- Maple Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 483 students
- Sandy Hill Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 393 students
- Hurlock Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 391 students
- Warwick Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 346 students
- Choptank Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 319 students
- Vienna Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 183 students
- Mace's Lane Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 490 students
- North Dorchester Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 414 students
- Cambridge-South Dorchester High School — Grades 9–12 · 811 students
- North Dorchester High School — Grades 9–12 · 526 students
- South Dorchester School — Grades PK–8 · 230 students
with district
with district
with district
| Metric | Dorchester County Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,523 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 13 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,400/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 25 rated districts in MD → 22nd percentile → 3/10.
Source: Maryland State Dept. of Education MCAP, all grades Proficient Pct, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Dorchester County Public Schools
Dorchester County Public Schools serves zip code 21627, covering Dorchester, Maryland with grades Pre-K – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Maryland spend approximately $17,400 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 13 schools serving approximately 4,523 students across grades Pre-K – 12th, Dorchester County Public Schools is a mid-sized district. Contact Dorchester County Public Schools to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
Dorchester County Public Schools has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Maryland’s MCAP assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Maryland is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Dorchester County Public Schools holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Maryland on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 21627
Children in zip code 21627 are assigned to Dorchester County Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 21627, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Dorchester County Public Schools at (410)228-4747 or visit www.dcps.k12.md.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Maryland districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Dorchester
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Dorchester County Public Schools serves zip code 21627, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 21627. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Maryland, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Dorchester County Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 21627.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Dorchester County Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 21627 data.