Summary:
The 10 schools in the 21228 zip code (Catonsville, MD) are part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district and serve a mix of elementary, middle, and high school students, with a heavy emphasis on elementary education.
The standout school in the area is Western School of Technology, a magnet high school ranked in the top 7% of Maryland high schools with exceptional academic performance, including a 96.8% proficiency rate in English Language Arts and a low 7.9% chronic absenteeism rate. In contrast, Catonsville High, the local comprehensive high school, shows a stark "math problem" with only 6% of students proficient in math, despite strong ELA scores. Among elementary schools, Hillcrest Elementary leads with top-tier scores (75% ELA, 60.8% math) and a 5-star ranking, while Westchester Elementary also performs well with low poverty rates. Woodbridge Elementary is a notable exception to the poverty-achievement gap, achieving strong academic results despite a 66% free/reduced lunch rate, and it boasts the lowest chronic absenteeism in the zip code at just 5.8%. Johnnycake Elementary is the lowest-performing traditional elementary school, with high poverty and absenteeism rates.
Chronic absenteeism emerges as a powerful indicator of school health, with low-absenteeism schools like Westchester and Woodbridge outperforming their peers. The Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies stands apart as a specialized high school serving a highly at-risk population, with a 91.8% chronic absenteeism rate and a massive $66,986 per student spending, reflecting the intensive resources needed for its 4:1 student-teacher ratio. Overall, the zip code presents a wide range of educational experiences, from nationally competitive magnet programs to schools facing significant challenges, making school choice critical for families.
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