James M. Bennett High School is a high school located in Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Wicomico County Public School system. It is one of four public high schools in Wicomico County along with Mardela Middle and High School, Parkside High School, and Wicomico High School.
Serving 1,474 students in grades 9-12, James M. Bennett High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 28% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,474 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 37% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James M. Bennett High serves the west part of Salisbury, MD, covering an attendance zone of approximately 124.9 square miles, where families can typically expect a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 8 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 18.4 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
James M. Bennett High School's student population of 1,474 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,474 students
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Year Founded
1962
School Calendar
School Motto
Anchored in Respect, Navigating Responsibility, Charting Excellence
School Rankings
James M. Bennett 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 James M. Bennett High School is 0.72, 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
#678 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
4%
7%
Hispanic
16%
24%
Black
37%
32%
White
35%
31%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
85.8%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.2%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
46%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James M. Bennett High School's ranking?
James M. Bennett High School is ranked #678 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are James M. Bennett High School often compared to?
James M. Bennett High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Parkside High School, Wicomico High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
28% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of James M. Bennett High School?
The graduation rate of James M. Bennett High School is 81%, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend James M. Bennett High School?
1,474 students attend James M. Bennett High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of James M. Bennett High School students are Black, 35% of students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James M. Bennett High School?
James M. Bennett High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does James M. Bennett High School offer ?
James M. Bennett High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James M. Bennett High School part of?
James M. Bennett High School is part of Wicomico County School District.
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