Summary:
Zip code 21671 in Tilghman, MD, is home to a single elementary school, Tilghman Elementary, which serves 99 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade as part of the Talbot County Public Schools district.
Tilghman Elementary presents a complex picture for parents. On one hand, the school offers a very low student-to-teacher ratio of 10.5:1, which can allow for more individualized attention. However, its academic performance has been volatile, with state rankings swinging from the 54th percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 down to the 24th percentile (1 star) the following year, before rebounding to the 38th percentile (2 stars) for 2025-2026. A major concern is the high chronic absenteeism rate of 29.8%, which is significantly above the district average and likely a key factor impacting learning. The school also spends a substantial $23,455 per student, yet its math proficiency (19.4%) and English Language Arts proficiency (44.4%) both trail state averages, highlighting a disconnect between spending and outcomes.
Despite these challenges, there are specific bright spots. In 3rd grade English Language Arts, 50% of students were proficient, matching the state average and exceeding the district average. This suggests a potential strength in early literacy instruction. However, this success is not sustained, as 4th grade ELA proficiency drops to just 33.3%, indicating a possible "4th grade slump" where students struggle with more complex reading material. With only 99 students, the school's data is highly sensitive to the performance of individual cohorts, meaning a single strong or weak class can dramatically shift the school's overall statistics from year to year. Parents should consider these factors carefully when evaluating the school's stability and long-term academic trajectory.
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