Thomas Viaduct Middle School
General Information
About (Overview)
Thomas Viaduct Middle School is a public middle school located in Hanover (Elkridge), Maryland, operating within the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). The school serves grades 6 through 8 and is named after the historic Thomas Viaduct, reflecting a commitment to bridging student learning and growth during the pivotal middle-school years. With a student body of approximately 760 to 800 students, Thomas Viaduct offers a suburban campus environment designed to support academic and social development in early adolescence.
The school emphasizes fostering strong academic foundations, student wellness, and a sense of community, with programs in STEM, arts, wellness, and extracurricular activities. The culture at Thomas Viaduct focuses on inclusivity, kindness, and academic growth, providing a transition from elementary to high school in a supportive environment. Faculty and staff collaboratively work to prepare students not only for high school but also for lifelong skills in critical thinking, social responsibility, and self-management.
Contact Informations
- Address: 7000 Banbury Drive, Hanover, Maryland 21076
- Phone Number: (410) 313-8711
- Email Address: For general inquiries, the main school office is reachable through the Howard County Public School System’s directory.
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2002* (approximate opening year) |
| Motto | “Kindness Matters” |
| Grades Served | 6-8 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~13:1 |
| Enrollment | ~764 students |
| School Type | Public Middle School |
| District | Howard County Public School System |
| *Note: The exact founding year is not publicly listed but the school opened in the early 2000s. |
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade | B+ (for Baltimore area public middle schools) |
| Maryland State Performance | Below state average (GreatSchools rating 4/10) |
| Diversity Rank | #47 of 363 most diverse middle schools in Maryland |
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Academics
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Faculties / Departments
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science (Life Science, Physical Science)
- Social Studies / History
- World Languages (exploratory level)
- Fine & Practical Arts
- Physical Education & Wellness
- Counseling & Student Services
- Gifted & Talented / Enrichment Programs
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Standard curriculum for grades 6-8 aligned with Maryland state standards
- Enrichment and Accelerated courses in mathematics and language arts
- Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students
- STEM exploratory classes including robotics, coding, and applied science
- Visual and performing arts offerings such as band, chorus, art and drama
- Wellness and advisory programs to support social-emotional learning and student transitions
Online Learning
Thomas Viaduct provides supplemental online learning and digital resources through the HCPSS platform, including access to Canvas, Google Suite, and other instructional tools. While the school does not operate as a full virtual school, students engage in blended learning, remote review sessions, homework support, and digital portfolios. Additionally, during district-wide instructional transitions, Thomas Viaduct leverages its infrastructure to maintain continuity of learning in hybrid or online formats.
Average Test Scores
| Test Type | Available Data |
|---|---|
| State Assessments | Approximately 16% of students proficient in math and 35% in reading (grade 8) |
| NWEA / MAP | Not publicly disclosed |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a middle school, Thomas Viaduct focuses on retention in grades 6–8 and readiness for high school transitions. The school emphasizes academic growth, advisory support, and student engagement to ensure students advance to ninth grade prepared for high school challenges. While specific graduation rates are not applicable, student advancement and course completion are monitored closely, with interventions for those needing additional academic support.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public zoned middle school, Thomas Viaduct does not require standardized test scores or GPA for admission. Students residing within the attendance boundaries of the HCPSS receive automatic placement into the school.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Zoned Enrollment | Automatic for residents in the school’s zone |
| Out-of-Zone Requests | Subject to district policy and space availability |
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Application Requirements
For standard enrollment, there is no separate application beyond the Howard County Public School System’s registration process for new students. Families complete residency verification, previous school records, immunization forms, and registration through the district’s Central Registration office. For special programs such as Gifted & Talented or enrichment, additional assessments or referral may be required.
Application Process
- Complete HCPSS online registration, including proof of residence and prior schooling.
- Submit required student health and immunization records.
- Attend any orientation or information sessions provided by Thomas Viaduct.
- Confirm schedule and student advisory assignment prior to school year start.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| New student registration opens | Late spring/early summer |
| Orientation for incoming 6th graders | August before school year start |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable for standard enrollment at the middle school level.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Scholarships
As a public school, Thomas Viaduct does not charge tuition and no scholarships are required for admission. Extracurricular activities may have optional fees.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 for resident students |
| Activity/Club Fees | Varies by program |
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population at Thomas Viaduct is diverse across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background. According to the 2023-24 data, enrollment by gender is roughly equal at 380 male and 384 female students. Racial/ethnic breakdown included approximately 122 Asian students, 365 Black / African American students, 150 Hispanic students, 75 White students, and 49 students of two or more races. About 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch programs, illustrating significant economic diversity.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
With around 385 students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, Thomas Viaduct serves a considerable student body from low-income families. The school participates in district-wide special education and inclusion programs, providing individualized support, resource classes, and interventions for students with disabilities and learning needs.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~764 students |
| Grades | 6-8 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~12.6 : 1 |
School Diversity
Thomas Viaduct Middle School stands out for its multi-ethnic, multilingual community and inclusive culture. Students from a wide variety of backgrounds engage side by side in academic and co-curricular activities, fostering empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and collaboration. The diversity enriches classroom dialogue, group projects, and school events, preparing students for increasingly globalized high school and college environments. Efforts such as advisory programs, cultural awareness initiatives, and student clubs support the integration of diverse voices and enhance belonging.
Average Earnings
While earnings data is not directly applicable to a middle-school cohort, students graduating from Thomas Viaduct are positioned for successful transitions into high school, benefitting from early engagement in enrichment and support programs. This strong foundation in middle school lays the groundwork for higher achievement, which can in turn lead to more favorable post-secondary outcomes and earning potential in later life.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Thomas Viaduct employs approximately 61 full-time equivalent classroom teachers and related instructional staff, yielding a student-teacher ratio near 12.6:1. Staff includes classroom educators, special-education professionals, school counselors, and student services personnel. The school emphasizes professional development, collaboration among faculty, and personalized student support.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Thomas Viaduct are experienced educators with backgrounds in middle-school pedagogy, adolescent development, and inclusive practices. Teachers integrate differentiated instruction to meet varying student needs, lead enrichment opportunities, and support students’ academic and social development through the pivotal grades 6-8. The counseling and student-service teams embed workshop and advisory programs to guide students through academic planning, social-emotional learning, and future readiness.
Thomas Viaduct Middle School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a day school, Thomas Viaduct Middle School does not offer student housing. The campus features classrooms, science labs, arts spaces, athletic fields, and a gymnasium aligned with the Howard County Public School System’s facilities standards. Student life includes a robust array of clubs, athletics teams, arts programs, and grade-level transition activities. The school fosters a “Wolf Den” culture symbolizing community, respect, and personal growth as students navigate middle school years.
Transportation
Transportation is coordinated by HCPSS and includes bus services for students residing within the school’s attendance zone. The suburban location in Hanover (Elkridge) is accessible via major roads and offers safe commuting options for students. The school’s scheduling and arrival/dismissal times accommodate bus routes, parent drop-off, and after-school activities.