Milton M. Somers Middle School

Summary:

Milton M. Somers Middle School is a public middle school located in La Plata, Maryland, serving 666 students in grades 6-8 as part of the Charles County Public Schools district.

While the school has a diverse student population with a higher percentage of African American and Hispanic students compared to nearby schools, it faces challenges in academic performance. The school consistently underperforms the state and district averages in mathematics proficiency, though it performs better in English Language Arts. Notably, the school's Algebra I proficiency rate is significantly higher than the district and state averages. However, the school's performance for certain student subgroups, such as White, multi-racial, and special education students, is in the bottom half of Maryland middle schools, indicating achievement gaps.

Compared to nearby schools, Piccowaxen Middle School consistently outperforms Milton M. Somers Middle School in both mathematics and English Language Arts proficiency. Other nearby schools, such as General Smallwood Middle, Mattawoman Middle, and John Hanson Middle, also have lower academic performance compared to Milton M. Somers Middle School, particularly in mathematics. The nearby out-of-district school, Oxon Hill Middle, has even lower academic performance than Milton M. Somers Middle School across most subject areas and grade levels.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 300 Willow Lane
       La Plata, MD  20646-0166


(301) 934-4663

District: Charles County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
147th of 328 Maryland Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $18,609 Help


Feeder schools for Milton M. Somers Middle School:

Elementary:    Arthur Middleton Elementary School
    Mary B. Neal Elementary School
    Mary H. Matula Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  13.0 Help
Number of students:  659

Racial breakdown:

African American:
49.3%
White:
29.7%
Hispanic:
9.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  37.5% Help


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 Compare Milton M. Somers Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Milton M. Somers Middle School ranks better than 55.2% of middle schools in Maryland. It also ranks 2nd among 8 ranked middle schools in the Charles County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 44.52. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (49.3%), White (29.7%), Hispanic (9.6%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 37.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Milton M. Somers Middle School is 13, which is the lowest among 8 middle schools in the Charles County Public Schools District! (See more...)
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Compare Milton M. Somers Middle School employs 50.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Milton M. Somers Middle School is $18,609, which is the highest among 8 middle schools in the Charles County Public Schools District!
Schooldigger Rankings:

Milton M. Somers Middle School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Milton M. Somers Middle School 147th of 328 Maryland public middle schools. (See Milton M. Somers Middle School in the ranking list.)

Charles County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Charles County Public Schools 20th of 25 Maryland school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Milton M. Somers Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 30.83 182nd 252 27.8%
2005 40.66 157th 255 38.4%
2006 37.58 159th 254 37.4%
2007 26.58 196th 264 25.8%
2008 77.83 67th 283 76.3%
2009 78.29 61st 301 79.7%
2010 80.12 59th 324 81.8%
2011 81.87 48th 309 84.5%
2012 77.83 68th 314 78.3%
2013 76.52 72nd 316 77.2%
2014 81.79 59th 339 82.6%
2015 66.83 93rd 315 70.5%
2016 68.02 88th 314 72.0%
2017 70.99 84th 317 73.5%
2018 61.45 118th 328 64.0%
2019 51.75 139th 316 56.0%
2021 56.93 109th 303 64.0%
2022 61.85 118th 333 64.6%
2023 49.38 130th 322 59.6%
2024 44.52 147th 328 55.2%
See the entire list of Maryland Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 29.60 95th 136 30.1%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 35.26 88th 120 26.7%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 37.91 186th 273 31.9%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 55.19 115th 303 62.0%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 55.32 110th 288 61.8%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 71.23 25th 116 78.4%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 52.19 115th 259 55.6%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 68.69 42nd 207 79.7%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Milton M. Somers Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 46.85 115th 210 45.2%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Maryland State Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Milton M. Somers Middle School Test Scores
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Data source: Maryland State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

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50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Sunday, September 19, 2021

Open Quote The most diverse of all middle schools in Charles county! I have had one child go through middle school there and loved his experience and made great friends. Teachers are phenomenal! I have another there now and enjoying her experience thus far. She likes all her teachers and administrators are more involved this year with all children versus a select few. Only downfall is that the school is about 350 kids over capacity, but the county just approved a redistricting plan that goes in effect next fall (school year 22-23) that moves over 300 kids out of our zone! The school will only get better from here with reduced class sizes! Can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, February 9, 2017

