Best High Schools in Zip Code 21901

The two public high schools in zip code 21901, serving North East, Maryland, are Rising Sun High and North East High, both part of the Cecil County Public Schools district. While they have similar enrollments (around 1,070 students each) and nearly identical per-student spending, their performance tells two very different stories.

Rising Sun High is the clear standout, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 70th percentile statewide. It boasts a strong 92% graduation rate and impressive English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency of 69.2%, well above state and district averages. In contrast, North East High has a 2-star rating, a lower 84.8% graduation rate, and a troubling 30.7% chronic absenteeism rate. The most striking difference is in math: while both schools struggle, North East High’s math proficiency is a critical 1.8%, compared to Rising Sun’s 6.8%. This suggests a systemic math challenge across the area, but it is far more severe at North East High.

Key takeaways for parents include the strong correlation between socioeconomic factors and outcomes, with North East High serving a higher percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch (47.6% vs. 34.5%). Despite similar resources, Rising Sun High is on an upward trajectory, improving from a 3-star to a 4-star school, while North East High has declined from a 3-star to a 2-star rating. For families prioritizing academic performance and a positive school culture, Rising Sun High is the stronger choice in this zip code.