The top reported proficiency rate is 81% in English language arts. The lowest is 22% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Oliver Beach Elementary
Oliver Beach Elementary is a small regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Baltimore County, just east of the city line. The school sits in a residential area of zip code 21220, where home values and rents are below the state median and modestly below the national benchmark, reflecting the area’s middle-market housing stock. Baltimore itself, a short drive west, is a historic port city that has shifted from heavy industry to a service economy anchored by Johns Hopkins Hospital and University; its population has seen a slight decline in recent years. The school’s immediate community is part of that broader metro region but lies within the county, not the independent city, so families here look to Baltimore County Public Schools for governance.
The enrollment is small. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, putting the school in a moderate-income bracket. Racially, the student body is predominantly white, with small shares of students who are Black, Hispanic, or of two or more races. Data on the share of students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports.
Academically, Oliver Beach’s results on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program show a mixed picture that varies by grade and subject. In fourth grade, a large majority of students met or exceeded proficiency in both math and English language arts, with ELA results notably high. Third-grade performance was also solid in both subjects, with roughly two-thirds proficient. The trend is less consistent in fifth grade, where math proficiency landed in a lower range, and English language arts, while still above the midpoint, showed a softer result. Science proficiency in fifth grade, measured by the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment, was notably low, with a minority of students scoring at the proficient level. Because the school serves only one year of data for each grade, a trend cannot be established yet. The state testing data cover only the 2024-2025 school year; no prior year comparisons are available.
The school is part of Baltimore County Public Schools, a large district that has recently implemented several parent-relevant changes. A new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading began in the 2023-2024 school year, which will affect how reading is taught across all grades at Oliver Beach. A district-wide cell phone policy now restricts phone use during instructional time for elementary students. The district is also in the early stages of implementing Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, a multi-year plan that includes expanding pre-K, increasing teacher salaries, and boosting college and career readiness funding. Boundary changes approved for several high school feeder systems take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, though those directly affect middle and high school attendance zones, not this elementary’s catchment. Voters also approved a bond issue for school safety upgrades, including secure entrances and cameras, which may eventually reach this building.
Housing in the school’s zip code is more affordable than the state average, with home prices and rents both below Maryland benchmarks. The local housing market has seen modest appreciation year over year. The national median household income and a 30-year fixed mortgage rate near recent averages provide context for families evaluating the area.
No data was available on chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, student discipline, or course access. The school does not report a graduation rate because it serves only elementary grades. A parent looking into Oliver Beach will want to follow up on the fifth-grade proficiency dips in math and especially science, and ask about how the district’s new literacy curriculum is being implemented at this particular school. The small size may appeal to families who want a close-knit setting, but the academic variability across grades suggests it is wise to check in with the school for a fuller picture of classroom-level support.
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