The top reported proficiency rate is 18% in English language arts. The lowest is 7% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Chillum Elementary
Chillum Elementary is a regular public school in Hyattsville, Maryland, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as part of Prince George's County Public Schools. The school sits in an urban suburb of Washington, D.C., a city that has seen substantial redevelopment in recent years, particularly in the Arts District Hyattsville and around the Hyattsville Crossing Metro station. Hyattsville markets itself as a walkable community with a historic residential core, trail connections, and a mix of older homes and newer mixed-use development near transit. The school itself is located on Chillum Road, in a part of the city that blends residential streets with commercial corridors.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a smaller share of Black students and very small numbers of white, Asian, and American Indian students. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a high level of economic need. The school serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, and its enrollment is moderate for an elementary school in this grade band. Data on the share of students with disabilities or who are English learners was not available in the source material.
State testing results from the 2024-2025 school year show that proficiency rates across all tested subjects and grades were low. In English language arts, the share of students scoring proficient or above was in the mid-to-high teens across grades three, four, and five. In math, proficiency rates were lower, falling in the single digits for grades four and five and in the low twenties for grade three. Science results for fifth graders were also low. These figures place the school well below state averages, and a parent considering this school will want to understand what academic supports are in place and how the school is working to raise achievement. Because only one year of data was available, it is not possible to see whether these results represent a trend or a single year's picture.
The school is part of Prince George's County Public Schools, a large district that has recently adopted a new evidence-based literacy curriculum for elementary grades and approved a budget increase directed toward teacher salaries and student support. The district also conducted a boundary review in 2024 to address overcrowding, with changes proposed for the 2025-2026 school year, which could affect attendance zones for families in the area.
Hyattsville itself is an urban suburb with a walkable historic district, a growing arts district, and significant recent redevelopment around the Metro station. The city has invested in trails, bike infrastructure, and transit connections, and its motto is "A World Within Walking Distance." Housing values in the area are moderate relative to the broader Washington region, and the rental market reflects the area's commuter-oriented character. The school's location on Chillum Road places it in a part of the city that is less dense than the historic core but still within the urban fabric of Prince George's County.
The district has recently adopted a new literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading, which will affect how reading is taught at Chillum Elementary. A boundary review was also conducted in 2024, with changes proposed for the 2025-2026 school year, so families should confirm their attendance zone. The district's budget has grown, with additional funding directed toward teacher salaries and student support services.
For a family considering this school, the central fact is the academic performance data. Proficiency rates on state assessments in math, English, and science are low across all tested grades. The school serves a high-need population, and the district has invested in literacy reform and increased funding for student support. A parent will want to ask the school directly about intervention programs, tutoring, and how teachers are supported to raise achievement. The surrounding community offers walkable neighborhoods, transit access to Washington, and ongoing redevelopment, but the school's academic results are the primary consideration for any family weighing this option.
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