Below Average
#1217 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
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
568
Student-Teacher
16.7:1
Score
4.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hurlock
#3 of 3
public schools
Maryland high schools
#169 of 226
In district
#10 of 11
Dorchester County Public Schools
School environment
7.3 / 10
Strong
About North Dorchester High School
North Dorchester High School is a regular public high school located in the rural community of Hurlock, Maryland. The school serves students from ninth through twelfth grade and has an enrollment of 568 students. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.7:1, North Dorchester High provides personalized attention to help each student succeed academically.
The academic performance at North Dorchester High is currently rated at the 28th percentile statewide, with room for improvement in areas like ELA and math proficiency levels. However, the school remains committed to fostering a supportive environment that encourages learning and personal growth. The school’s setting in a rural area means students benefit from a close-knit community atmosphere.
North Dorchester High School is situated in a tranquil rural landscape where the tight-knit community supports its educational endeavors.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, North Dorchester High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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North Dorchester High School — Students at North Dorchester High School score 25% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 10%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from MD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 2.0/10.
How North Dorchester High School Compares
See how North Dorchester High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 11.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 39.1% (2025).
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. Colonel Richardson High School (rated 5.7/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Federalsburg), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mardela Middle & High (rated 5.0/10, 10.9 miles away, in nearby Mardela Springs), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Cambridge-South Dorchester High School (rated 4.2/10, 12.0 miles away, in nearby Cambridge), with a comparable rating. 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 | 8.3 |
| Hurlock Elementary School Hurlock | 3.0 mi | 9.3 |
| Warwick Elementary School Secretary | 4.1 mi | 9.2 |
| Vienna Elementary School Vienna | 7.3 mi | 9.8 |
| Preston Elementary School Preston | 8.7 mi | 8.4 |
| COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cambridge | 7.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Federalsburg Elementary School Federalsburg | 8.7 mi | 8.7 |
| Northwestern Elementary Mardela Springs | 10.6 mi | 6.5 |
| Colonel Richardson High School Federalsburg | 11.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Colonel Richardson Middle School Federalsburg | 11.8 mi | 7.2 |
| Mardela Middle & High Mardela Springs | 10.9 mi | 5.0 |
| SMITHSON'S CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Preston | 12.7 mi | — |
| White Marsh Elementary Trappe | 11.9 mi | 7.5 |
| OPEN BIBLE ACADEMY Cambridge | 11.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Sandy Hill Elementary Cambridge | 11.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Cambridge | 12.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Choptank Elementary School Cambridge | 12.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Mace's Lane Middle School Cambridge | 12.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Maple Elementary School Cambridge | 12.3 mi | 8.7 |
| Sussex Montessori School Seaford | 13.3 mi | 6.6 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding North Dorchester High School has a median household income of $61,708. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $220,000, with a median rent of $739/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. The average commute for residents is 33 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ST MARYS HIGH SCHOOL Annapolis, MD | 4.5 |
| Fort Hill High Cumberland, MD | 4.7 |
| International High School @ Langley Park Bladensburg, MD | 4.7 |
| Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy Baltimore, MD | 4.4 |
| Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women Baltimore, MD | 4.8 |
| Frederick Douglass High Baltimore, MD | 4.8 |
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 is ranked #1217 out of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is North Dorchester High School's MySchoolScout rating?
North Dorchester High School has a composite rating of 4.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at North Dorchester High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, North Dorchester High School has 25.6% math proficiency and 55.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (1,579/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hurlock). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (410) 943-4511
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Dorchester County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,608
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $21,340
- District Rank
- #10 of 11
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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