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Average

#1010 of 1,363 schools in MD

Patterson Mill High School

High School · Harford County Public Schools

85 Patterson Mill Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

Enrollment

826

Student-Teacher

16.2:1

Score

5.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Bel Air

#12 of 16

public schools

Maryland high schools

#98 of 226

In district

#44 of 55

Harford County Public Schools

About Patterson Mill High School

Patterson Mill High School serves grades nine through twelve in Bel Air, a mid-size suburb in Harford County. The school enrolls 826 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.2:1 with 51 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Academically, Patterson Mill High School is working to strengthen its performance across core subjects.

In English language arts, 72% of students score at proficient levels or above, showing solid reading and writing fundamentals. Mathematics performance presents an area of focus, with 50% of students meeting proficiency benchmarks. The school's overall academic score of 6.9/10 reflects room for growth as the school supports student development.

Patterson Mill ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, placing it among Maryland's mid-range public high schools. As a regular public high school, Patterson Mill serves the greater Bel Air community and draws from the surrounding suburban area. The school's size and staff-to-student ratio provide a structured environment where students can access support services and participate in typical high school programming.

For families considering Patterson Mill High School, the setting offers a suburban educational experience with opportunities for academic improvement and engagement.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.8Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-4.85 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.4Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13%
Reading/ELA Proficiency71.8%
Math vs. State Avg-17.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+20.7 pts
Overall Proficiency42%
Expected (poverty-adj.)59%
vs. Expected-17.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile36th
College Readiness9.8Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation42.3%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment3.2Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,192

Patterson Mill High School — Students at Patterson Mill High School score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

23.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 48.5%
School
State
30.2%
ELA Proficiency 72.0%
School
State
51.1%

Based on 8 test records from MD state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
37%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
13%
ELA
71.8%

* 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: 1.8/10.

How Patterson Mill High School Compares

See how Patterson Mill High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.4/10
26th percentile in MD
Academic
5.4/10
5.4/10
Growth
1.8/10
Below average
Environment
3.2/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
24%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
51 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
42.3% participation·1 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

85 Patterson Mill Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Patterson Mill High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bel Air High (rated 5.6/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is C. Milton Wright High (rated 5.2/10, 3.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL (rated 5.1/10, 2.2 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Bel Air, see our Bel Air schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Patterson Mill Middle School Bel Air 0.0 mi 5.3
EMMORTON BAPTIST ACADEMY Bel Air 0.5 mi 5.7
Ring Factory Elementary Bel Air 0.6 mi 7.7
Emmorton Elementary Bel Air 1.4 mi 8.1
Homestead/Wakefield Elementary Bel Air 1.5 mi 8.1
Bel Air Middle Bel Air 1.8 mi 6.2
Abingdon Elementary Abingdon 2.1 mi 7.1
William S. James Elementary Abingdon 2.0 mi 6.9
JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL Bel Air 2.2 mi 5.1
Bel Air High Bel Air 2.1 mi 5.6
Fountain Green Elementary Bel Air 2.6 mi 8.6
Southampton Middle Bel Air 2.8 mi 6.9
Bel Air Elementary Bel Air 2.6 mi 7.0
ST MARGARET SCHOOL Bel Air 2.7 mi 3.8
HARFORD DAY SCHOOL Bel Air 3.1 mi 7.1
C. Milton Wright High Bel Air 3.8 mi 5.2
Prospect Mill Elementary Bel Air 3.8 mi 7.9
GRACE CLASSICAL ACADEMY Bel Air 3.2 mi 5.6
Harford Academy at Campus Hills Bel Air 4.0 mi 4.0
THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL Bel Air 3.3 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 21015 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$137,219

Median Home Value

$418,400

Median Rent

$1,730/mo

Population

30,451

College Educated

52.2%

Homeownership

90.5%

Avg Commute

32.9 min

Poverty Rate

4.8%

Median Age

40.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Patterson Mill High School has a median household income of $137,219. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $418,400, with a median rent of $1,730/month. The local poverty rate of 4.8% is relatively low. 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
Havre de Grace High Havre De Grace, MD 5.4
Pikesville High Baltimore, MD 5.4
Southern Garrett High School Oakland, MD 5.4
George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology Towson, MD 5.5
Kent County High Worton, MD 5.5
Perryville High Perryville, MD 5.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Patterson Mill High School

What grades does Patterson Mill High School serve?

Patterson Mill High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Patterson Mill High School?

Patterson Mill High School has an enrollment of approximately 826 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Patterson Mill High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Patterson Mill 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 Patterson Mill High School rank in MD?

Patterson Mill High School is ranked #1010 out of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Patterson Mill High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Patterson Mill High School has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Patterson Mill High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Patterson Mill High School has 48.5% math proficiency and 72.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Patterson Mill High School a charter school?

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

Is Patterson Mill High School a Title I school?

No, Patterson Mill High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Patterson Mill High School?

23.5% of students at Patterson Mill 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

City Safety
High (2,245/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Bel Air). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
826
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
51
Free/Reduced Lunch
23.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
Harford County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Harford County Public Schools
District Enrollment
38,105
Schools in District
55
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,493
District Rank
#44 of 55

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.

Read our full methodology

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