Severna Park High School in Severna Park

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program data from Maryland State Department of Education, and using 2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program End-Of-Course data from Maryland State Department of Education.
College Readiness	10/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Maryland State Department of Education, using 2025 Average SAT score data from Maryland State Department of Education, and using 2026 demographic data from Maryland State Department of Education.

Posted: December 27, 2024

The school is just not what it is hyped up to be. The teacher dont know how to teach, they just rush through the lesson and give you work and thats how basically every class is. The student are always on there phones during class and the teachers dont care. There are a lot of drugs at this school, many kids vape. Lots of parties where people do drugs, drink, etc. People talk about who they have had s*x with. The students are fake, rude, mean. Lots of bullying but not the typical bullying, its kind of like the bullys are scared too. Its hard to describe. The sports are mid. There arent any fights, which is a good thing. But theres a lot of people talking bad about other people, they just dont physically fight about it. So basically just a bunch of internet thugs. The building of the school is mostly nice. Im pretty sure they only clean the lobbies, hallways. Because the actual classrooms floors a supposed to be white but theyre black because of dirt. Theres some classrooms where the teacher dont even pick up papers. There food all over the rooms. It also smells bad in the school and not just the bathrooms. The bathrooms are always closed because people destroy them, mainly the boys bathroom. The sports facilities are nice. The schools engagement isnt good. The students dont know how to have fun in class or outside of class. I also hate that all the classes are in one building and you dont go outside all day. Unfortunately the stereotypes of Severna Park high school are true for the most part. The school isnt the reason you should move to the area.

Posted: December 7, 2024

The school get hyped up to be one of the best schools in Maryland. But in reality this school sucks. And theres really no other way to put it. The teachers are nice people but arent good at teaching, the students arent not engaged at all. Most classes people sit on there phones and dont listen to the teacher, despite there being a rule of no phones, most teachers dont enforce it and even when they do they rule doesnt work because you get 3 warnings before they take the phone away. There are many students who smoke, vape, do drugs, etc. at school in the bathrooms or sometimes in the middle of class and nothing is done to stop them. The school is terrible and there no other way to put it.

Posted: July 9, 2024

Severna Park excels in providing a strong academic foundation and a supportive environment for its students. The school's modern curriculum is designed to thoroughly prepare students for college and beyond. The dedicated teachers are highly qualified and committed to ensuring each student excels in their academic journey.

The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are meticulously maintained and equipped to support a variety of learning activities. The school offers a diverse array of extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and clubs, providing ample opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills.

This school also benefits from strong community and parental involvement, fostering a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere. Overall, it provides a cutting-edge education, ensuring students are exceptionally well-prepared for their future academic and personal endeavors.

Posted: July 27, 2023

Severna Park HS has been my home away from home for the past few years, and I can honestly say it's been an incredible journey. The school offers a vibrant and engaging learning environment that encourages students to explore their interests and excel in their studies.

One of the things that make Severna Park High School stand out is the caring and dedicated faculty. They go above and beyond to support their students, not only academically but also emotionally. Whether it's through after-school help sessions or simply lending a listening ear, the teachers here truly care about our well-being and success.

The variety of courses and extracurricular activities available is impressive. From a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) classes to diverse clubs and sports teams, there's something for everyone. This variety allows us to discover new passions and develop valuable skills beyond the traditional classroom setting.

The students here are friendly, welcoming, and eager to embrace new classmates. This positive atmosphere creates a supportive environment where we can learn, grow, and collaborate with one another.

As with any school, there are challenges, but the administration actively works to address them and create an inclusive and safe space for all students. They are open to feedback and strive to continuously improve the overall experience for everyone.

Moreover, the school's commitment to student well-being is evident through its emphasis on mental health awareness and support services. There are counselors and resources available to assist students in navigating the stresses of high school life, which is crucial in promoting a balanced and healthy learning environment.

