Summary:
This analysis examines seven elementary schools in the 21220 zip code of Baltimore, Maryland, all part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district, serving grades PK through 5 with a combined enrollment of about 2,487 students.
Oliver Beach Elementary is the clear standout, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 84th percentile statewide, with math proficiency (55.9%) over 4.5 times the average of the other six schools combined. Its chronic absenteeism rate is just 6.4%, the lowest in the area. In contrast, Hawthorne Elementary is the lowest-performing school, ranking in the 10th percentile with a 1-star rating and a 41.9% chronic absenteeism rate. Chase Elementary and Martin Boulevard Elementary are the next best, both holding 2-star ratings and ranking in the 41st and 30th percentiles, respectively. The remaining schools—Victory Villa Elementary, Seneca Elementary, and Glenmar Elementary—all hold 1-star ratings and rank in the 14th, 12th, and 17th percentiles, respectively.
A key finding is the strong link between chronic absenteeism and performance: the two lowest-performing schools have the highest absenteeism rates, while Oliver Beach has the lowest. Additionally, a "math cliff" appears in later grades for most schools, with math proficiency dropping sharply from 3rd to 5th grade—for example, at Glenmar Elementary, 3rd grade math (26.8%) plummets to 5th grade math (2.5%). Spending per student varies widely, from $19,695 at Victory Villa to $28,220 at Oliver Beach, but higher spending does not guarantee better results, as Martin Boulevard spends $25,770 per student yet ranks only in the 30th percentile. Overall, Oliver Beach demonstrates that high performance is achievable despite moderate poverty rates, while most other schools face significant challenges with attendance and academic growth.
Thank you for your feedback!