Rachel Carson Elementary

Summary:

Rachel Carson Elementary is a high-performing public elementary school in Gaithersburg, Maryland, serving 698 students in grades PK-5 and part of the Montgomery County Public Schools district.

Rachel Carson Elementary consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Maryland, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's proficiency rates in MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program) for Mathematics and English Language Arts are significantly higher than the district and state averages across all grade levels. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 76.9% of Rachel Carson students were proficient or better in MCAP English Language Arts, compared to 55.3% for the district and 48.4% for the state. Additionally, the school has a more diverse student population compared to some nearby schools, with a higher percentage of White and Asian students, and a lower percentage of African American and Hispanic students. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at Rachel Carson Elementary is relatively low, at 27.08% in the 2022-2023 school year, compared to some of the nearby schools that have higher rates.

Despite having a lower per-student spending of $14,740 in the 2020-2021 school year, compared to the district average of $18,567 for Great Seneca Creek Elementary and $20,676 for Fields Road Elementary, Rachel Carson Elementary is able to achieve significantly higher academic outcomes, suggesting that the school is utilizing its resources effectively. This level of consistent high performance is not seen in all the nearby schools, with some schools ranking lower and receiving only 3-star ratings from SchoolDigger.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 100 Tschiffely Square Rd
       Gaithersburg, MD  20878-5630


(240) 740-1840

District: Montgomery County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
41st of 859 Maryland Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,096 Help


Students who attend Rachel Carson Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Lakelands Park Middle
High:    Quince Orchard High

Student/teacher ratio:  17.1 Help
Number of students:  698

Racial breakdown:

White:
46.1%
Hispanic:
21.1%
Asian:
18.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  27.1% Help


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 Compare Rachel Carson Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Rachel Carson Elementary ranks better than 95.2% of elementary schools in Maryland. It also ranks 17th among 130 ranked elementary schools in the Montgomery County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 94.59. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high 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 Student population at Rachel Carson Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (46.1%), Hispanic (21.1%), Asian (18.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 27.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Rachel Carson Elementary is 17.1. 132 elementary schools in the Montgomery County Public Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Rachel Carson Elementary employs 40.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Rachel Carson Elementary is $16,096. 124 elementary schools in the Montgomery County Public Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Rachel Carson Elementary was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Montgomery County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Montgomery County Public Schools 7th of 25 Maryland school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Rachel Carson Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 11.69 724th 803 9.8%
2005 17.75 694th 805 13.8%
2006 21.18 672nd 804 16.4%
2007 14.65 718th 818 12.2%
2008 79.18 141st 838 83.2%
2009 78.78 147th 850 82.7%
2010 76.80 178th 855 79.2%
2011 85.64 44th 853 94.8%
2012 85.60 32nd 857 96.3%
2013 85.15 45th 847 94.7%
2014 84.86 77th 867 91.1%
2015 87.54 112th 859 87.0%
2016 89.21 92nd 845 89.1%
2017 90.07 85th 847 90.0%
2018 86.09 106th 857 87.6%
2019 88.81 94th 853 89.0%
2021 91.72 58th 802 92.8%
2022 94.42 49th 862 94.3%
2023 95.99 28th 855 96.7%
2024 94.59 41st 859 95.2%
See the entire list of Maryland Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 74.41 12th 52 76.9%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 56.90 30th 115 73.9%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 73.29 23rd 136 83.1%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 38.60 327th 546 40.1%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 90.58 51st 796 93.6%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 88.95 70th 788 91.1%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 84.65 16th 128 87.5%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 69.31 54th 347 84.4%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Rachel Carson Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MD State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 79.85 85th 528 83.9%
See the entire list of Best Maryland Elementary 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.

Rachel Carson Elementary Test Scores
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Data source: Maryland State Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
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Enrollment information for Rachel Carson Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1991 217 96 57 65 1 n/a n/a 0 436
1992 287 122 70 84 2 n/a n/a 0 565
1993 335 120 84 80 5 n/a n/a 0 624
1994 353 138 93 88 4 n/a n/a 0 676
1995 412 126 102 104 1 n/a n/a 0 745
1996 412 126 102 104 1 n/a n/a 0 745
1997 409 129 104 100 1 n/a n/a 0 743
1998 354 117 89 97 1 n/a n/a 0 658
1999 361 133 89 106 3 n/a n/a 0 692
2000 396 105 83 109 0 n/a n/a 0 693
2001 426 116 88 130 0 n/a n/a 0 760
2002 406 68 88 94 3 n/a n/a 0 659
2003 406 68 88 94 3 n/a n/a 0 659
2004 428 73 101 99 0 n/a n/a 0 701
2005 442 62 89 107 0 n/a n/a 0 700
2006 477 65 86 96 2 n/a n/a 0 726
2007 505 63 94 102 1 n/a n/a 0 765
2008 547 47 104 107 1 n/a n/a 0 806
2009 568 55 109 105 1 n/a n/a 0 838
2010 607 59 102 120 1 n/a n/a 0 889
2011 556 54 93 135 0 0 34 0 872
2012 544 45 103 137 0 0 41 0 870
2013 556 44 123 153 0 0 58 0 934
2014 535 59 127 173 1 0 63 0 958
2015 550 70 137 188 0 0 70 0 1015
2016 531 66 160 214 0 0 75 0 1046
2017 529 83 175 205 0 0 77 0 1069
2018 492 88 167 195 1 0 80 0 1023
2019 462 70 168 197 0 0 76 0 973
2020 414 60 158 196 0 0 65 0 893
2021 363 55 149 168 0 0 57 0 792
2022 312 55 128 140 0 1 46 0 682
2023 322 48 128 147 0 1 51 1 698

