfield Elementary, which made a dramatic leap from the 26th to the 46th percentile in one year, with its 3rd-grade ELA proficiency rate of 56.7% exceeding both district and state averages. In contrast, Dickey Hill Elementary/Middle faces significant challenges, with the lowest enrollment (218) and highest per-student spending ($28,972) yet the lowest state ranking (7th percentile), highlighting a stark disconnect between resources and outcomes. Liberty Elementary is a bright spot within Baltimore City, consistently outperforming its district averages despite a high poverty rate (86.27%) and chronic absenteeism (57.9%).
A clear performance gap exists between the two districts, with Baltimore County schools like Hebbville Elementary and Winfield Elementary generally outperforming their Baltimore City counterparts. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue, particularly in Baltimore City schools, where rates exceed 52%, compared to a range of 21.3% to 29.3% in Baltimore County schools. Across the zip code, 3rd-grade ELA is a relative strength, with several schools achieving proficiency rates near or above the state average, suggesting a strong focus on early literacy. Overall, families should consider the significant district-level differences and individual school trends when evaluating options in this area.
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