The top reported proficiency rate is 23% in English language arts. The lowest is 9% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Elmwood Elementary
Elmwood Elementary is a regular public school in Baltimore, Maryland, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It operates under the Baltimore County Public Schools district, a large system that manages schools across the county. The school is located in a residential area of northeast Baltimore, close to the city-county line.
Enrollment is sized as a mid-sized elementary school for its grade band. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, reflecting the economic profile of the surrounding community. The student body is diverse: the largest group is Black or African American, followed by Hispanic or Latino, White, and smaller shares of Asian and multiracial students. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the records reviewed, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about support services for these groups.
State testing data from the 2024-25 school year is available for grades three through five in math and English language arts, and for grade five in science. Proficiency rates on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program are low across all tested grades and subjects. In math, the share of students scoring proficient or above is below typical levels for each grade. In English language arts, proficiency is higher in fourth grade than in third or fifth, but still represents a minority of students. In science, only a small fraction of fifth graders met the proficiency benchmark. These results indicate that most students at Elmwood are not yet meeting state academic standards. Because only one year of assessment data was provided, no trend can be established. The school did not have chronic absenteeism, discipline, or staffing data in the records reviewed; these are areas a family may wish to investigate further with the school or district.
As an elementary school, Elmwood does not have a graduation rate, and neither college readiness measures nor career pathways apply to this grade span. Program offerings were not listed in the available data, so families should check with the school about any specialized offerings such as art, music, or enrichment.
The surrounding community is Baltimore, an independent city with a mix of historic rowhouse neighborhoods, a working port, and a service-driven economy anchored by Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. The city has a dense urban fabric with many historic districts and a walkable character in areas like Fell’s Point and Federal Hill. Population has seen a slight decline in recent years. A major infrastructure project to replace the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge is underway, with completion expected in the late 2020s. Home values in the school’s zip code are notably lower than the Maryland state median, and rents have seen a slight recent decline, making the area relatively more affordable than many parts of the state and nation.
Baltimore County Public Schools has implemented several recent changes that affect Elmwood. A new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading began in the 2023-24 school year, emphasizing phonics and comprehension. The district has also adopted a cell phone policy restricting use during instructional time, though for elementary grades the impact may be less pronounced than for older students. Boundary changes approved for several high school feeder systems take effect in 2025-26, but those involve secondary schools not Elmwood. The district is expanding pre-kindergarten access as part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a multi-year state plan that also brings increased funding and higher teacher salaries. Voters approved a bond issue for school safety improvements such as secure entrances and cameras.
Elmwood Elementary serves a high-poverty student population and faces significant academic challenges based on state test results. Families considering this school should seek a clear picture of the instructional supports, interventions, and enrichment opportunities available. The district’s literacy overhaul may be a positive step, but its effect on Elmwood remains to be seen. The school is part of a large district undergoing substantial changes, and parents should stay informed about how those changes reach the classroom level.
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