Summary:
Zip code 21221 in Baltimore, MD, is served by two public middle schools, Stemmers Run Middle and Deep Creek Middle, both part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district, which holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the bottom third of Maryland districts.
Comparing the two, Deep Creek Middle is the slightly higher-performing school. It ranks 286th out of 339 Maryland middle schools, while Stemmers Run Middle ranks 294th. Deep Creek also outperforms Stemmers Run in English Language Arts (30.4% vs. 25.3% proficient) and has a marginally lower chronic absenteeism rate (40.4% vs. 40.5%). However, both schools face severe academic challenges. The most critical issue is mathematics: only 5.3% of students at Stemmers Run and 4.6% at Deep Creek are proficient in math, compared to the state average of 27.1%. Chronic absenteeism is a major factor, with over 40% of students at both schools missing significant school days—nearly double the district average of 25.6%. Despite spending over $19,900 per student (well above the state average), these high investment levels are not translating into strong academic outcomes, likely due to the compounding effects of poverty and absenteeism.
There are a few nuanced findings. In advanced math, both schools show a relative strength: Algebra I proficiency at Stemmers Run (20%) and Deep Creek (16.7%) is close to the state average (21.3%) and actually above the district average (13%). This suggests that students in advanced tracks perform reasonably well, contrasting sharply with the general student body. Additionally, Deep Creek’s stronger ELA performance, particularly in 7th grade (35.6% vs. 22.5% at Stemmers Run), may indicate a more effective literacy program. Overall, parents should be aware that while both schools invest heavily in students, they are struggling with foundational math skills and high absenteeism, making it essential to explore support programs and advanced course options.
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