Overall, my time at Severna Park High School has been unforgettable. It has not only provided me with a solid education but also allowed me to grow as an individual. I have made lifelong friends, learned from dedicated teachers, and engaged in meaningful experiences that have shaped my future positively.

If you're looking for a school that offers a nurturing community, challenging academics, and a plethora of opportunities, Severna Park High School is an excellent choice. I am grateful for my time here and confident that it has prepared me for success in whatever path I choose beyond graduation.

Posted: March 23, 2023

This school is far from what we imagined when we paid nearly 500k for a home to be in the district. It's full of bullying and racism. Nothing is ever done about it because they want to save face. Unless your kid grew up here, their whole life, they will be bullied. BEWARE, nothing changes and the kids that are the worst do not get punished. We bought a house here less than a year ago, and we are selling now, just to get out.
No reason for the bullying, hatred, and racism. I'd rather my children attend a school that may not be as "good" as SPHS and be happy, not get bullied.
Trust me, stay away from this school.

Posted: April 28, 2022

As a person of color I feel accepted at this school. There isn't much diversity but the academics and teachers are great. I feel like I am getting a proper education. I am very impressed with this school so far and recommend it.

Posted: April 15, 2022

The school ranks high in student achievement and college preparedness. Students on average have fewer discipline problems and are more driven to achieve academic success. My children have formed many lasting friendships. The sports programs are competitive and well managed. The band/arts/drama programs are outstanding.

Posted: July 5, 2021

I moved to Severna Park from Hanover (Meade High feeder) for the schools, and my youngest just graduated from Severna Park High this year. My oldest did 9th and 10th at Meade High School and 11th and 12th grade at Severna Park High School. Really, the biggest difference between Meade and Severna Park were the buildings and the demographics. I did not feel that my childrens teachers at their Severna Park schools were better than their teachers at their Meade schools, I did not feel that the curriculum at SP schools was any different than the curriculum at Meade schools, and my children did great at schools in both feeder systems. People Ive talked to who moved to SP from other bad schools often say the same thing. I miss my larger, newer, and beautiful home in Hanover that I traded for my older and smaller home in Severna Park. I miss the diversity we had in Hanover as well. Severna Park is a nice area with nice schools, but dont feel like you HAVE to move to Severna Park for the schools, because I can 100% promise you that your child will receive the same exact education at any AACPS school and its all about how you parent your children.

Posted: July 5, 2021

Posted: January 26, 2021

Growing up in Western Howard County and attending one of the states best high schools, I understand the importance of a high-quality education. Thus, I bought into the hype of the Severna Park schools. After having two children go through this school, I have to agree with the other reviewer that SPHS reputation is far overstated relative to the actual quality of the school. It is a good school that prepares students for the rigors of college, and the school has top-notch teachers, but it is not significantly different from many other AACo schools. In my experience, the Severna Park schools hype stems from community members and local real estate agents who feel that the school is better because it is in a wealthy area. These are largely folks living in strictly middle-class housing with snob attitudes greater than what youll encounter in some of the states most exclusive enclaves within Bethesda/Potomac and Howard County. I feel sorry for the people who believe they are rich and have clearly never left Severna Park to see true wealth before. They are not as different from their neighboring towns as theyd like to believe. The principal of SPHS has extremely poor leadership. Whenever a major incident occurs at the school involving a fight, bullying, or racism, he always tosses the issue under a rug or only briefly addresses it. The issues continue to linger because the leaders at this school are far more concerned about protecting SPHS reputation than they are about caring for ALL students. If I could do it over, I would have bought in the Crofton/Gambrills area instead or avoid AACo altogether and move back to HoCo. There are so many parents who claim to be concerned about mental health, but they do little when their children are the ones being the bullies at school, and the culture in this school and community is completely abysmal for ethnic minorities. Majority of the members in the community around this school love the homogeneity and fight to keep it that way, and lots of people here view diverse areas and schools as being inferior. Long story short, this school is very good, but the school leaders dont demonstrate leadership, there is a lot of close-mindedness among parents, and theres plenty of other good and even better schools that you can send your kids to that wont inflict trauma in your children if theyre non-white.

