Best High Schools in Zip Code 21228

The 21228 zip code area in Maryland is home to three high schools: Catonsville High, Western School of Technology, and Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies. These schools serve students in grades 9-12 and are part of the Baltimore County Public Schools district.

The standout school in this area is the Western School of Technology, a public magnet high school that consistently ranks among the top schools in the state. With a statewide ranking of 21 out of 220 Maryland high schools and a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger, Western School of Technology significantly outperforms the district and state averages on academic assessments across all subject areas and grade levels. In contrast, Catonsville High and Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies generally lag behind the district and state averages on these assessments.

The data also reveals notable differences in socioeconomic factors and resource allocation among the three schools. Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies has the highest percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch and the lowest student-teacher ratio, suggesting it serves a more disadvantaged student population. However, this school also has the highest spending per student, indicating that significant resources are being allocated to provide specialized services and support for its students. Despite these efforts, the school's poor academic outcomes suggest that simply increasing funding may not be enough to improve student achievement without a comprehensive strategy for addressing the underlying challenges.