Open Quote This school has great academics, but a handful of teachers including some of the front desk ladies are some of the most racist and rude teachers/staff there is. I am a white woman that has a biracial daughter, and my step son is black. One of the teachers that my daughter takes a class in obviously does not like her for unknown reasons. I've been sent home with letters that has some highly disrespectful low blow terms used referring to my child and behavior. I've confronted the teacher directly and she claims she did not mean it in such way...I guess her attitude changed when she met me in person and saw I was a white woman which is still very disgusting. The teacher has only met my children's father who is my husband, who is a black man. My son has been moved in seclusion for "disruptive behavior", and it's been this way for a week, and I'm just finding out yesterday. I have left a message on the teachers phone, and still waiting on a call. I've also sent an email, which has yet to be responded to. Next, I will go to the principal, and then to the Board. We're new to the area, and this is the only middle school in our zone for our children to attend. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Milton M. Somers Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 576 144 9 0 5 n/a n/a 0 734
1990 611 142 7 0 2 n/a n/a 0 762
1991 634 167 7 3 2 n/a n/a 0 813
1992 617 173 9 4 1 n/a n/a 0 804
1993 626 187 6 6 5 n/a n/a 0 830
1994 676 189 8 6 4 n/a n/a 0 883
1995 543 163 11 5 5 n/a n/a 0 727
1996 543 163 11 5 5 n/a n/a 0 727
1997 530 151 12 7 9 n/a n/a 0 709
1998 491 175 14 5 10 n/a n/a 0 695
1999 544 227 13 9 11 n/a n/a 0 804
2000 611 265 15 14 8 n/a n/a 0 913
2001 659 285 20 12 11 n/a n/a 0 987
2002 690 323 17 13 12 n/a n/a 0 1055
2003 690 323 17 13 12 n/a n/a 0 1055
2004 721 361 22 17 10 n/a n/a 0 1131
2005 740 416 32 33 11 n/a n/a 0 1232
2006 695 436 39 40 12 n/a n/a 0 1222
2007 677 458 42 42 6 n/a n/a 0 1225
2008 567 250 25 16 5 n/a n/a 0 863
2009 574 250 29 18 3 n/a n/a 0 874
2010 550 236 27 21 5 n/a n/a 0 839
2011 511 220 29 36 6 1 48 0 851
2012 505 228 30 35 5 3 45 0 851
2013 494 255 31 44 5 3 45 0 877
2014 485 289 35 45 10 1 42 0 907
2015 494 297 35 42 11 1 51 0 931
2016 510 344 27 49 5 1 60 0 996
2017 487 356 32 47 2 1 74 0 999
2018 458 356 36 57 2 2 75 0 986
2019 446 389 36 75 3 2 80 0 1031
2020 444 428 45 86 3 1 79 0 1086
2021 386 437 37 103 1 2 83 0 1049
2022 340 397 29 111 3 3 85 1 969
2023 171 342 25 70 2 1 55 0 666
2024 196 325 23 63 1 3 48 0 659

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Milton M. Somers Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 734 45.3 16.2 n/a
1990 762 45.3 16.8 11.2
1991 813 47.4 17.1 9.6
1992 804 49.4 16.2 13.7
1993 830 46.0 18.0 13.3
1994 883 53.6 16.5 13.9
1995 727 41.0 17.7 20.4
1996 727 41.0 17.7 20.4
1997 709 38.0 18.7 24
1998 695 41.0 17.0 22.3
1999 804 41.0 19.6 24.6
2000 913 47.5 19.2 23
2001 987 52.5 18.8 18.7
2002 1055 55.5 19.0 18.3
2003 1055 55.5 19.0 18.3
2004 1131 59.0 19.2 15.9
2005 1232 63.0 19.6 17.1
2006 1222 69.0 17.7 18.2
2007 1225 76.0 16.1 14.3
2008 863 64.0 13.5 14.9
2009 874 63.0 13.9 15.4
2010 839 62.5 13.4 16.9
2011 851 93.0 9.1 17.9
2012 851 59.0 14.4 18.1
2013 877 60.0 14.6 20
2014 907 61.0 14.8 21.9
2015 931 64.0 14.5 21.8
2016 996 63.0 15.8 22
2017 999 67.7 14.7 23.2
2018 986 66.0 14.9 16.8
2019 1031 60.0 17.1 23.1
2020 1086 66.4 16.3 25.2
2021 1049 64.0 16.3 28.2
2022 969 60.3 16.0 29.2
2023 666 51.3 12.9 38.6
2024 659 50.5 13.0 37.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Milton M. Somers Middle School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 734 45.3 16.2 n/a
1990 762 45.3 16.8 11.2
1991 813 47.4 17.1 9.6
1992 804 49.4 16.2 13.7
1993 830 46.0 18.0 13.3
1994 883 53.6 16.5 13.9
1995 727 41.0 17.7 20.4
1996 727 41.0 17.7 20.4
1997 709 38.0 18.7 24
1998 695 41.0 17.0 22.3
1999 804 41.0 19.6 24.6
2000 913 47.5 19.2 23
2001 987 52.5 18.8 18.7
2002 1055 55.5 19.0 18.3
2003 1055 55.5 19.0 18.3
2004 1131 59.0 19.2 15.9
2005 1232 63.0 19.6 17.1
2006 1222 69.0 17.7 18.2
2007 1225 76.0 16.1 14.3
2008 863 64.0 13.5 14.9
2009 874 63.0 13.9 15.4
2010 839 62.5 13.4 16.9
2011 851 93.0 9.1 17.9
2012 851 59.0 14.4 18.1
2013 877 60.0 14.6 20
2014 907 61.0 14.8 21.9
2015 931 64.0 14.5 21.8
2016 996 63.0 15.8 22
2017 999 67.7 14.7 23.2
2018 986 66.0 14.9 16.8
2019 1031 60.0 17.1 23.1
2020 1086 66.4 16.3 25.2
2021 1049 64.0 16.3 28.2
2022 969 60.3 16.0 29.2
2023 666 51.3 12.9 38.6
2024 659 50.5 13.0 37.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Milton M. Somers Middle School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $760 (6.1%) $11,691 (93.9%) $12,450
2020 $761 (6.0%) $11,913 (94.0%) $12,674
2021 $415 (3.2%) $12,706 (96.8%) $13,121
2022 $602 (4.5%) $12,640 (95.5%) $13,242
2023 $595 (3.2%) $18,014 (96.8%) $18,609

Data source: Maryland Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Milton M. Somers Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 139th of 316 Middle schoolsRanks 130th of 322 Middle schools
 3.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students1031666
 35.4%
African American389342
 12.1%
American Indian32
 33.3%
Asian3625
 30.6%
Hispanic7570
 6.7%
Pacific Islander21
 50%
White446171
 61.7%
Two or More Races8055
 31.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients23.1%38.6%
 15.5%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Milton M. Somers Middle School

In the 2023-24 school year, 659 students attended Milton M. Somers Middle School.

Milton M. Somers Middle School ranks 147th of 328 Maryland middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at Milton M. Somers Middle School are 49% African American, 30% White, 10% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 3% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maryland State Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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