Summary:
Zip code 21224 in Baltimore City is home to two very different high schools within the Baltimore City Public Schools district: Patterson High, a large comprehensive school serving grades 9-12, and Claremont School, a small specialized school serving grades 6-12. The most striking difference is their size and focus: Patterson High enrolls 1,330 students, while Claremont School has just 46 students, likely serving a population requiring intensive support or alternative education.
Academic performance data is only available for Patterson High, which faces significant challenges. The school ranks in the 11th percentile statewide, with only 6% of students proficient in math and 24.8% proficient in English Language Arts, both far below state averages. Its graduation rate is 59.3%, and the dropout rate is a high 36.6%. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue at Patterson, affecting 67.3% of students, compared to 40.4% at Claremont. Both schools serve high-poverty populations, with 67.82% of Patterson students and 82.61% of Claremont students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
Resource allocation reveals a stark contrast. Claremont School spends an extraordinary $79,361 per student and has a 2.5:1 student-teacher ratio, reflecting the intensive services it provides. In comparison, Patterson High spends $24,720 per student with a 15.1:1 ratio. This data suggests that Claremont’s model is a high-cost, high-support environment for a specific student group, while Patterson is a traditional high school struggling with engagement and academic outcomes. The lack of test scores for Claremont means a direct comparison is impossible, but the data clearly shows two distinct educational approaches serving very different needs within the same zip code.
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