The reported proficiency rate for Science is 7%.
Original Research by School Decision on Forest Park High
Forest Park High serves students in grades nine through twelve as a regular public school in Baltimore City. It is part of Baltimore City Public Schools, the city’s single school district. The school is located on Eldorado Avenue in northwest Baltimore, in a residential area of the city.
The student body is diverse in its racial and ethnic makeup, with the largest share of students identifying as Black, followed by a substantial Hispanic population, and very small numbers of white, Asian, and multiracial students. A high share of students come from low-income households, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. The enrollment is moderate for a high school serving all four grade levels, and the distribution shows a typical decline from ninth to twelfth grade.
Academic performance data is limited but instructive. State testing results are available for the most recent school year in English language arts, math, and algebra I, as well as a single year of science testing from a prior year. Proficiency rates are low across all subjects. English language arts shows the strongest results among them, but still well below what most families would consider a strong academic baseline. Math and science proficiency are particularly weak, with only a very small share of students meeting the state’s proficiency bar. The school’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quarter when compared to other schools in Baltimore city. This pattern is consistent with the challenges faced by many high-poverty urban high schools, but a parent looking at this school should want to understand what academic supports and interventions are in place, and whether the school is making progress. Only one year of data is available for each subject, so no trend can be assessed.
No graduation rate was reported in the available data. That is a significant gap. For a high school, the graduation rate is one of the most direct measures of whether students complete their education. A parent should consider asking the school directly for its most recent four-year graduation rate and how it compares to district and state averages.
The school environment data, including discipline rates, chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, and course access, was also not available. Without that information, it is difficult to assess the day-to-day experience inside the building. The school’s website may offer additional details, but it is not provided in the data.
The community context is Baltimore itself. The city is an independent municipality with a service-oriented economy, anchored by Johns Hopkins Hospital and University, the Port of Baltimore, and a range of civic and cultural institutions including the Inner Harbor, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and the National Aquarium. The city has many historic neighborhoods and a walkable urban fabric, but it has also experienced modest population decline in recent years. Housing in the zip code that includes Forest Park is moderately priced compared to the state and national benchmarks, and rents have been rising. The local unemployment rate is slightly above the national average.
A search for recent changes in the Baltimore City Public Schools district found general budget and enrollment discussions but no specific initiatives or leadership changes of lasting parent impact that would directly affect Forest Park High. Parents may want to check with the district directly about any current strategic plans or turnaround efforts targeting low-performing high schools.
Forest Park High is a school where the academic numbers are clearly below expectations, and the missing graduation rate and absence of climate data leave important questions unanswered. A family considering this school should plan to visit, talk to staff about supports for struggling students, and ask about programs that might build momentum toward college or career readiness. The school serves a high-poverty population, and the community has resources such as the Johns Hopkins network nearby, but the school’s own offerings and outcomes will require careful investigation.
See more original research from School Decision →