Towson High School

General Information

About Towson High School

Towson High School, located in Towson, Maryland, is a public high school serving students in grades 9 through 12. Established in 1873, it is one of the oldest and most respected public high schools in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The school is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and specialized career-focused pathways. Towson High School places a strong emphasis on student growth, critical thinking, and leadership development, providing an environment where students can excel both academically and personally.

With a focus on preparing students for college and career success, the school offers diverse extracurricular activities such as athletics, arts programs, STEM clubs, and service organizations. The school culture is rooted in fostering inclusivity, responsibility, and civic engagement, encouraging students to develop a strong sense of ethics, empathy, and community involvement. Additionally, Towson High School provides a supportive guidance program for college and career planning, ensuring students have access to mentorship, counseling, and resources that align with their individual goals. The campus combines modern facilities with historic architecture, offering students a welcoming and stimulating learning environment.

Contact Information

Address: 69 Cedar Avenue, Towson, MD 21286
Phone Number: (410) 887-3600
Email Address: towsonhs@bcps.org

Towson High School Facts

FactInformation
Founding Year1873
Motto“Knowledge, Honor, Service”
TypePublic High School
Grades9–12
Campus Size30 Acres
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1

Towson High School Rankings

CategoryRanking
Maryland Public High SchoolsTop 25
STEM ProgramsHighly Recognized
Arts ProgramsWell-Regarded

Towson High School Academics

Towson High School Faculties / Departments

  • English Department
  • Mathematics Department
  • Science Department
  • Social Studies Department
  • World Languages Department
  • Visual and Performing Arts Department
  • Physical Education & Health Department
  • Career and Technical Education Department
  • Special Education Department
  • Technology & Computer Science Department

Towson High School Courses and Programs / Majors

  • English: Literature, Creative Writing, AP English Language & Literature
  • Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Statistics
  • Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, AP courses
  • Social Studies: U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics
  • World Languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin
  • Arts: Studio Art, Music, Theater, Digital Arts
  • Physical Education & Health: Fitness, Sports, Wellness Programs
  • Career & Technical Education: Business, Information Technology, Health Sciences
  • Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP U.S. History
  • Electives: Journalism, Psychology, Computer Programming, Robotics

Online Learning

Towson High School offers a limited online learning platform for credit recovery, supplemental courses, and enrichment programs. This ensures students can access flexible learning options to meet academic requirements or explore specialized topics not available on campus.

Average Test Scores

TestAverage Performance
SAT1200
ACT25
AP Exams70% scoring 3 or above

Retention and Graduation Rates

Towson High School has a strong retention rate, with most students progressing steadily through each grade level due to academic support services and personalized guidance. Graduation rates are consistently above 90%, reflecting the school’s commitment to student achievement and preparation for post-secondary education.

Towson High School Admissions

GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range

Admission to Towson High School is primarily based on residency within the Baltimore County Public Schools district. Most students have GPA ranges from 3.0 to 4.0, reflecting the school’s academic rigor. Average standardized test scores align with county and state expectations, with SAT ranges of 1100–1300 and ACT ranges of 22–28.

Towson High School Acceptance Rate

CategoryRate
Overall AcceptancePublic Enrollment Based on District

Towson High School Application Requirements

As a public high school, admission to Towson High School is primarily based on student residence within the designated school district. Prospective students typically need to submit proof of residency, previous school transcripts, and any required immunization records. Specialized programs, such as AP courses or career pathways, may require teacher recommendations or placement testing to ensure readiness.

Application Process

  1. Confirm residency within the Baltimore County Public Schools district
  2. Submit enrollment forms and required documentation
  3. Provide previous academic records and transcripts
  4. Complete any assessments for specialized programs
  5. Receive enrollment confirmation from the school administration

Towson High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates

ProcessDate
Enrollment WindowSpring prior to school year
Specialized Program ApplicationsFebruary–March
School Year BeginsLate August

Essay Prompt

Not applicable for general admission. Some specialized programs may require a personal statement or portfolio submission for placement.

Towson High School Scholarships

As a public high school, Towson High School does not charge tuition for district residents. Students are eligible for external scholarships, including academic, athletic, and arts awards, often facilitated by the school’s guidance and counseling office.

Towson High School Tuition and Fees

CategoryCost
TuitionPublicly Funded, No Cost
Technology FeeN/A
Extracurricular ActivitiesVaries by Program

Student Profile and Demographics

Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)

Towson High School enrolls approximately 1,600 students. The student body is evenly split between male and female students, with ages ranging from 14 to 18. Ethnic diversity includes 45% White, 35% African American, 10% Asian, and 10% other or mixed-race students, providing a culturally rich and inclusive environment.

Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities

The school provides programs and support for low-income students, including access to free or reduced-price meals, academic tutoring, and enrichment activities. Students with disabilities receive specialized services, individualized education plans, and accommodations to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities.

Student Body

CategoryNumber
Total Students1,600
Male800
Female800
Students with Disabilities12%
Low-Income Students20%
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1

University Diversity

Towson High School fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting cultural understanding and respect among students. Students participate in multicultural programs, clubs, and community service initiatives, helping them engage with peers from various backgrounds and perspectives. The school emphasizes equity and inclusion in all programs, encouraging dialogue and collaboration across different social, cultural, and economic groups. This environment helps students develop empathy, leadership skills, and global awareness, preparing them to succeed in diverse college and career settings.

Average Earnings

Graduates of Towson High School pursue a variety of career paths, including STEM fields, arts, business, and public service. The school’s academic and extracurricular programs equip students with skills necessary to excel in post-secondary education, internships, and early career opportunities. Alumni tend to perform well in higher education, securing scholarships, internships, and professional roles that contribute to their long-term earning potential.

Towson High School Faculty and Staff

Teachers and Staff

The faculty at Towson High School is composed of certified educators with expertise in their respective subjects. Staff members support academic, extracurricular, and social development, ensuring students have access to resources for success.

Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)

Many faculty members hold advanced degrees and have received recognition for teaching excellence and leadership in education. The staff is committed to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, while also supporting students’ social-emotional development and college readiness.

Towson High School Campus and Student Life

Campus Life / Housing

As a public high school, Towson High School does not provide on-campus housing. Students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, performing arts, and academic competitions, fostering school spirit and personal development.

Transportation

Students access the campus via school-provided buses, public transportation, or private means. The school ensures safe and convenient access for students, with designated drop-off zones, bike racks, and pedestrian pathways to facilitate mobility on campus.