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 Rachel Carson Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 436 28.3 15.4 17.9
1992 565 32.6 17.3 20.4
1993 624 33.8 18.5 18.4
1994 676 34.0 19.9 21.6
1995 745 38.8 19.2 22.7
1996 745 38.8 19.2 22.7
1997 743 39.0 19.1 21.7
1998 658 36.6 18.0 20.7
1999 692 36.7 18.9 27
2000 693 43.1 16.1 26
2001 760 44.6 17.0 25.4
2002 659 46.1 14.3 15.9
2003 659 46.1 14.3 15.9
2004 701 40.1 17.5 14.6
2005 700 47.0 14.9 13.9
2006 726 47.0 15.4 12.5
2007 765 49.4 15.5 13.5
2008 806 52.2 15.4 11.5
2009 838 51.1 16.4 12.2
2010 889 54.2 16.4 14.2
2011 872 49.1 17.7 16.1
2012 870 49.7 17.5 16.8
2013 934 50.8 18.3 16.7
2014 958 53.2 18.0 18.6
2015 1015 55.0 18.4 20.4
2016 1046 56.0 18.6 20.5
2017 1069 57.6 18.5 19.8
2018 1023 56.5 18.1 20.2
2019 973 53.1 18.3 18.7
2020 893 51.1 17.4 20.3
2021 792 48.0 16.5 19.7
2022 682 44.8 15.2 21.6
2023 698 40.8 17.1 27.1

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 Rachel Carson Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 436 28.3 15.4 17.9
1992 565 32.6 17.3 20.4
1993 624 33.8 18.5 18.4
1994 676 34.0 19.9 21.6
1995 745 38.8 19.2 22.7
1996 745 38.8 19.2 22.7
1997 743 39.0 19.1 21.7
1998 658 36.6 18.0 20.7
1999 692 36.7 18.9 27
2000 693 43.1 16.1 26
2001 760 44.6 17.0 25.4
2002 659 46.1 14.3 15.9
2003 659 46.1 14.3 15.9
2004 701 40.1 17.5 14.6
2005 700 47.0 14.9 13.9
2006 726 47.0 15.4 12.5
2007 765 49.4 15.5 13.5
2008 806 52.2 15.4 11.5
2009 838 51.1 16.4 12.2
2010 889 54.2 16.4 14.2
2011 872 49.1 17.7 16.1
2012 870 49.7 17.5 16.8
2013 934 50.8 18.3 16.7
2014 958 53.2 18.0 18.6
2015 1015 55.0 18.4 20.4
2016 1046 56.0 18.6 20.5
2017 1069 57.6 18.5 19.8
2018 1023 56.5 18.1 20.2
2019 973 53.1 18.3 18.7
2020 893 51.1 17.4 20.3
2021 792 48.0 16.5 19.7
2022 682 44.8 15.2 21.6
2023 698 40.8 17.1 27.1

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 Rachel Carson Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $351 (2.7%) $12,565 (97.3%) $12,917
2020 $156 (1.2%) $13,122 (98.8%) $13,279
2021 $564 (3.8%) $14,176 (96.2%) $14,740
2022 $1,214 (7.9%) $14,180 (92.1%) $15,394
2023 $897 (5.6%) $15,200 (94.4%) $16,096

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Rachel Carson Elementary

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 94th of 853 Elementary schoolsRanks 28th of 855 Elementary schools
 7.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students973698
 28.3%
African American7048
 31.4%
American Indian00
Asian168128
 23.8%
Hispanic197147
 25.4%
Pacific Islander01
White462322
 30.3%
Two or More Races7651
 32.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients18.7%27.1%
 8.4%


Schools Near Rachel Carson Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Rachel Carson Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 698 students attended Rachel Carson Elementary.

Yes! Rachel Carson Elementary is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 41st of 859 Maryland elementary schools.

Students who attend Rachel Carson Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Lakelands Park Middle
High : Quince Orchard High

Students at Rachel Carson Elementary are 46% White, 21% Hispanic, 18% Asian, 7% Two or more races, 7% African American.


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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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