Newark, MD, May 29, 2026– Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) is earning statewide recognition for its continued academic recovery and growth, with a new national report naming Worcester County among Maryland districts outperforming their peers in both mathematics and reading.
The 2026 Education Scorecard, released May 13, by the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University in collaboration with the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University and faculty at Dartmouth College, highlights Maryland as one of the top-performing states in the nation for academic recovery. According to the report, Maryland ranked fifth among 38 states in math growth and third among 35 states in reading growth between 2022 and 2025.
While the report notes that students statewide have not yet fully returned to pre-pandemic achievement levels, it also identifies several Maryland school systems making exceptional progress compared to similar districts. WCPS was named among a core group of “Districts on the Rise” excelling in both math and reading, alongside Baltimore City and Frederick County.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, families, and school leaders, who have remained focused on strong instruction, meaningful support, and high expectations,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Annette Wallace. “We are proud that Worcester County is being recognized as a standout district in Maryland, and we remain committed to ensuring every student continues to grow and succeed.”
The Education Scorecard analyzes state test results from approximately 35 million students in grades 3–8 nationwide, combining local and national assessment data to provide a detailed look at academic recovery across states and school districts.
In Maryland, the report found that students made meaningful gains from 2022 to 2025. In math, the average student is performing nearly 0.4 grade equivalents above 2022 levels, while in reading, the average student is performing about 0.2 grade equivalents above 2022 levels. The report also notes that Maryland’s chronic absenteeism rate declined from 31.1% in 2022 to 25.5% in 2025, signaling progress in student engagement and attendance.
For WCPS, the recognition underscores the district’s sustained efforts to support student learning in the years following the pandemic. Through focused instruction, targeted interventions, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to meeting the needs of every learner, WCPS continues to demonstrate growth that sets it apart.
As Maryland continues its academic recovery, WCPS remains focused on building on this momentum and ensuring that students are prepared for success in school, careers, and life.
About the Education Scorecard
The Education Scorecard is a collaborative project of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University, and faculty at Dartmouth College. The annual report examines district-level student growth in math and reading and provides insight into academic recovery across the United States.