Summary:
There are three elementary schools serving grades PK-5 in the 21532 zip code of Frostburg, Maryland, offering families a diverse range of academic environments from a top-tier state performer to a school facing significant challenges.
For parents, the standout choice is Frost Elementary, which earns a 5-star rating and ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide. It achieves exceptional test scores—68% proficiency in math and 78% in ELA—that more than double the district averages for Allegany County Public Schools. This high performance occurs despite having the lowest spending per student ($17,606) and a moderate poverty rate (36.63% free/reduced lunch). In contrast, Beall Elementary is a solid 3-star school performing slightly above state averages, but it struggles with a 30.5% chronic absenteeism rate and a high 60.96% poverty rate. Route 40 Elementary, part of the higher-ranked Garrett County Public Schools, presents a paradox: it has the lowest chronic absenteeism (9.0%) yet the lowest test scores, with 5th-grade math proficiency plummeting to just 11.1%.
Key takeaways for parents include that spending per student is nearly identical across all three schools ($17,495–$18,222), proving that resource allocation and school culture matter more than total budget. Frost Elementary defies its district's lower ranking to deliver elite results, while Route 40's low absenteeism fails to translate into academic success, suggesting instructional or curriculum gaps. Beall Elementary offers a stable, average option but faces socioeconomic hurdles. Overall, this zip code provides a clear hierarchy: Frost leads, Beall is a middle ground, and Route 40 requires careful scrutiny for families prioritizing upper-grade achievement.
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