Cambridge, MD — Last year, Dorchester County Public Schools (DCPS) rallied around the call: “DCPS 23, no more!” Today, the results are in — and we have rallied indeed! Our students have made significant gains in Maryland’s state assessments for both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, demonstrating real momentum and clear evidence that progress is happening.
Dorchester now ranks 19th in the state for ELA and 20th for Math across all student groups— a meaningful leap forward on our three-year journey to reach the top 15 among Maryland’s 24 school systems.
Our Results Speak Boldly:
3rd Grade ELA: Ranked 13th statewide, with nearly half (49.3%) of students proficient. On the Eastern Shore, Dorchester stands 2nd overall.
6th Grade ELA: Ranked 17th statewide.
8th Grade ELA: Ranked 16th statewide.
Grades 3–8 Combined (ELA): Ranked 17th statewide.
7th Grade Math: Ranked 15th statewide.
8th Grade Math: Ranked 12th statewide — one of our strongest performances to date.
Geometry: Ranked 17th statewide.
“These results show that belief leads to action — and action leads to results,” said Dr. Jymil Thompson, Superintendent of Dorchester County Public Schools. “Last year, we said, ‘DCPS 23, no more.’ Today, we can proudly say Dorchester is on the rise. Our students, staff, and community are proving what’s possible when we all believe in us.”
Dr. Jodi Colman, Assistant Superintendent for Academics & Student Services, added, “We celebrate this progress because it is real. Yet, we know the work is not finished. Our three-year goal to be in the top 15 is within reach, and we are more energized than ever to keep climbing.”
Our strategic plan, Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together, continues to guide this work with a focus on early literacy, math readiness, and ensuring equitable opportunities for every Dorchester student.
About DCPS
Dorchester County Public Schools serve approximately 4,600 students across 12 schools on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Guided by the Believe in Us strategic plan, DCPS is committed to fostering academic excellence, equity, and student success. Stay tuned for more information about the Believe in Us plan during our community forums in October 2025.