PRINCE FREDERICK, MD - Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is celebrating the inclusion
of its schools in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Schools rankings, highlighting
academic achievement across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The 2027 Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings, released October 20, evaluate public
schools across Maryland based on reading and mathematics performance, accounting for
student backgrounds.
At the elementary and middle school levels, CCPS students have demonstrated strong
academic achievement compared with statewide averages. According to the 2026 Maryland
Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) results, 64.3% of CCPS students in Grades 3-8
demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts, compared with 50.2% statewide. In
Mathematics, 40.1% of students in Grades 3–8 achieved proficiency, compared with 27.8%
statewide.
Elementary school results were particularly strong in Mathematics, with 50.7% of CCPS
students in Grades 3-5 demonstrating proficiency compared with 35.8% statewide. CCPS
students also exceeded statewide Science proficiency rates in the two assessed grade levels,
Grade 5 and Grade 8.
These academic results provide additional context for the newly released U.S. News rankings
and reflect the important work taking place in CCPS classrooms.
The recognition extends to the high school level. In the 2026-2027 Best High Schools rankings,
released in August, Huntingtown High School ranked No. 36 in Maryland and No. 1,771
nationally, while Northern High School ranked No. 45 in Maryland and No. 2,103 nationally.
Both schools earned places among Maryland's top 50 high schools
The rankings and student achievement results reflect the collective efforts of students,
educators, staff, and families across the district. Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsome
emphasized the importance of celebrating these accomplishments while continuing to focus on
student success.
“I am proud of these impressive accomplishments by our students and staff. We remain
committed to excellence and to continuous improvement that ensures every student has the
opportunity to thrive,” said Dr. Newsome.
The U.S. News & World Report elementary and middle school rankings evaluate approximately
46,000 elementary schools and more than 24,000 middle schools nationwide. High school
rankings use a separate methodology that includes college readiness, state assessment
performance, and graduation rates.
Families and community members can explore the rankings through U.S. News & World Report:
• Best Elementary Schools in Maryland
• Best Middle Schools in Maryland
• Best High Schools in Maryland
CCPS Academic Achievement Exceeds Statewide Averages
Beyond the U.S. News rankings, recent Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program
(MCAP) results provide further evidence of student achievement across CCPS. In addition to
exceeding statewide proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics, CCPS
students outperformed statewide averages in several additional assessments.
In Life Science MISA (Biology), 64.9% of CCPS students demonstrated proficiency compared
with 47.8% statewide. In Government, 75.4% of CCPS students achieved proficiency compared
with 46% statewide. Eighth-grade Social Studies results also exceeded the state average, with
59.2% of CCPS students demonstrating proficiency compared with 41.7% statewide.
These results reflect Calvert County Public Schools’ continued commitment to strong
instruction, academic achievement, and preparing students for success throughout their
educational journey.
One School System. One Vision. Students at the Center.
