Skip to main content

Average

#986 of 1,363 schools in MD

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies

High School · Baltimore County Public Schools

901 S Rolling Rd, Baltimore, MD 21228

Enrollment

60

Student-Teacher

3.5:1

Score

5.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Maryland schools

#986 of 1,363

In Baltimore

#114 of 267

public schools

In district

#77 of 169

Baltimore County Public Schools

School environment

9.9 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies

5.1/10

High School in Baltimore · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Catonsville High

6.2/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Catonsville Elementary

7.5/10

1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies is a public high school in Baltimore, MD, part of Baltimore County Public Schools. Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies serves approximately 60 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 3.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #986 of 1,363 schools in MD.

Structured state assessment records for Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies show 25% math proficiency (2022 EdFacts) and 18% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 5.1
  • MD avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

At 60 students, Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 3.5:1 students to teachers, Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-4.53 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency11.4% (2025 MCAP)
Reading vs. State Avg-39.7 pts
Overall Proficiency18% (2025 MCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2025 MCAP)
vs. Expected-7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
College Readiness3.4Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate<50%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.9Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio3.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,666

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies — Students at Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

71.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 25.0% (2022 EdFacts)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 18.2% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
51.1% (2025 MCAP)

Based on 3 test records from MD state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2022
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2025
ELA
11.4%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.7/10.

How Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies Compares

See how Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
28th percentile in MD
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
9.9/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
72%
Teaching Staff
4:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

901 S Rolling Rd, Baltimore, MD 21228

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Western School of Technology (rated 8.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Catonsville High (rated 6.2/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY (rated 5.4/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Baltimore, see our Baltimore schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Catonsville High Baltimore 0.6 mi 6.2
Catonsville Elementary Catonsville 1.3 mi 7.5
Arbutus Middle Baltimore 1.1 mi 5.3
Western School of Technology Baltimore 1.4 mi 8.8
APPLE RIDGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Catonsville 1.5 mi
ST MARK SCHOOL Catonsville 1.5 mi 6.1
Hillcrest Elementary Baltimore 1.6 mi 8.2
Arbutus Elementary Baltimore 1.6 mi 6.6
Maiden Choice School Baltimore 1.7 mi 2.5
WATSON HALL MONTESSORI SCHOOL Baltimore 2.1 mi
Relay Elementary Baltimore 1.9 mi 4.7
MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY Baltimore 2.3 mi 5.4
Westowne Elementary Catonsville 2.4 mi 5.4
North Bend Elementary/Middle Baltimore 2.4 mi 5.8
EMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Baltimore 2.6 mi 6.4
Elkridge Elementary Elkridge 2.7 mi 7.0
Elkridge Landing Middle Elkridge 2.8 mi 7.9
Johnnycake Elementary Baltimore 2.8 mi 3.8
Halethorpe Elementary Halethorpe 2.3 mi 6.2
THE LAMB OF GOD SCHOOL Halethorpe 2.3 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 21228 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$107,714

Median Home Value

$389,200

Median Rent

$1,631/mo

Population

49,417

College Educated

49.8%

Homeownership

71.6%

Avg Commute

26.2 min

Poverty Rate

9%

Median Age

43.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Eager Street Academy Baltimore, MD 5.3
Wicomico County Evening High Salisbury, MD 4.7
Home Assignments-Secondary Towson, MD 4.4
John L Gildner Regional Inst for Children & Adol Rockville, MD 5.8
Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings formerly Oak Hill Laurel, MD 5.8
Rosedale Center Baltimore, MD 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies

What grades does Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies serve?

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies?

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies has an enrollment of approximately 60 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies?

The student-teacher ratio at Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies is 3.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies rank in MD?

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies ranks #986 of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies's MySchoolScout rating?

Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies has 25% math proficiency (2022 EdFacts) and 18% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

Is Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies a charter school?

No, Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies a Title I school?

No, Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies?

71.7% of students at Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
22 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
46 Some Transit
Bike Score
19 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
60
Student-Teacher Ratio
3.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
71.7%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Baltimore County
4-Year Graduation
<50%

District

Baltimore County Public Schools
District Enrollment
110,275
Schools in District
179
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,666
District Rank
#77 of 169

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.