Summary:
Zip code 21904, serving the Port Deposit area, is home to a single school, Bainbridge Elementary, a public school within the Cecil County Public Schools district that serves grades Pre-K through 5th with 294 students.
Bainbridge Elementary presents a mixed academic profile. The school is a standout in mathematics, with 32.8% of students proficient compared to the district's 20.5% and the state's 27.1%. However, it underperforms in English Language Arts (44.4% proficient vs. 46.9% district and 51.7% state) and significantly in 5th-grade Science (16.7% proficient vs. 20.9% district and 32.4% state). Despite strong math scores, the school's overall state ranking has declined from the 63rd percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 48th percentile (2 stars) in 2025-2026, likely due to weaker performance in other subjects. The school serves a high-poverty population, with 64.29% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and spends a substantial $20,455 per student. Chronic absenteeism is a concern at 20.9%, though it is slightly below the district average of 21.9%.
Key takeaways for parents include the school's notable strength in math, which is a clear positive, but also the need for improvement in reading and science. The high per-student spending, combined with mixed results, suggests that resources may not be fully translating into balanced academic success. The recent drop in math proficiency from 45.1% to 32.8% year-over-year is a trend worth monitoring. Overall, Bainbridge Elementary offers a strong math program in a small-school setting, but families should be aware of the challenges in other core subjects and the impact of high poverty and absenteeism on student outcomes.
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