Watkins Mill High School is a public high school located in Gaithersburg, an incorporated city in Montgomery County, Maryland. The school is named after the Watkins family, who owned a mill on the property.
Serving 1,661 students in grades 9-12, Watkins Mill 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 12% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 68% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,661 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Watkins Mill High School's student population of 1,661 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 121 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,661 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
121 teachers
Year Founded
1989
Colors
Blue, Orange
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 25, 2025
School Rankings
Watkins Mill 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 Watkins Mill High School is 0.58, 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
#687 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
36%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
7%
Hispanic
60%
23%
Black
24%
33%
White
6%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
46%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watkins Mill High School's ranking?
Watkins Mill High School is ranked #687 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Watkins Mill High School?
The graduation rate of Watkins Mill High School is 81%, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 86%.
How many students attend Watkins Mill High School?
1,661 students attend Watkins Mill High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Watkins Mill High School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are Black, 8% of students are Asian, 6% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Watkins Mill High School?
Watkins Mill High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Watkins Mill High School offer ?
Watkins Mill High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Watkins Mill High School part of?
Watkins Mill High School is part of Montgomery County School District.
School Reviews
5 8/12/2018
Watkins mill is a very good school and also helps Train non- English speakers into becoming great English speakers and talented learners. And They Offer Great Opportunities for students and create a great educational background for all students
5 7/1/2007
As a student who just graduated from Watkins Mill HS I'd have to say it has vastly improved since I was a freshman. The majority of classes are run well and there's a wide selection of courses with many great teachers. The extracurricular activities cover every possible interest and just aren't used as much as they could due to laziness of the student population. Although the school isn't in the top 10 in the county it has greatly improved in the 4 years our Principal, Mr. Cahall, was there. The teachers all work with the students as much as possible and the administrators stay on top of a student that begins to slip. Being as though it is a fairly new school, 17 years, there aren't many issues with the building. Watkins Mill is a very diverse community that will ready your students for life after high school.
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