Summary:
The three public schools serving zip code 21722 in Clear Spring, Maryland, form a complete K-12 pipeline within the Washington County Public Schools district, serving a total of 1,177 students across Clear Spring Elementary (PK-5), Clear Spring Middle (6-8), and Clear Spring High (9-12).
Clear Spring Middle is the standout performer, ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide (4 stars) despite having the highest rate of economic disadvantage in the area. It leads all three schools in math proficiency (43.3%) and achieves the highest ELA proficiency (59.6%), dramatically outperforming district and state averages. A perfect 100% of its Algebra I test-takers were proficient, and its 8th-grade science proficiency (49%) far exceeds the district (36.1%). Clear Spring High is a strong performer in ELA (64% proficient) with a solid 89.1% graduation rate, but its state ranking has slightly declined to the 79th percentile, and its math proficiency (33.9%) is only marginally above the state average. Clear Spring Elementary is a consistent, solid school with a 3-star rating, showing particular strength in 4th-grade math (51.7%) and ELA (63.8%).
A key finding is that spending does not correlate with performance: the Elementary school spends the least per student ($14,992) yet achieves strong results, while the High School spends the most ($22,608) but has the lowest math proficiency. Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern at the High School (29.7%), slightly above the district average, while the Elementary (20.1%) and Middle (21.3%) schools are well below it. Overall, the Middle School defies expectations by achieving top academic results despite serving the highest-need population, while the High School faces challenges in math and attendance that may be impacting its recent ranking decline.
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