Summary:
Zip code 21531, serving the rural community of Friendsville, Maryland, is home to a single elementary school, Friendsville Elementary, which educates 137 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade as part of the Garrett County Public Schools district.
Friendsville Elementary is a school of notable contrasts. Its 5th graders are a standout, achieving significantly higher proficiency in math (47.4%) and science (50%) compared to both district and state averages, suggesting a particularly effective upper-grade program. However, the school's overall performance is uneven. While it boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio of 12.2:1 and a chronic absenteeism rate (17.6%) well below the district average, its English Language Arts (ELA) scores experienced a dramatic 20-point drop year-over-year, falling to 36.7% proficiency. Math performance also varies sharply by grade, with 5th graders excelling while 3rd and 4th graders lag behind. The school spends a very high $21,981 per student, yet its overall state ranking sits at the 53rd percentile (3 stars), indicating that this investment does not guarantee uniform success across all subjects and grade levels.
For parents, the key takeaway is that Friendsville Elementary offers a small, close-knit environment with strong attendance and a clear strength in upper-grade math and science. However, the volatile ELA scores and inconsistent lower-grade math performance highlight areas that need attention. The school's high spending and low student-to-teacher ratio are positive features, but they have not yet translated into top-tier overall academic rankings. This suggests that while the school has excellent foundational elements, targeted improvements in curriculum and instruction for younger students and in reading could unlock its full potential.
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