Posted: January 26, 2021

Posted: November 18, 2019

I have mixed feelings about SP I have one child that graduated from SP and one who tested out and went directly to college at 16 mostly because at police officer told me at my dining room table in front of my child that it was not safe for him to walk to school. Luckily we had just moved from Fairfax and he was about a year maybe two ahead academically from his classmates and had no problem testing out of high school. My daughter stayed. We did have at one time an incident where another SP student broke into our house and drew swastikas' on her bed room walls. It terrified her. That thankfully was contained. I have to say I was not impressed with the adminstration of SP though the teaching staff is stellar. Both my children overcame their experiences at SPHS and we attend SP events. The new HS is ugly to be sure an example of someone's bad judgement in architecture that we will have with us for years to come. As a parent I made the best decision at the time for my kids I would opt for a smaller class size option with a focus on community and kindness and not on a self entitlement. I have gone myself and had my kids in private and public schools and this one is meh as best and for some kids soul dangerous. If your child is self aware and independent you may be safe enough I would not want a vulnerable child to go here.

Posted: December 26, 2018

This school provides all the resources a child needs to succeed. My son is taking multiple AP courses and doing exceptionally. He has learned how to study and think independently.

Posted: December 26, 2018

As with any school there are some teachers that are more effective than others.

Posted: December 26, 2018

I have a son that is about to graduate from SPHS. I am confident my younger children will receive the same quality education.

Posted: October 6, 2018

I am a student at this school and when I got bullied they told me I was provoking the bully

Posted: October 6, 2018

Posted: May 21, 2018

This school has a lot of good teachers and students , but the administration here is just horrible. If you mess up once or do these slightest thing wrong, you will be harrassed by the principals and school police officer. Constantly following you around and questioning you. And if you dont have s snobby attitude, you wont fit in. Theres also still a significantly large wrong crowd here that starts fights , does and sells drugs, steal, and doesnt care about academics in the slightest. You have been warned.

Posted: May 21, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

10 out of 10...the property is incredible!!!

Posted: April 13, 2018

The data contained here is incorrect with reference to test scores and AP participation. SPHS switched to PARCC testing three years ago and the scores represented are for the bottom 25% of students. PARCC resulted from the No Child Left Behind initiative to ensure that educational standards for low achieving students are being met. In the last year, 15 participating states have dropped the test because the scores are not representative of the entire student body. Also the AP participation at Severna Park is 70% for both math and science. I have seen with my own eyes the participation sheet that gets sent along to the university your child is applying to. Prospective parents beware that you are not seeing accurate information on this website.

Posted: April 4, 2018

Posted: November 4, 2017

Their Special Ed department is wonderful and committed to helping all students. Their 504 coordinator is a compassionate encouraging administrative person.

Posted: November 4, 2017

I would like to see Academics play a bigger role then Athletics. I would like to see a commitment from the Leadership to show academic achievement as much as they show their athletic achievements.

Posted: November 4, 2017

Many teachers have been here for more then 2 decades. They will drive far distances to be at this school. Most have great passion to teach, especially the AP and Honors teachers.

Posted: November 4, 2017

When there is a food drive or other charity drive, a large percentage of teachers and students participate.

Posted: November 4, 2017

SPHS has many pros - a great Engineering Program and Business Program, and fantastic Physics, Math, Engineering, English, Government departments. The only weak links that we have experienced is the Chemistry Dept and the over-the-top focus on athletics.

Posted: November 4, 2017

Many teachers allow HW to be emailed. Due to my son's anxiety, HW can be very stressful. The teachers and administration has helped him turn in HW/Projects by working with his anxiety.

