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Average

#737 of 1,363 schools in MD

North Dorchester High School

High School · Dorchester County Public Schools

5875 Cloverdale Road, Hurlock, MD 21643

Enrollment

568

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

6.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Maryland schools

#737 of 1,363

In Hurlock

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#8 of 11

Dorchester County Public Schools

Academic growth

7.5 / 10

Very Good

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North Dorchester High School

6.1/10

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

North Dorchester Middle School

7.0/10

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

Hurlock Elementary School

7.4/10

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

About North Dorchester High School

North Dorchester High School is a public high school in Hurlock, MD, part of Dorchester County Public Schools. North Dorchester High School serves approximately 568 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. North Dorchester High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #737 of 1,363 schools in MD.

Structured state assessment records for North Dorchester High School show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts above district
  • This school 6.1 · Average
  • District avg 5.4
  • MD avg 6.1

What Parents Should Know

North Dorchester 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.

39% of students at North Dorchester 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 Progress7.5Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-3.63 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.1Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.5% (2025 MCAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.1% (2025 MCAP)
Math vs. State Avg-18.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2025 MCAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)7% (model expectation from 2025 MCAP)
vs. Expected+18.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile57th
College Readiness5.5Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation10.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,340
Chronic Absenteeism39.4%

North Dorchester High School — Students at North Dorchester High School score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 7%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 60.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
30.2% (2025 MCAP)
ELA Proficiency 63.6% (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
82%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
87%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
92%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
52%
2025
Math
11.5%
ELA
39.1%

* 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: 7.5/10.

How North Dorchester High School Compares

See how North Dorchester High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.1/10
46th percentile in MD
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
7.5/10
Very Good
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 3.1
Sports
9
4 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
34 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
39.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
10.6% participation·State avg: 3.1 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics9sports offered
4 boys'·5 girls'·15 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 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

5875 Cloverdale Road, Hurlock, MD 21643

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Dorchester High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Mardela Middle & High (rated 7.7/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Mardela Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is Colonel Richardson High School (rated 6.6/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Federalsburg), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Cambridge-South Dorchester High School (rated 4.8/10, 12.0 miles away, in nearby Cambridge), a more accessible option. For more schools in Hurlock, see our Hurlock schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.3 mi
School Distance Rating
North Dorchester Middle School Hurlock 0.2 mi 7.0
Hurlock Elementary School Hurlock 3.0 mi 7.4
Warwick Elementary School Secretary 4.1 mi 8.3
Vienna Elementary School Vienna 7.3 mi 8.3
Preston Elementary School Preston 8.7 mi 7.4
COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cambridge 7.6 mi 6.1
Federalsburg Elementary School Federalsburg 8.7 mi 5.9
Northwestern Elementary Mardela Springs 10.6 mi 6.8
Colonel Richardson High School Federalsburg 11.8 mi 6.6
Colonel Richardson Middle School Federalsburg 11.8 mi 6.6
Mardela Middle & High Mardela Springs 10.9 mi 7.7
SMITHSON'S CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Preston 12.7 mi
White Marsh Elementary Trappe 11.9 mi 7.9
OPEN BIBLE ACADEMY Cambridge 11.8 mi 5.6
Sandy Hill Elementary Cambridge 11.7 mi 5.2
Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Cambridge 12.0 mi 4.8
Choptank Elementary School Cambridge 12.0 mi 4.7
Mace's Lane Middle School Cambridge 12.0 mi 7.1
Maple Elementary School Cambridge 12.3 mi 7.1
Sussex Montessori School Seaford 13.3 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 21643 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,708

Median Home Value

$220,000

Median Rent

$739/mo

Population

5,176

College Educated

10.5%

Homeownership

84.4%

Avg Commute

32.9 min

Poverty Rate

16.3%

Median Age

40.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
The Seed School of Maryland Baltimore, MD 6.1
Southern Garrett High School Oakland, MD 6.0
Allegany High Cumberland, MD 6.2
International High School @ Langley Park Bladensburg, MD 6.2
City Neighbors High Baltimore, MD 5.9
St. Michaels Middle/High School St. Michaels, MD 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Dorchester High School

What grades does North Dorchester High School serve?

North Dorchester High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend North Dorchester High School?

North Dorchester High School has an enrollment of approximately 568 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Dorchester High School?

The student-teacher ratio at North Dorchester High School is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Dorchester High School rank in MD?

North Dorchester High School ranks #737 of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is North Dorchester High School's MySchoolScout rating?

North Dorchester High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 North Dorchester High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Dorchester High School has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is North Dorchester High School a charter school?

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

Is North Dorchester High School a Title I school?

No, North Dorchester High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Dorchester High School?

100.0% of students at North Dorchester 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
568
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
34
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Dorchester County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
39.4%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Dorchester County Public Schools
District Enrollment
4,608
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,340
District Rank
#8 of 11

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