Summary:
In zip code 21901, there is one middle school, North East Middle, serving grades 6 through 8 in North East, Maryland, as part of the Cecil County Public Schools district, with a total enrollment of 758 students.
North East Middle presents a mixed picture for parents. The school has a notable strength in advanced math, with 50.6% of students proficient in Algebra I, far exceeding the district average of 20% and the state average of 21.3%. However, overall academic proficiency is below average, with only 14.3% of students proficient in mathematics and 39.1% in English Language Arts, compared to state averages of 27.1% and 51.7%, respectively. The school ranks in the bottom half of Maryland middle schools, at the 38th percentile, earning a 2-star rating. A significant concern is the chronic absenteeism rate of 30.0%, which is notably higher than the district average of 21.9% and likely impacts student performance. Over half of the students (53.56%) are economically disadvantaged, and the school spends $15,751 per student, a substantial amount that does not currently translate into top-tier academic results.
Key takeaways for parents include the school's "two-tiered" math program, where a select group excels in Algebra I while the majority struggle with grade-level math, with proficiency dropping from 7.8% in 6th grade to 6.9% in 8th grade. The high chronic absenteeism rate is a primary challenge that, if addressed, could significantly improve overall outcomes. While the school invests heavily per student, the resources may be directed toward supporting a high-needs population rather than boosting academic achievement. Parents should consider these factors when evaluating the school's fit for their child.
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