The Results Are In: MD Report Reveals Schools Seeing Positive Classroom Gains

The Maryland State Department of Education released its 2026 School Report Card on Thursday, revealing the majority of public schools earned one of the top three star ratings.

School star ratings used for the report are based on a variety of factors, measuring academic achievements, progress, school quality, and student successes, among other variables.

Findings revealed that about half of all schools across Maryland earned one of the top two star ratings, and that more than two-thirds of Maryland public schools earned one of the top three star ratings, marking an increase in both categories when compared to the previous year's scores.

The number of five-star schools increased to 134, as one-star schools fell to 11. See how your school district fared.

About 89 schools, including school districts in Baltimore, Montgomery and Howard counties, improved their ratings.

Zeroing in on countywide highlights, Anne Arundel County saw nearly 96% of schools earn three or more stars, while Baltimore County had the second-highest number of five-star schools.

Baltimore County did, however, lose its two-year reign as the county with the most five-star schools in the state. That recognition is now held by Montgomery County.

In Montgomery County, some 67% of district schools landed a four- or five-star rating. Seventeen schools in the county made significant double-digit gains in their overall performance scores.

"In just a few years, we have gone from less than half of our schools with four or more STARs to more than two-thirds," Superintendent Thomas Taylor said in a release.

"These improvements communicate the strong value of public education and demonstrate that our strategic investments are delivering real results for students."

Related:

• 6 MoCo Schools Named Among State's Best For Academic Excellence
• Big Shakeup Comes For BCPS Students As District Tackles Overcrowding Snag

Over in Howard County, school officials also saw their tally of five-star schools increase to 18. In fact, Howard County, along with Harford and Montgomery counties, accounted for the largest number of five-star schools.

The latest report card also showed that schools in Prince George's County recorded their strongest upward momentum since the state report card began its releases in 2018.

"This year’s results highlight the ongoing dedication of Maryland educators, students, and school communities," Dr. Carey M. Wright, state superintendent of schools, said in a statement.

"With one in five schools increasing their star rating, we are seeing yet another meaningful indicator of steady, statewide progress."

"The Maryland School Report Card continues to serve as a critical measure of how well we are supporting every learner, and we remain committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction and meaningful opportunities for success," Wright added.

The latest report card findings come as the state is redesigning its school accountability system, focusing more on student performance and how well schools help students struggling with the curriculum.