Schools in Zip Code 21801

Zip code 21801 in Salisbury, Maryland, is home to six public schools within the Wicomico County Public Schools district, comprising five elementary schools and one middle school, with no high schools present. The standout performer is North Salisbury Elementary, which earned a 4-star rating and leads academically with 50.6% math and 57.6% ELA proficiency, far exceeding the district averages of 24.9% and 41.5%. In contrast, Pemberton Elementary and Pinehurst Elementary significantly underperform, with proficiency rates roughly half of North Salisbury's. The only middle school, Salisbury Middle, maintains a consistent 3-star rating and meets district averages in both subjects, though its 8th-grade math proficiency drops sharply to 10.2% while advanced students excel in Algebra I.

Key metrics reveal a complex picture. North Salisbury Elementary has the lowest chronic absenteeism (11.9%) and the lowest poverty rate (49.05%), while spending the least per student ($17,552). Conversely, Charles H. Chipman Elementary and Pemberton Elementary have the highest spending per student ($21,985 and $20,305) and highest poverty rates (70.63% and 65.61%), yet struggle academically. West Salisbury and Charles H. Chipman Elementary serve only early grades (PK-2 and PK-1) and lack test scores, making direct comparisons difficult. Chronic absenteeism across the district is high at 22.4%, with Salisbury Middle matching that rate, while other elementary schools range from 15.2% to 18.8%.

Interesting takeaways include the "North Salisbury Paradox," where lower spending and poverty correlate with top performance, suggesting efficient resource use. The "Chipman & Pemberton Conundrum" highlights how high spending alone cannot overcome concentrated poverty's challenges. The middle school's math "drop-off" indicates a bifurcated program where advanced students thrive in Algebra I while others struggle. The feeder pattern, where students transition from early-grade schools to full elementary schools, may influence outcomes, though data cannot confirm this directly. Overall, North Salisbury Elementary stands out as a model of efficiency, while other schools face significant hurdles despite higher investment.