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Average

#762 of 1,363 schools in MD

La Plata High School

High School · Charles County Public Schools

6035 Radio Station Rd, La Plata, MD 20646

Enrollment

1,217

Student-Teacher

16.2:1

Score

6.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Maryland schools

#762 of 1,363

In La Plata

#3 of 4

public schools

In district

#12 of 37

Charles County Public Schools

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La Plata High School

6.0/10

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

F. B. Gwynn Educational Center

Nearby

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

Mary H. Matula Elementary School

6.8/10

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

About La Plata High School

La Plata High School is a public high school in La Plata, MD, part of Charles County Public Schools. La Plata High School serves approximately 1,217 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.2:1 student-teacher ratio. La Plata High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #762 of 1,363 schools in MD.

Structured state assessment records for La Plata High School show 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 79% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • MD avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

La Plata High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

35% of students at La Plata High School 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 Progress6.7Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.92 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.5% (2025 MCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency67.8% (2025 MCAP)
Math vs. State Avg-21.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+16.7 pts
Overall Proficiency38% (2025 MCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)54% (model expectation from 2025 MCAP)
vs. Expected-15.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
College Readiness7.7Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate94%
AP Participation25.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,415
Chronic Absenteeism34.6%

La Plata High School — Students at La Plata High School score 38% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

28.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 73.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
30.2% (2025 MCAP)
ELA Proficiency 79.2% (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
94%
ELA
87%
2010
Math
97%
ELA
93%
2011
Math
97%
ELA
94%
2012
Math
96%
ELA
95%
2013
Math
97%
ELA
95%
2014
Math
97%
ELA
95%
2015
Math
97%
ELA
92%
2016
Math
97%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
49%
ELA
73%
2019
Math
49%
ELA
73%
2020*
Math
51%
ELA
74%
2021*
Math
51%
ELA
74%
2022
Math
47%
ELA
54%
2025
Math
8.5%
ELA
67.8%

* 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: 6.7/10.

How La Plata High School Compares

See how La Plata High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
44th percentile in MD
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
6.7/10
Average
Environment
3.6/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 3.1
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
29%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
75 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
25.5% participation·State avg: 3.1 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·41 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

6035 Radio Station Rd, La Plata, MD 20646

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering La Plata High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. St. Charles High School (rated 5.0/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Waldorf), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Westlake High School (rated 4.7/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Waldorf), a more accessible option. For more schools in La Plata, see our La Plata schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.6 mi
School Distance Rating
F. B. Gwynn Educational Center La Plata 0.2 mi
Mary H. Matula Elementary School La Plata 0.3 mi 6.8
GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL La Plata 1.2 mi 6.8
Milton M. Somers Middle School La Plata 2.0 mi 5.7
Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School La Plata 2.1 mi 6.4
SMCA White Plains 2.5 mi 8.0
ARCHBISHOP NEALE SCHOOL La Plata 2.3 mi 6.6
St. Charles High School Waldorf 2.7 mi 5.0
Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary Waldorf 3.7 mi 6.0
Mary B. Neal Elementary School Waldorf 3.7 mi 6.2
Arthur Middleton Elementary School Waldorf 4.2 mi 4.5
Billingsley Elementary School White Plains 4.3 mi 7.3
Eva Turner Elementary School Waldorf 4.2 mi 3.7
William B. Wade Elementary School Waldorf 4.9 mi 4.5
GODDARD SCHOOL OF WALDORF Waldorf 5.0 mi
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School Waldorf 4.8 mi 3.9
Benjamin Stoddert Middle School Waldorf 4.7 mi 3.5
Westlake High School Waldorf 5.3 mi 4.7
C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School Waldorf 5.4 mi 7.2
Dr. James Craik Elementary School Pomfret 4.6 mi 6.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 20646 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$130,008

Median Home Value

$435,100

Median Rent

$1,486/mo

Population

21,601

College Educated

33.4%

Homeownership

85.1%

Avg Commute

38.7 min

Poverty Rate

4%

Median Age

43.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Aberdeen High Aberdeen, MD 6.0
Rising Sun High North East, MD 6.0
Walkersville High Walkersville, MD 6.0
Winters Mill High Westminster, MD 6.0
Chopticon High Morganza, MD 6.1
Long Reach High Columbia, MD 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about La Plata High School

What grades does La Plata High School serve?

La Plata High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend La Plata High School?

La Plata High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,217 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at La Plata High School?

The student-teacher ratio at La Plata High School is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does La Plata High School rank in MD?

La Plata High School ranks #762 of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is La Plata High School's MySchoolScout rating?

La Plata High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 La Plata High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, La Plata High School has 73% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 79% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is La Plata High School a charter school?

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

Is La Plata High School a Title I school?

No, La Plata High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for La Plata High School?

28.7% of students at La Plata High School 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
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
28 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,217
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
75
Free/Reduced Lunch
28.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Charles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.6%
4-Year Graduation
94.0%

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