Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is a public high school in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
Serving 1,087 students in grades 9-12, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,087 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's student population of 1,087 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 60 teachers has grown by 42% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,087 students
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Year Founded
1918
Colors
Maroon, Gold
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Rankings
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is 0.33, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#938 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
7%
Hispanic
17%
24%
Black
80%
32%
White
1%
31%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
46%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
12%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School's ranking?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is ranked #938 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Paul Laurence Dunbar High School often compared to?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Baltimore City College, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
The graduation rate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is 81%, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 86%.
How many students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
1,087 students attend Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offer ?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School part of?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is part of Baltimore City School District.
In what neighborhood is Paul Laurence Dunbar High School located?
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is located in the Dunbar Broadway neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. There are 1 other public schools located in Dunbar Broadway.
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