The top reported proficiency rate is 49% in English language arts. The lowest is 6% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Sudbrook Magnet Middle
Sudbrook Magnet Middle is a regular public school serving grades six through eight and is part of Baltimore County Public Schools. It is designated a magnet school, though the specific program focus is not detailed in the available data. The school sits within the city of Baltimore, a large urban center whose economy has shifted from heavy industry to services, anchored by major employers such as Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. Baltimore is notable for its historic districts and a high density of public monuments, and its population has seen a modest decline in recent years. The school itself is located at 4300 Bedford Road in the city.
The student body is large for a middle school and diverse. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The racial and ethnic composition reflects a predominantly Black student population, with a smaller share of white students, a smaller share of Hispanic students, a small share of Asian students, and a very small share of students identifying as two or more races or other categories. Data on the percentage of students with individualized education programs or who are English learners was not available.
State test results from the 2024-25 school year reveal a clear and persistent pattern. In English language arts, the school posted a mixed picture: a share of sixth graders scored proficient or above, and eighth graders performed at a comparable level. Seventh grade results were reported as a range, with the lower bound just above half and the upper bound above that, placing overall ELA performance where roughly half of students meet the state bar. These results indicate that, in reading, the school is serving a portion of its students well but that a significant group is not yet at grade level.
Mathematics performance is a substantial and consistent concern. In every tested grade, the share of students scoring proficient or above was very low. The pattern was steeply downward: sixth graders scored at a rate in the low teens, seventh graders scored in the single digits, and eighth graders scored at a tiny fraction. These numbers reflect a systemic challenge in math instruction and learning at this school. The school also administers end-of-course exams in Algebra I and Geometry, and proficiency rates on those assessments were also very low, further underscoring the math difficulty. A parent considering this school should look into this matter further with the school, particularly to understand what math interventions and supports are available and how the magnet program may structure math coursework.
Science results for eighth graders showed a proficiency rate about a third, and social studies results showed about two fifths of students proficient. These are middling outcomes, below what many families would hope for but not as stark as the math numbers.
Because Sudbrook is a middle school, there is no graduation rate to examine. The comparison fact-set was unable to place the school relative to other districts in Baltimore County because the cohort of comparable districts was too small; no proficiency index, graduation rate, or chronic absenteeism comparison was available.
The district context is relevant for families. Baltimore County Public Schools has adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading, which will affect the preparation students bring to middle school. The district has also approved boundary changes affecting attendance zones for several high school feeder systems, effective in the 2025-26 school year. A district-wide cell phone policy now restricts phone use during instructional time for all grade levels. The Blueprint for Maryland's Future is bringing increased state funding and expanding pre-K access. Voters have also approved a bond issue for school safety and security upgrades, which will bring capital improvements to facilities across the district.
Housing in the area is moderately priced relative to the state and national benchmarks, with home values and rents both seeing some year-over-year increase. Mortgage rates at the time of this data were in the mid-six percent range.
In sum, Sudbrook Magnet Middle is a large, diverse, urban magnet school serving a substantial share of students from low-income households. Its English language arts results are mixed, with about half of students meeting standards. The math results are very weak and a clear area of concern for any parent. Science and social studies outcomes sit at moderate levels. The magnet designation suggests a specialized program, but no details on that program are included in the data reviewed here. A family considering this school would want to investigate the magnet focus, the math support structures, and the overall academic trajectory for students who enter below grade level.
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