The reported proficiency rate for Science is 33%.
Original Research by School Decision on Maurice J. Mcdonough High School
Maurice J. McDonough High School is a regular public high school in Pomfret, a small, unincorporated census-designated place in central Charles County, Maryland. It serves grades nine through twelve and is part of Charles County Public Schools. The school occupies a location at the southern edge of the CDP near a state route, spread out along a roadway in an area that is predominantly residential and rural, with no traditional downtown core. Other schools in the CDP include an elementary school and an alternative school, and the College of Southern Maryland sits about a mile east. Pomfret itself has a stable, low-density population with little recent growth or new development, and the occupational profile shows a substantial share of residents working in educational services, health care, social assistance, or government, suggesting many commute to nearby towns for work.
Academically, the data available paints a mixed picture, with notable gaps that a parent may want to investigate further. For the 2024-25 school year, English language arts proficiency was at a level that can be described as moderately strong—roughly two-thirds of students met the state standard. In contrast, mathematics proficiency was very low, with only a small fraction of students demonstrating grade-level performance. Algebra II, a specific subject tested, also shows a low proficiency rate. These figures come from a single year, so no trend is observable. Earlier science assessment data from 2020-21 shows a proficiency rate around a third, but that administration involved a different assessment name, and the data is several years old, limiting its current relevance. The school’s graduation rate was not reported in the available data, so that important outcome measure is absent. Similarly, data on students with disabilities and English learners is missing, making it difficult to assess the full scope of student support needs and outcomes.
The student body is diverse. A substantial share of students, about a third, qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a notable segment of households with economic need. In racial and ethnic composition, roughly half the students are Black, about a quarter are White, and Hispanic students make up a sizeable portion, with smaller shares of Asian students and those identifying with two or more races. The enrollment is moderate for a high school, fitting a comprehensive but not oversized model. No information is available on the school’s magnet or Title I status, nor on disciplinary rates, course access, staffing levels, or attendance patterns, so a parent would need to inquire directly about these aspects of the school environment.
The surrounding community is quiet and car-dependent. Housing values in the area are above the national typical level and slightly above the statewide average, suggesting that residents face a relatively high cost of entry. There are a few historic and civic anchors in and near Pomfret, including a historic Catholic church and a county dive rescue station, but no public library or transit hub within the CDP. The district itself reported no recent major changes relevant to parents in the search, so the administrative landscape appears stable.
In short, Maurice J. McDonough High School serves a diverse, moderately sized student body in a rural-suburban corner of Charles County. Its academic profile shows a clear split between a solid English language arts outcome and very low math performance, with limited multi-year data to assess direction. The missing graduation rate and special population details are significant gaps for a high school. A family considering this school would benefit from direct conversations with the school about math interventions, support services for students with disabilities and English learners, and graduation outcomes to build a fuller picture of the pathway it offers.
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