Maryland families have reason to celebrate. The state’s newest School Report Card, released Thursday, shows that half of all public schools earned a four‑ or five‑star rating – a seven‑point jump from the 2025 results. The improvement reflects higher academic achievement, better graduation rates and stronger overall school quality, according to state officials.
What the ratings mean
Under the current system, schools can earn up to 100 points based on academic performance, school quality, student success and graduation outcomes. Those points are then translated into a one‑to‑five‑star rating that parents and community members can use to gauge how well their local schools are serving learners.
State leaders praise the gains
“This year’s results highlight the ongoing dedication of Maryland educators, students, and school communities,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “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.”
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, added that the Report Card remains an essential tool for transparency and accountability. “These results demonstrate how schools and districts are engaging with the system to strengthen student experiences and outcomes across the state,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2027
While the current Report Card will be the final version of this scoring model, the Maryland State Department of Education has already formed an advisory committee of local and state leaders, school staff and community groups to design a new accountability system for 2027. The redesign aims to increase transparency and place greater emphasis on student growth when evaluating school performance.
The upcoming system is expected to retain the core goal of providing families with clear, comparable data while shifting the focus toward measurable progress over time. By highlighting growth, the state hopes to give schools a more nuanced picture of how they are improving year after year.
Why this matters to Maryland families
For parents, teachers and local leaders, the Report Card offers a straightforward way to see how schools are performing relative to state standards. The rise in four‑ and five‑star schools suggests that many districts are successfully implementing strategies that boost student achievement and graduation rates.
Community members can use the data to advocate for continued investment in high‑quality instruction, support programs that drive student success, and hold schools accountable for maintaining upward momentum. As the state prepares to overhaul its accountability framework, the current results provide a solid foundation for future improvements.
Next steps for stakeholders
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the detailed Report Card data, attend upcoming advisory committee meetings, and provide feedback on how the new system can best serve Maryland’s learners. By staying engaged, families can help ensure that the next generation of students benefits from an education system that values both excellence and growth.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
