Below Average
#1133 of 1,363 schools in MD
Paul Laurence Dunbar High
High School · Baltimore City Public Schools
1400 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
Enrollment
1,101
Student-Teacher
22.9:1
Score
4.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,101
Student-Teacher
22.9:1
Score
4.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Maryland schools
#1,133 of 1,363
In Baltimore
#157 of 267
public schools
In district
#95 of 149
Baltimore City Public Schools
Academic performance
7.8 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Paul Laurence Dunbar High?
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.
Paul Laurence Dunbar High
High School in Baltimore · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
National Academy Foundation
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
City Springs Elementary/middle
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Paul Laurence Dunbar High
Paul Laurence Dunbar High is a public high school in Baltimore, MD, part of Baltimore City Public Schools. Paul Laurence Dunbar High serves approximately 1,101 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Paul Laurence Dunbar High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,133 of 1,363 schools in MD.
Structured state assessment records for Paul Laurence Dunbar High show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.5 · Below Average
- District avg 5.3
- MD avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
Paul Laurence Dunbar High runs 22.9:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
55% of students at Paul Laurence Dunbar High 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Paul Laurence Dunbar High — Students at Paul Laurence Dunbar High score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
74.8%
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: 2.8/10.
How Paul Laurence Dunbar High Compares
See how Paul Laurence Dunbar High 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
1400 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Paul Laurence Dunbar High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Baltimore Design School (rated 7.3/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Eager Street Academy (rated 5.3/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Baltimore, see our Baltimore schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| National Academy Foundation Baltimore | 0.1 mi | 3.2 |
| City Springs Elementary/Middle Baltimore | 0.4 mi | 5.9 |
| TONG LE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Baltimore | 0.5 mi | — |
| Eager Street Academy Baltimore | 0.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Johnston Square Elementary Baltimore | 0.6 mi | 3.2 |
| Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle Baltimore | 0.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Dr. Bernard Harris Sr. Elementary Baltimore | 0.8 mi | 2.4 |
| Wolfe Street Academy Baltimore | 0.7 mi | 4.8 |
| ST FRANCES ACADEMY Baltimore | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Elmer A. Henderson: A Johns Hopkins Partnership Baltimore | 0.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Tench Tilghman Elementary/Middle Baltimore | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| The Crossroads School Baltimore | 0.9 mi | 6.1 |
| NEW CENTURY SCHOOL THE Baltimore | 0.9 mi | 6.7 |
| CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL Baltimore | 0.9 mi | 6.6 |
| THE LOYOLA SCHOOL Baltimore | 0.8 mi | — |
| Collington Square Elementary/Middle Baltimore | 1.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Baltimore Design School Baltimore | 1.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Harford Heights Elementary Baltimore | 1.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Sharp-Leadenhall Elementary/Middle Baltimore | 1.3 mi | — |
| ST JOHN SCHOOL Baltimore | 1.0 mi | 6.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 21231 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$85,382
Median Home Value
$336,500
Median Rent
$1,710/mo
Population
14,556
College Educated
65.9%
Homeownership
35%
Avg Commute
26.3 min
Poverty Rate
19.9%
Median Age
32.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chesapeake High Baltimore, MD | 4.5 |
| Frederick Douglass High Baltimore, MD | 4.5 |
| Joppatowne High Joppa, MD | 4.5 |
| BISHOP MCNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL Forestville, MD | 4.6 |
| Edmondson-Westside High Baltimore, MD | 4.6 |
| Friendly High Fort Washington, MD | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paul Laurence Dunbar High
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar High serve?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High has an enrollment of approximately 1,101 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar High?
The student-teacher ratio at Paul Laurence Dunbar High is 22.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Paul Laurence Dunbar High rank in MD?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High ranks #1,133 of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar High's MySchoolScout rating?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Paul Laurence Dunbar High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Paul Laurence Dunbar High has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Paul Laurence Dunbar High a charter school?
No, Paul Laurence Dunbar High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Paul Laurence Dunbar High a Title I school?
No, Paul Laurence Dunbar High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Paul Laurence Dunbar High?
74.8% of students at Paul Laurence Dunbar High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,101
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 74.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Baltimore city
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 55.1%
- Phone
- (443) 642-4478
- 4-Year Graduation
- 87.0%
Resources & Links
District
Baltimore City Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 75,811
- Schools in District
- 151
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,977
- District Rank
- #95 of 149
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.