Very Good
#507 of 1,363 schools in MD
Top 37% in state
North Dorchester Middle School
Middle School · Dorchester County Public Schools
5745 Cloverdale Road, Hurlock, MD 21643
Enrollment
423
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
7.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
423
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
7.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Maryland schools
#507 of 1,363
In Hurlock
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#7 of 11
Dorchester County Public Schools
Equity
9.2 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around North Dorchester Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
North Dorchester Middle School
Middle School in Hurlock · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
North Dorchester High School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hurlock Elementary School
3.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About North Dorchester Middle School
North Dorchester Middle School is a public middle school in Hurlock, MD, part of Dorchester County Public Schools. North Dorchester Middle School serves approximately 423 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.1:1 student-teacher ratio. North Dorchester Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #507 of 1,363 schools in MD.
Structured state assessment records for North Dorchester Middle School show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 7.0 · Very Good
- District avg 7.0
- MD avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
North Dorchester 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.
42% of students at North Dorchester Middle 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
North Dorchester Middle School — Students at North Dorchester Middle School score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 7%).
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 28 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: 6.5/10.
How North Dorchester Middle School Compares
See how North Dorchester Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
5745 Cloverdale Road, Hurlock, MD 21643
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering North Dorchester Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Mace's Lane Middle School (rated 7.1/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Cambridge), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Colonel Richardson Middle School (rated 6.6/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Federalsburg), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hurlock, see our Hurlock schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| North Dorchester High School Hurlock | 0.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Hurlock Elementary School Hurlock | 3.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Warwick Elementary School Secretary | 4.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Vienna Elementary School Vienna | 7.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Preston Elementary School Preston | 8.9 mi | 7.4 |
| COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Cambridge | 7.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Federalsburg Elementary School Federalsburg | 9.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Northwestern Elementary Mardela Springs | 10.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Mardela Middle & High Mardela Springs | 10.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Colonel Richardson High School Federalsburg | 12.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Colonel Richardson Middle School Federalsburg | 12.1 mi | 6.6 |
| SMITHSON'S CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Preston | 12.9 mi | — |
| White Marsh Elementary Trappe | 11.9 mi | 7.9 |
| OPEN BIBLE ACADEMY Cambridge | 11.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Sandy Hill Elementary Cambridge | 11.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Cambridge | 11.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Choptank Elementary School Cambridge | 11.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Mace's Lane Middle School Cambridge | 11.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Maple Elementary School Cambridge | 12.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Sussex Montessori School Seaford | 13.4 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 |
|---|---|
| Mace's Lane Middle School Cambridge, MD | 7.1 |
| Redland Middle Rockville, MD | 6.9 |
| Snow Hill Middle Snow Hill, MD | 7.1 |
| Stevensville Middle School Stevensville, MD | 6.9 |
| Perryville Middle Perryville, MD | 6.8 |
| Sparrows Point Middle Baltimore, MD | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Dorchester Middle School
What grades does North Dorchester Middle School serve?
North Dorchester Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend North Dorchester Middle School?
North Dorchester Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 423 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at North Dorchester Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at North Dorchester Middle School is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does North Dorchester Middle School rank in MD?
North Dorchester Middle School ranks #507 of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is North Dorchester Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
North Dorchester Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 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 North Dorchester Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, North Dorchester Middle School has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is North Dorchester Middle School a charter school?
No, North Dorchester Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is North Dorchester Middle School a Title I school?
No, North Dorchester Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Dorchester Middle School?
100.0% of students at North Dorchester 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 423
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Dorchester County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 41.6%
- Phone
- (410) 943-3322
Resources & Links
District
Dorchester County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 4,608
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $21,340
- District Rank
- #7 of 11
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.