The top reported proficiency rate is 31% in Math. The lowest is 23% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Swan Meadow School
Swan Meadow School is a small rural public school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in Oakland, the county seat of Garrett County in western Maryland. It is part of the Garrett County Public Schools district. The school sits on Garrett Highway, outside the immediate downtown, and its enrollment is small enough that state assessment results for most grade levels are suppressed to protect student privacy. That suppression itself tells a parent something: this is a very small school community, one where a single cohort can number only a handful of students.
The student body is predominantly white, with a small share of students identifying as Hispanic and a similarly small share identifying as two or more races. Nearly half of the students come from households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a marker that is notable against the county’s overall economic profile. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. No data on staffing, chronic absenteeism, or discipline was available, which means a parent would want to ask the school directly about class sizes, teacher experience, and student support structures.
On the limited state testing data that is reported, only grade five results are visible for the most recent year. In math and English language arts, about one in three fifth graders scored at the proficient level or above on the MCAP assessments. In science, a slightly smaller share met that bar. These figures are below state averages, though the small number of students tested makes year-to-year comparisons unstable. No multi-year trend is available because the school’s data was not reported in prior years, so a parent cannot assess improvement or decline. Families considering the school should ask how the school supports students who are not yet at grade level, and what enrichment is available for those who are.
Oakland itself is a small historic town with a walkable downtown anchored by a neoclassical courthouse and a restored railroad station that hosts community events. The town is near Deep Creek Lake and the Wisp Ski Resort, which drive seasonal tourism and employment. County government is a major local employer. The population has been declining modestly, and housing values in the area are below both state and national benchmarks, making the region relatively affordable. The school draws from the surrounding rural area, and the community’s character is quiet, traditional, and closely knit.
For a family, Swan Meadow School offers an intimate setting where a child is unlikely to get lost in the crowd. The trade-off is limited access to the breadth of course offerings, extracurriculars, and specialized staff that larger schools can provide. A parent who values small class sizes and a familiar environment may find it a good fit. Those looking for robust elective pathways, advanced coursework, or a wide array of activities should expect to supplement from the community or look to the middle and high school options in the district as the child gets older. The school’s academic performance, where measurable, suggests room for growth, and a parent would be wise to discuss instructional strategies and intervention programs with the principal before enrolling.
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