Posted: October 20, 2017

My child is a freshman and is loving it. The teachers are great, and the curriculum provides so many options. I moved to this area for the schools and I've never regretted our choice.

Posted: October 20, 2017

Outstanding high school w great teachers and awesome curriculum. Definitely prepares students for college and success beyond!

Posted: October 18, 2017

I went to this school as well as my children. As with any public school it serves the public. All different levels. No matter what level there is support and help if you seek it. there are o many tools available to help and challenge a student no matter what their goals are. It is available but you need to use it.

Posted: December 16, 2016

This was a wonderful school! The teachers expected greatness and most of us provided that. I will say that only mature teens that can self-monitor should go to public schools. If your children strive for excellence, have confidence, and they respect teachers (know how to please different types of authority figures)- they will succeed here. SPHS is not made for adolescents that often compare themselves to others, question themselves, or lack drive. Sadly, SPHS has a high rate of self-injury (fatal and non-fatal). It is a complicated problem and I think one major aspect is that some teens do not know how to dismiss the negative appraisal of their peers. I loved this school and it prepared me to graduate in four years from UMCP. Only 40% of people graduate from a four year university in four years, so that says a lot of SPHS preparation. Please send your child to St. Mary's, Severn, or Spalding if they need their hand held during high school as you must be a resilient person to attend public school. I will miss the old school but the new one looks amazing! Signed, Class Clown

Posted: December 16, 2016

Posted: August 15, 2016

There are two ways to assess SPHS. If your goal is to indoctrinate your children into the world of high stress, high academic achievement, and progressive political thinking models SPHS is for you. If your goal is to raise independent thinkers who have high ethical and morals standards SPHS is not for you.

Teachers will tell your students that any career that equals a high salary is admirable but any career that involves altruism or serving others with a median salary is stupid. The basic philosophy is to get superior grades, go to a top college, then earn a lot of money to buy a big house, car, and boat because that equals happiness in life.

This is really indicative of the entire culture of Severna Park, the most common question you will be asked is What is your Job/Title and Where did you go to school then a Parky will decided whether you meet their Status Meter and they wish to converse with you or not. Ive actually been shunned by a mother at a social engagement because I didnt live in a particular subdivision.

If you have lived anywhere else outside of Maryland, Severna Park will come off as snobbish, rich, and pretentious but residence/students see this as the norm and will tell you we are not snobbish. Most students have an entitlement mentality (Mommy and Daddy buy we anything I want) versus a strong work ethic. Students are some of the most self-centered, conceited youth weve ever encountered yet again, they dont see this in themselves because this is the cultural norm.

Overall, this is an outstanding school for academics, sports, and preparing your kids for college but also understand the other understanding principals and morals your kids will be inculcated into.

Posted: July 19, 2016

Before sending your child to this school, you may want to google aahealth consumption survey regarding drug, drinking, and smoking. Don't judge this book by its cover.

Posted: September 4, 2015

As for whether the school develops honesty, integrity, and fairness; on a surface level, it does, as that is the school system policy.

Posted: September 3, 2015

This is a good school for a student interested in academics. The test score results are remarkable.

Posted: August 4, 2014

The person who wrote something about Bethesda schools is obviously an angry student or parent from Bethesda's Walt Whitman High School. I used to go to Walt Whitman High School, and I wrote a review telling the truth about how horrible it is, and recommended this school (which is where i go to school now, my parents go to Severna Park). Severna Park is NOT a snobby school. Most of the rich kids in Severna Park go to private schools, so enough with calling us snobby. We are just a public school. Severna Park is a great school, and has a very friendly staff and student body. I felt so welcomed here. Coming from a real snobby high school, I think I can assure you Severna Park is just fine and not snobby at all. Its the perfect school, and I'm GLAD I go here instead of Walt Whitman. And at Severna Park, we don't just pass our students to make the numbers look good like Whitman does, we actually work hard to get those numbers.

