The top reported proficiency rate is 17% in Social studies. The lowest is 0% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Homewood School
Homewood School is an alternative school within the Howard County Public Schools system, serving students in grades six through twelve. Located in Ellicott City, the school operates with a specific mission that sets it apart from the county's comprehensive middle and high schools. For a parent considering this placement, understanding what an alternative school designation means in this context is the essential first step.
The school’s enrollment is small, and its grade distribution tells a story about its function. A very small number of students are enrolled in the middle school grades, while the high school grades—particularly ninth and tenth—contain the bulk of the student body. This pattern is common for alternative settings that serve as a placement for students who have had difficulty in a larger, traditional school environment, often related to behavioral, disciplinary, or academic challenges. The student body is diverse, with the largest identified groups of students being Black and white, followed by smaller shares of Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. A modest share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The available state assessment results are very limited and difficult to interpret as a measure of the school’s academic program. In the 2024-25 school year, proficiency rates for the eighth grade, all below one-fifth of students, are reported as a percentage. However, the number of students tested in any single subject and grade was small, and results for seventh grade were suppressed to protect student privacy. The school serves a population for whom typical standardized testing may not be a primary focus, and the data reported likely reflects a small cohort of students rather than the full program. A single-year proficiency trend is available for English language arts, showing no change because only one year of data exists. Because the school serves grades six through twelve but operates as an alternative program, metrics like a four-year graduation rate or chronic absenteeism are not reported here, and a direct comparison to other Howard County schools on academic performance is not available.
Ellicott City, where the school is located, is a place of contrasts. The historic downtown, known as Old Ellicott City, is a walkable, commercial core with 18th-century buildings and the B&O Railroad Station museum. The broader community is a suburban expanse of neighborhoods connected by major roads such as U.S. Route 29 and Interstate 70. The town is the county seat, and Howard County government is a major employer, with administrative offices and courthouses on a separate campus from the historic district. The area’s recent history has been shaped by devastating floods, and a major flood mitigation project involving a tunnel through the hillside has been underway.
The Howard County district has recently opened a new high school and is implementing a strategic plan focused on attendance, early reading, middle school math, college and career readiness, and discipline practices, all tied to the state’s Blueprint for the Future. The district has also increased teacher and staff salaries, with significant growth in the operating budget.
For a family, Homewood School is a specialized placement rather than a neighborhood school. A parent considering this setting should expect an environment that prioritizes individualized support and structure for students who have not thrived in a conventional school. The limited academic data should not be interpreted as a direct reflection of classroom instruction, but families should discuss with the school how academic progress is measured and tracked for their child. The school’s role is distinct from a traditional pathway, and it is best understood in conversation with the district’s placement office or the school’s administration about the specific program, support services, and transition plans available.
See more original research from School Decision →