Best Public Schools in Hagerstown, MD

The city of Hagerstown, Maryland is home to 22 schools, including 14 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 1 alternative school, all part of the Washington County Public Schools district. The data reveals stark differences in academic performance across these schools, with several standout institutions like Paramount Elementary, Fountaindale Elementary, and Barbara Ingram School for the Arts consistently ranking among the top schools in the state. However, the data also highlights significant disparities, with high-poverty schools like Bester Elementary struggling to meet proficiency standards.

The analysis reveals a strong correlation between a school's socioeconomic status, as measured by free and reduced lunch rates, and its academic performance. Schools with the highest poverty levels, such as Salem Avenue Elementary and Ruth Ann Monroe Primary, tend to have the lowest proficiency rates in math and English language arts. Conversely, the district's magnet schools, like Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and Fountaindale Elementary, consistently outperform their non-magnet counterparts, suggesting the benefits of specialized programs.

While the elementary and high schools in Hagerstown exhibit more consistent patterns, the middle schools show more variation in their performance and rankings. Schools like Western Heights Middle and Northern Middle have notably different proficiency rates and statewide rankings. Additionally, some high schools, such as South Hagerstown High and North Hagerstown High, have seen their performance decline in recent years, indicating potential areas for improvement.