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#859 of 1,363 schools in MD

Western Heights Middle

Middle School · Washington County Public Schools

1300 Marshall St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Enrollment

887

Student-Teacher

13:1

Score

5.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Hagerstown

#16 of 22

public schools

Maryland middle schools

#110 of 224

In district

#29 of 42

Washington County Public Schools

School environment

7.2 / 10

Strong

About Western Heights Middle

Western Heights Middle serves 887 students in grades 6-8 in Hagerstown, Maryland, offering a substantial middle school experience with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 across 68 full-time equivalent teachers. The school ranks in the 34th percentile statewide, placing 901st out of 1,364 Maryland schools. Academically, Western Heights Middle has room for growth, with 34% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and reading, while math proficiency stands at 10% across all grade levels.

These results suggest the school is working to strengthen foundational skills and support student achievement in core academic areas. The school draws from a diverse community in the 21740 zip code area, where the median household income is $57,150 and median home values reach $230,400. About one in five residents holds a bachelor's degree or higher, while the poverty rate sits at 17.4%, reflecting a mix of economic backgrounds among families in the area.

With nearly 900 students, Western Heights Middle represents one of the larger middle schools in the region, providing students with opportunities to connect with peers across multiple grade levels. The school is situated in Hagerstown, a small city environment that combines suburban accessibility with a close-knit community feel in Washington County.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.1Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-0.28 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics6.0Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency12.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency43.5%
Math vs. State Avg-17.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.6 pts
Overall Proficiency28%
Expected (poverty-adj.)24%
vs. Expected+3.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,838

Western Heights Middle — Students at Western Heights Middle score 28% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

77.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 12.6%
School
State
30.2%
ELA Proficiency 36.9%
School
State
51.1%

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
22%
ELA
40%
2021*
Math
6%
ELA
30%
2022
Math
10%
ELA
34%
2025
Math
12.5%
ELA
43.5%

* 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: 5.1/10.

How Western Heights Middle Compares

See how Western Heights Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
37th percentile in MD
Academic
6.0/10
6.0/10
Growth
5.1/10
Above average
Environment
7.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
78%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
68 teachers

Location

1300 Marshall St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Western Heights Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Maugansville Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Maugansville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Potomac Heights Elementary (rated 8.1/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Salem Avenue Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Hagerstown, see our Hagerstown schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Marshall Street School Hagerstown 0.1 mi 4.3
Washington County Job Development Center Hagerstown 0.1 mi 7.3
Salem Avenue Elementary Hagerstown 0.5 mi 8.0
TRUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hagerstown 0.8 mi 6.4
North Hagerstown High Hagerstown 0.7 mi 5.5
Fountaindale Elementary Hagerstown 0.8 mi 5.2
ST MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Hagerstown 1.0 mi 6.6
Northern Middle Hagerstown 0.9 mi 7.0
ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Hagerstown 1.1 mi 5.3
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Hagerstown 1.3 mi 6.5
HAGERSTOWN CHILDRENS SCHOOL Hagerstown 1.5 mi
Bester Elementary Hagerstown 1.9 mi 6.1
Jonathan Hager Elementary Hagerstown 1.5 mi 4.6
Maugansville Elementary Maugansville 2.2 mi 8.4
Potomac Heights Elementary Hagerstown 1.8 mi 8.1
GRACE ACADEMY Hagerstown 2.2 mi 7.1
Pangborn Elementary Hagerstown 2.2 mi 7.8
South Hagerstown High Hagerstown 2.7 mi 3.6
Paramount Elementary Hagerstown 2.4 mi 7.2
Emma K. Doub Elementary Hagerstown 3.0 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 21740 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,410

Median Home Value

$241,600

Median Rent

$1,031/mo

Population

63,140

College Educated

20.1%

Homeownership

55.2%

Avg Commute

28.1 min

Poverty Rate

17.2%

Median Age

38.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Western Heights Middle has a median household income of $59,410. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $241,600, with a median rent of $1,031/month. The area has a poverty rate of 17.2%. The average commute for residents is 28 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
A. Mario Loiederman Middle Silver Spring, MD 5.9
Arbutus Middle Baltimore, MD 5.9
Brunswick Middle Brunswick, MD 5.9
Burleigh Manor Middle Ellicott City, MD 5.9
Clarksville Middle Clarksville, MD 5.9
Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle Laurel, MD 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Western Heights Middle

What grades does Western Heights Middle serve?

Western Heights Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Western Heights Middle?

Western Heights Middle has an enrollment of approximately 887 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Heights Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Western Heights Middle is 13:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Western Heights Middle rank in MD?

Western Heights Middle is ranked #859 out of 1,363 schools in MD.

What is Western Heights Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Western Heights Middle has a composite rating of 5.9 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 Western Heights Middle?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western Heights Middle has 12.6% math proficiency and 36.9% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Western Heights Middle a charter school?

No, Western Heights Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Western Heights Middle a Title I school?

No, Western Heights Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Heights Middle?

77.8% of students at Western Heights Middle 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 (3,177/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
887
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
Teachers (FTE)
68
Free/Reduced Lunch
77.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Washington County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Washington County Public Schools
District Enrollment
22,549
Schools in District
43
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,937
District Rank
#29 of 42

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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