The reported proficiency rate for Science is 25%.
Original Research by School Decision on Kenwood High
Kenwood High is a regular public high school serving grades nine through twelve in Baltimore County, part of the Baltimore County Public Schools system. Enrollment is large for its grade band, with a student body that reflects the diversity of the surrounding communities. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating that many families face economic pressure. The racial and ethnic composition shows roughly two-fifths of students are Black, three-tenths are white, and about one-fifth are Hispanic, with smaller shares of Asian, multiracial, and Native American students. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not available in the materials reviewed.
Academic performance data for Kenwood High is limited. The most recent state test results available for the school show English language arts proficiency at a level that is below what many families would consider strong, but this figure comes from a single year of assessment, so there is no trend to compare. State testing results for math were suppressed for the year reported, and science results were from an earlier assessment administered to eighth graders, which does not directly reflect the high school’s current instruction. A graduation rate was not present in the data, and information on chronic absenteeism was also absent. Because of these gaps, a parent may want to ask the school directly about its graduation rates, postsecondary outcomes, and how it supports students who need extra help.
Kenwood High sits within a large county school district that has made several recent changes affecting all its schools. Baltimore County Public Schools has adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading, which will shape the preparation of students entering high school. The district also approved boundary adjustments for several high school feeder systems, though those changes focused on other areas rather than Kenwood’s attendance zone. A district-wide cell phone policy now restricts phone use during instructional time for high school students, allowing use only during lunch and passing periods. The state’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is bringing increased funding to the district for expanded pre-K, teacher salary increases, and college and career readiness initiatives. Voters also approved a bond issue for school safety upgrades, including secure entrances and cameras, which will apply to schools across the county including Kenwood.
The school uses a Baltimore mailing address, though it lies within Baltimore County rather than the independent city of Baltimore itself. Home values in the area are below the state median, and rents are more moderate relative to income, making the area more accessible for families looking to buy or rent. The broader economic context shows a stable national employment picture, though local conditions may vary.
For a family considering Kenwood High, what stands out is a large comprehensive high school serving a diverse and economically varied student body within a district undergoing systematic changes in curriculum, discipline policy, and funding. The limited academic data available means a parent should seek direct information from the school about current achievement levels, graduation outcomes, and program options such as Advanced Placement, career and technical education, or dual enrollment to get a fuller picture of what the school offers.
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