30 Years of Baltimore Curriculum Project Students, Stories, and Successes

As we begin 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for all the people who have contributed to making the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) what it is today. From our founder, Dr. Muriel Berkeley, to the early support of Bob Embry of The Abell Foundation, their vision and commitment laid the foundation for a remarkable 30-year journey.

Since our founding in 1996, BCP has had the privilege of serving more than 60,000 Pre-K-8 students across Baltimore City. From our earliest days supporting classrooms in six Baltimore City Public Schools as a pilot to operating today’s six neighborhood conversion charter schools, every student has been at the heart of our mission: to improve student outcomes. 

The impact of BCP on students’ lives is clear in the alumni spotlights we feature in our monthly newsletters and on our website. It always warms my heart to hear about the success our students are achieving today. 

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The most common thing we hear from our alumni, however, isn’t just about grades or achievements. It’s about the relationships they formed at BCP. Many reflect on feeling truly seen, valued, and understood, and how those connections with teachers, staff, and peers shaped not only their learning, but their confidence and sense of belonging.

Every day, I see teachers pouring their hearts into classrooms, and students discovering their potential. None of this would be possible without the countless hours, expertise, and generosity of our board members, past and present, who have supported BCP through every challenge and milestone. I want to give special recognition to George Hess, who has been with BCP since the very beginning. George’s passion for education and our students is remarkable. He remains actively involved in his 80s, co-chairing the board with Mike Niccoline, serving on the marketing committee, and never missing a meeting.

As part of our 30th year celebration, we will share our first-ever impact report in the coming month. It highlights how the work Muriel began around Direct Instruction, restorative practices, and community schools has evolved into the thriving network of schools we operate today.

Join us in Celebrating BCP Founding Day, January 30, 2026

Celebrate BCP’s Founding Day on January 30, 2026, by making a $30 or more contribution to the Muriel Berkeley Innovation Fund. Your gift honors our past, empowers our future, and ensures our schools remain vibrant places for learning, growth, and community. We created this fund when we turned 20. Our goal in our 30th year is to raise $30,000 for the Muriel Berkeley Innovation Fund.