Worcester County Schools & Education

Worcester County, Maryland

NCES + U.S. Census Bureau

School Score

92/100

Higher = better

Rating

High Performing

Graduation Rate

95.0%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

95.0%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 89.4%

Per-Pupil Spending

$12,869

National avg $13,239

State avg $10,395

School Score

92/100

Higher = better

State avg 72/100

Student-Teacher Ratio

N/A

National avg 15.8 : 1

Free Lunch (Median)

N/A

National median 48.2%

State School Rank

#1

of 24 counties (1 = best)

Education Advisory: Worcester County

School Verdict

Worcester County is a high-performing district with a school score of 92/100 and a graduation rate of 95.0%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.

Funding Context

With $12,869 per pupil, Worcester County has adequate funding that generally covers core educational needs and some supplemental services.

Attainment Context

Educational attainment data for Worcester County is not available.

Neighbor Context

Its school score is 27% above the Maryland average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 5.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 24% higher than the state norm.

Education Overview

About Schools in Worcester County, Maryland

Premier coastal schools in Worcester

Worcester County maintains a high-quality system of 14 public schools serving 6,841 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary, four middle, and three high schools, along with one special education center. This manageable scale allows the single district to maintain high standards across the board.

Top-tier scores and significant investment

The county leads with a composite school score of 68.8, well above the state average of 60.6. This excellence is supported by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $12,869, nearly matching the national average. A 95.0% graduation rate further cements Worcester’s status as a top performer in Maryland.

A look at Worcester County Public Schools

Worcester County Public Schools oversees the entire county's education, serving 6,841 students with a focus on quality over quantity. No charter schools operate in the county, as the traditional schools consistently deliver high results. Stephen Decatur High is the largest institution, acting as a major secondary hub for 1,431 students.

A mix of rural and town learning

The county’s schools are split perfectly between seven rural and seven town locales, reflecting its coastal and agricultural landscape. Average school enrollment is 526 students, but Stephen Decatur High is nearly triple that size. Despite the larger high schools, intermediate and elementary schools like Showell maintain a more localized feel.

Discover homes in a top-rated Maryland district

With a school score of 68.8 and high per-pupil spending, Worcester County is a magnet for families. Proximity to schools like Berlin Intermediate or Ocean City Elementary adds significant value to local real estate. Investing in a home here means joining a community that clearly prioritizes academic success and well-funded education.

School Overview

Total Schools

14

in Worcester County

Total Enrollment

6,841

students

School Districts

1

district

Charter Schools

0

0% of total

Student-Teacher Ratio

county average

Free Lunch (Median)

of students countywide

School Type Breakdown

Elementary5
Middle4
High3
Other2

1 School District in Worcester County

Worcester County Public Schools

14 schools
6,841 students enrolled

14 Public Schools in Worcester County

Stephen Decatur High

Worcester County Public Schools

9–12High1,431 students
Stephen Decatur Middle

Worcester County Public Schools

7–8Middle697 students
Berlin Intermediate

Worcester County Public Schools

5–6Middle640 students
Showell Elementary

Worcester County Public Schools

PK–4Primary621 students
Ocean City Elementary

Worcester County Public Schools

PK–4Primary521 students
Buckingham Elementary

Worcester County Public Schools

PK–4Primary515 students
Pocomoke Middle

Worcester County Public Schools

4–8Middle448 students
Pocomoke Elementary

Worcester County Public Schools

PK–3Primary443 students
Snow Hill Middle

Worcester County Public Schools

4–8Middle403 students
Snow Hill Elementary

Worcester County Public Schools

PK–3Primary379 students
Pocomoke High

Worcester County Public Schools

9–12High352 students
Snow Hill High

Worcester County Public Schools

9–12High348 students
Cedar Chapel Special School

Worcester County Public Schools

KG–12Special Education43 students
Worcester Technical High School

Worcester County Public Schools

UGVocational0 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$12,869

State avg $10,395

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do schools in Worcester County rate?
Worcester County has a school score of 92/100, which is considered high performing. This score is calculated from graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and educational attainment data from NCES and the U.S. Census Bureau.
What is the graduation rate in Worcester County?
The high school graduation rate in Worcester County is 95.0%, which is above the national average of 87.5%. This figure is based on NCES district-level data for public high schools in the county.
How much does Worcester County spend per student?
Worcester County spends $12,869 per pupil annually on public education, based on NCES district finance data. This includes instructional costs, support services, and capital expenditures allocated across the student population.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Worcester County, Maryland — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Worcester County, Maryland?

Worcester County maintains a high-quality system of 14 public schools serving 6,841 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary, four middle, and three high schools, along with one special education center. This manageable scale allows the single district to maintain high standards across the board.

How do schools in Worcester County perform academically?

The county leads with a composite school score of 68.8, well above the state average of 60.6. This excellence is supported by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $12,869, nearly matching the national average. A 95.0% graduation rate further cements Worcester’s status as a top performer in Maryland.

What are the major school districts in Worcester County, Maryland?

Worcester County Public Schools oversees the entire county's education, serving 6,841 students with a focus on quality over quantity. No charter schools operate in the county, as the traditional schools consistently deliver high results. Stephen Decatur High is the largest institution, acting as a major secondary hub for 1,431 students.

What is the school experience like in Worcester County?

The county’s schools are split perfectly between seven rural and seven town locales, reflecting its coastal and agricultural landscape. Average school enrollment is 526 students, but Stephen Decatur High is nearly triple that size. Despite the larger high schools, intermediate and elementary schools like Showell maintain a more localized feel.

How can I find homes near good schools in Worcester County, Maryland?

With a school score of 68.8 and high per-pupil spending, Worcester County is a magnet for families. Proximity to schools like Berlin Intermediate or Ocean City Elementary adds significant value to local real estate. Investing in a home here means joining a community that clearly prioritizes academic success and well-funded education.

Counties with Similar School Profile

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data Sources

Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.

Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.