Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 21216

This analysis examines 10 elementary schools in Baltimore, MD, zip code 21216, all part of the Baltimore City Public Schools district, which serves a high-needs population with an average free/reduced lunch rate of 86.5%.

Several schools stand out for different reasons. KIPP Harmony Academy is the largest school (1,399 students) and shows a remarkable 74.3% proficiency rate in Algebra I, far exceeding the district average of 13.8%, though its overall math proficiency is 12.9%. Empowerment Academy leads in English Language Arts (ELA) with 33.2% proficiency and has the lowest chronic absenteeism rate in the zip code at 25.5%, dramatically lower than the district average of 46.4%. Belmont Elementary shows significant math improvement, jumping from the 3rd to the 20th percentile and achieving the highest math proficiency in the area at 23.7%. In contrast, Edgewood Elementary spends the most per student ($37,324) but has the lowest math proficiency (0%) and a very high chronic absenteeism rate of 63.6%.

The most critical finding is the systemic crisis of chronic absenteeism, averaging 54.3% across the 10 schools. This directly correlates with low academic performance, as the zip code averages just 10.1% proficiency in math and 21.4% in ELA, well below state averages. The data also reveals that high spending does not guarantee high performance, as Empowerment Academy spends the least ($22,994) but achieves the best ELA scores. Additionally, several schools show a dramatic drop in math proficiency as students enter middle school, such as Windsor Hills Elementary/Middle, where 4th-grade math is 25% but 6th-grade math is 0%, suggesting a systemic issue with the transition to more complex math concepts.