Overview
- Of 1,312 rated schools, 569 (43%) earned four or five stars and 86% received at least three stars, reflecting slight statewide improvement.
- Year-over-year movement was limited: 193 schools rose by one star, 123 fell by one, none gained two, and one Baltimore City school dropped two.
- Middle schools posted the strongest gains, including an 11‑percentage‑point jump in the share earning three stars.
- Worcester County was the only district with all schools at four or five stars; Baltimore County had the most five-star schools and seven of the top 10 statewide, while Howard County’s five-star count fell to 10 despite the highest average rating.
- Chronic absenteeism declined to 25% from 27% and 30% over the past two years, a key factor in higher ratings, with a state goal to reach 15%.