Posted: June 15, 2014

Whether you are an adult or a student, if you are one who enjoys climbing the social ladder by meekly following King and Queen Bees, you will probably like Severna Park. If you march to the beat of a your own drum and think independently, you will probably be unhappy here. And be forewarned, the players can be viciously competitive.

Posted: June 1, 2014

Construction on the new school will start this summer, with anticipated completion in 2017. the 53 year old building has seen better days, and yet the students excel.

Posted: April 10, 2014

If you want a great public school move to Bethesda. This schools test scores based on the demographics are disappointing.

Posted: February 19, 2014

Severna Park High has been a wonderful school for all 3 of my children. Our principle shows a lot of respect to the children, and in turn I see the respect that they show him.

Posted: February 6, 2014

The building is physically falling down, but the parents and community are currently fighting for a new building. The teachers vary from highly superior to way below average. The students can find anything they want at SPHS. If they are academically driven the school is AP course driven, if they are looking for sex, drugs and rock n roll that unfortunately is available in abundance also. Students who excel in sports can try out for football, lax, track, swimming, field hockey and more . The drama department offers multiple opportunities, with one act plays, improv comedy and singing and dancing in the Rock n Roll revival show. Students who excel in band are encouraged to join, if you simply enjoy band; don't bother as you will be pushed to always be the best. Second is NOT acceptable. This is a highly competitive school and if your child is not in the top 25% or the bottom 10%, expect a bumpy ride. There is a work hard/play hard mentality. Opportunities are available for parents to get involved, both in the school and outside of the school.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cape Arthur	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Severna Park	MD	0.3 mi
2	Westridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Severna Park	MD	0.9 mi
3	Carrollton Manor	Area of Town	Severna Park	MD	1.3 mi
4	Canterbury Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arnold	MD	3.6 mi
5	Shelter Cove Luxury Apartments	Apartment Complex	Odenton	MD	6.7 mi
6	The Point at Annapolis	Apartment Complex	Annapolis	MD	7 mi
7	Phythian Apartments	Apartment Complex	United States Naval Academy	MD	7.1 mi
8	The Residences at Park Place	Condominium/Townhouse	Annapolis	MD	7.5 mi
9	Tidewater Colony	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annapolis	MD	7.7 mi
10	Broadview Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annapolis	MD	7.8 mi
11	Piney Orchard at Pinedale Courts	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Odenton	MD	8.2 mi
12	Crofton	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Crofton	MD	8.5 mi
13	Harvest Run	Condominium/Townhouse	Odenton	MD	8.6 mi
14	Lake Village Town Homes	Apartment Complex	Severn	MD	9.1 mi
15	The Provinces	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Severn	MD	9.9 mi
16	Midway Common	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort Meade	MD	11.1 mi
17	Arundel on the Bay	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annapolis	MD	11.8 mi
18	Bay City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Stevensville	MD	13.7 mi
19	Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Elkridge	MD	13.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Severna Park	Severna Park	MD	0.9 mi
2	Anne Arundel County	Pasadena	MD	3.1 mi
3	Cape St Claire	Cape St Claire	MD	6.8 mi
4	Severn	Severn	MD	7 mi
5	Annapolis	Annapolis	MD	7.7 mi
6	Annapolis	Annapolis	MD	7.7 mi

Base	Distance
US Naval Academy	7.7 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	7.7 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	8.6 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	9.6 mi.
Andrews AFB	25.7 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	27.1 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	27.4 mi.
Fort McNair	28.5 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	28.5 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	29.2 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	29.6 mi.
Pentagon	30.3 mi.
Fort Myer	31.1 mi.
Henderson Hall	31.2 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	34.5 mi.
Aberdeen Proving Ground	35.6 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	37.8 mi.
Fort Belvoir	40.5 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	47.3 mi.
NRO Chantilly	49.7 mi.

Severna Park High School

Severna Park, MD 21146

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Severna Park High School

Severna Park, MD 21146

School Ratings

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