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Below Average

#1156 of 1,363 schools in MD

Gaithersburg High

High School · Montgomery County Public Schools

101 Education Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Enrollment

2,454

Student-Teacher

13.9:1

Score

4.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Maryland schools

#1,156 of 1,363

In Gaithersburg

#27 of 29

public schools

In district

#198 of 206

Montgomery County Public Schools

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Gaithersburg High

4.4/10

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

Gaithersburg Elementary

4.2/10

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

Summit Hall Elementary

3.8/10

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

About Gaithersburg High

Gaithersburg High is a public high school in Gaithersburg, MD, part of Montgomery County Public Schools. Gaithersburg High serves approximately 2,454 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Gaithersburg High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,156 of 1,363 schools in MD.

Structured state assessment records for Gaithersburg High show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.4 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.9
  • MD avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

Gaithersburg High is a large school: 2,454 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

50% of students at Gaithersburg High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.77 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency6.2% (2025 MCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.8% (2025 MCAP)
Math vs. State Avg-24 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.3 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2025 MCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)37% (model expectation from 2025 MCAP)
vs. Expected-12.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
College Readiness5.3Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%
AP Participation16.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.3Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,456
Chronic Absenteeism50.4%

Gaithersburg High — Students at Gaithersburg High score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 59.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
30.2% (2025 MCAP)
ELA Proficiency 64.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
51.1% (2025 MCAP)

Based on 28 test records from MD state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
86%
ELA
80%
2010
Math
90%
ELA
83%
2011
Math
91%
ELA
89%
2012
Math
91%
ELA
86%
2013
Math
92%
ELA
89%
2014
Math
87%
ELA
83%
2015
Math
83%
ELA
73%
2016
Math
70%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
33%
ELA
58%
2019
Math
33%
ELA
58%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
48%
2025
Math
6.2%
ELA
42.8%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.0/10.

How Gaithersburg High Compares

See how Gaithersburg High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.4/10
15th percentile in MD
Academic
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
4.3/10
Below Average
AP Courses
4
State avg: 3.1
Sports
16
8 boys' · 8 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
177 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
50.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
16.2% participation·State avg: 3.1 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics16sports offered
8 boys'·8 girls'·27 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

101 Education Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gaithersburg High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. FORBUSH SCHOOL AT OAKMONT UPPER SCHOOL (rated 6.5/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, John L Gildner Regional Inst for Children & Adol (rated 5.8/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Rockville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Gaithersburg, see our Gaithersburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Gaithersburg Elementary Gaithersburg 0.6 mi 4.2
Summit Hall Elementary Gaithersburg 0.6 mi 3.8
Gaithersburg Middle Gaithersburg 0.7 mi 5.1
EPWORTH PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Gaithersburg 0.8 mi 6.4
FORBUSH SCHOOL AT OAKMONT UPPER SCHOOL Gaithersburg 0.8 mi 6.5
Rosemont Elementary Gaithersburg 0.9 mi 6.8
Washington Grove Elementary Gaithersburg 0.9 mi 5.0
Harriet R. Tubman Elementary Gaithersburg 1.0 mi 6.5
MARCIA D SMITH SCHOOL Gaithersburg 1.2 mi
South Lake Elementary Gaithersburg 1.4 mi 4.5
Forest Oak Middle Gaithersburg 1.3 mi 4.9
NIST CHILD CARE CENTER Gaithersburg 1.4 mi
Fields Road Elementary Gaithersburg 1.6 mi 7.5
Strawberry Knoll Elementary Gaithersburg 2.2 mi 6.7
Flower Hill Elementary Gaithersburg 2.0 mi 5.0
Shady Grove Middle Gaithersburg 1.8 mi 6.0
John L Gildner Regional Inst for Children & Adol Rockville 2.3 mi 5.8
Watkins Mill Elementary Montgomery Village 2.3 mi 5.0
Whetstone Elementary Gaithersburg 2.5 mi 5.4
GODDARD SCHOOL IN GAITHERSBURG Gaithersburg 1.9 mi 4.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 20877 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$86,103

Median Home Value

$462,500

Median Rent

$1,862/mo

Population

39,068

College Educated

35.2%

Homeownership

43.9%

Avg Commute

30.7 min

Poverty Rate

11.3%

Median Age

37.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Northwestern High Hyattsville, MD 4.4
High Point High Beltsville, MD 4.5
Bladensburg High Bladensburg, MD 4.7
Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High Upper Marlboro, MD 4.7
South Hagerstown High Hagerstown, MD 4.7
Suitland High Suitland, MD 4.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gaithersburg High

What grades does Gaithersburg High serve?

Gaithersburg High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Gaithersburg High?

Gaithersburg High has an enrollment of approximately 2,454 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gaithersburg High?

The student-teacher ratio at Gaithersburg High is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gaithersburg High rank in MD?

Gaithersburg High ranks #1,156 of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Gaithersburg High's MySchoolScout rating?

Gaithersburg High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 Gaithersburg High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gaithersburg High has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Gaithersburg High a charter school?

No, Gaithersburg High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Gaithersburg High a Title I school?

No, Gaithersburg High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gaithersburg High?

53.8% of students at Gaithersburg High 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
79 Very Walkable
Transit Score
48 Some Transit
Bike Score
69 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,454
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
177
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Montgomery County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
50.4%
4-Year Graduation
80.0%

District

Montgomery County Public Schools
District Enrollment
160,223
Schools in District
211
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,456
District Rank
#198 of 206

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