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Below Average

#1189 of 1,363 schools in MD

Matthew Henson Middle School

Middle School · Charles County Public Schools

3535 Livingston Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640

Enrollment

675

Student-Teacher

18.2:1

Score

4.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Maryland schools

#1,189 of 1,363

In Indian Head

#5 of 5

public schools

In district

#32 of 37

Charles County Public Schools

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Matthew Henson Middle School

4.2/10

Middle School in Indian Head · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

J. C. Parks Elementary School

5.0/10

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

General Smallwood Middle School

4.9/10

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

About Matthew Henson Middle School

Matthew Henson Middle School is a public middle school in Indian Head, MD, part of Charles County Public Schools. Matthew Henson Middle School serves approximately 675 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Matthew Henson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,189 of 1,363 schools in MD.

Structured state assessment records for Matthew Henson Middle School show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 4.9
  • MD avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Matthew Henson Middle 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.4Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.34 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.4Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.5% (2025 MCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency36.2% (2025 MCAP)
Math vs. State Avg-21.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-14.9 pts
Overall Proficiency22% (2025 MCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)43% (model expectation from 2025 MCAP)
vs. Expected-20.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile15th
Resources & Environment3.2Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,415
Chronic Absenteeism25.5%

Matthew Henson Middle School — Students at Matthew Henson Middle School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 36.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
30.2% (2025 MCAP)
ELA Proficiency 50.7% (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
77%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
78%
2011
Math
78%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
78%
2013
Math
62%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
23%
ELA
32%
2015
Math
24%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
24%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
21%
ELA
35%
2019
Math
21%
ELA
35%
2020*
Math
9%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
9%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
11%
ELA
39%
2025
Math
8.5%
ELA
36.2%

* 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: 5.4/10.

How Matthew Henson Middle School Compares

See how Matthew Henson Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
13th percentile in MD
Academic
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.4/10
Average
Environment
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
45%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
37 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.5%

Programs & Offerings

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

3535 Livingston Rd, Indian Head, MD 20640

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Matthew Henson Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Theodore G. Davis Middle School (rated 5.6/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Waldorf), which scores notably higher. Additionally, General Smallwood Middle School (rated 4.9/10, 3.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Indian Head, see our Indian Head schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.2 mi
School Distance Rating
J. C. Parks Elementary School Indian Head 0.1 mi 5.0
General Smallwood Middle School Indian Head 3.2 mi 4.9
Henry E. Lackey High School Indian Head 3.6 mi 5.2
Dr. James Craik Elementary School Pomfret 4.0 mi 6.4
Maurice J. McDonough High School Pomfret 4.6 mi 5.5
Gale-Bailey Elementary School Marbury 5.4 mi 5.9
Indian Head Elementary School Indian Head 5.0 mi 4.6
William A. Diggs Elementary School Waldorf 5.4 mi 4.6
Washington Mill Elementary Alexandria 6.8 mi 4.7
Theodore G. Davis Middle School Waldorf 5.7 mi 5.6
North Point High School Waldorf 5.7 mi 6.9
Fort Hunt Elementary Alexandria 7.3 mi 7.7
Woodley Hills Elementary Alexandria 7.4 mi 4.2
Westlake High School Waldorf 6.0 mi 4.7
SMCA White Plains 6.2 mi 8.0
GODDARD SCHOOL OF WALDORF Waldorf 6.0 mi
Waynewood Elementary Alexandria 7.7 mi 8.7
Mount Vernon High Alexandria 7.8 mi 6.6
Stratford Landing Elementary Alexandria 7.9 mi 7.9
Billingsley Elementary School White Plains 6.2 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 20640 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$95,560

Median Home Value

$307,900

Median Rent

$1,752/mo

Population

10,254

College Educated

25.2%

Homeownership

78.7%

Avg Commute

47.9 min

Poverty Rate

7.4%

Median Age

38.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Stemmers Run Middle Baltimore, MD 4.2
Martin Luther King Jr. Middle Beltsville, MD 4.0
Loch Raven Technical Academy Baltimore, MD 3.9
Pikesville Middle Baltimore, MD 3.9
Southern Middle Lusby, MD 3.9
Gwynn Park Middle Brandywine, MD 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Matthew Henson Middle School

What grades does Matthew Henson Middle School serve?

Matthew Henson Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Matthew Henson Middle School?

Matthew Henson Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 675 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Matthew Henson Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Matthew Henson Middle School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Matthew Henson Middle School rank in MD?

Matthew Henson Middle School ranks #1,189 of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Matthew Henson Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Matthew Henson Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 Matthew Henson Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Matthew Henson Middle School has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Matthew Henson Middle School a charter school?

No, Matthew Henson Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Matthew Henson Middle School a Title I school?

No, Matthew Henson Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Matthew Henson Middle School?

45.0% of students at Matthew Henson Middle 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
7 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
28 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
675
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
37
Free/Reduced Lunch
45.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Charles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.5%

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