Summary:
The three public schools serving zip code 21520 in Accident, Maryland—Accident Elementary (PK-5), Northern Middle School (6-8), and Northern Garrett High School (9-12)—form a complete educational pipeline within the Garrett County Public Schools district, which holds a 4-star rating and ranks in the 64th percentile statewide.
Accident Elementary is the standout academic performer, achieving the highest math proficiency in the zip code (57.9%)—nearly double the district average—despite having the highest percentage of students from low-income households. Its chronic absenteeism rate is an excellent 8.6%, far below the district average of 22.9%. Northern Garrett High School excels in English Language Arts, with a 72% proficiency rate that dramatically exceeds state and district averages, and its state ranking surged to the 87th percentile in 2025-2026. However, its chronic absenteeism rate of 27.7% is a significant concern. Northern Middle School is the most consistent performer, holding a 4-star rating and ranking in the 77th-80th percentile for three consecutive years, with 8th-grade math proficiency (37.4%) far outpacing the state average of 9.6%.
Key takeaways include a strong literacy pipeline across all schools, with every school outperforming the state average in ELA, while math proficiency drops off after elementary school. The high school’s volatile state ranking—swinging from the 62nd to the 91st percentile in recent years—may be linked to its high absenteeism. Per-student spending is relatively high across the district, ranging from $18,655 at the middle school to $20,014 at the elementary school, reflecting the costs of a rural district. Overall, this school cluster offers a high-performing elementary school, a reliable middle school, and a high school with strong literacy results but attendance challenges that families should consider.
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