Summary:
The Howard County Public Schools district in Maryland is home to 13 high schools serving grades 9-12. This area is known for its strong academic performance, with several schools consistently ranking among the top in the state. The data reveals stark differences in student achievement, with standout schools like Marriotts Ridge High, River Hill High, and Centennial High leading the way with exceptional test scores and 5-star ratings, while other schools struggle to meet academic standards.
The top-performing schools in the district boast impressive proficiency rates, with over 85% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and up to 46% in Mathematics. These schools serve diverse student populations but have relatively low percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, a proxy for socioeconomic status. In contrast, schools with higher percentages of economically disadvantaged students, such as Long Reach High, Oakland Mills High, and Wilde Lake High, tend to have lower test scores, raising concerns about equity within the Howard County Public Schools district.
The data also highlights the outlier of Homewood School, a specialized school serving grades 6-12 with significantly higher spending per student and lower student-teacher ratios. However, despite these resources, Homewood School's academic performance, as measured by test scores, is significantly lower than the district and state averages, suggesting that factors beyond just funding and staffing may contribute to student success.
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