Govans Elementary School, which serves the Govans community in North Baltimore, joined the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) network of neighborhood conversion charter schools in 2015.
In 2021, Govans moved to its state-of-the-art, new building on the site of the former building as a result of Baltimore City Public Schools’ 21st Century Schools Program. The new Govans school includes a two-story specialty wing of offices, student support zones, gym, media center, visual arts studio, tech ed facility, science lab and cafeteria, and three-story educational wing of classrooms. The building also has 3,000 square feet of community space to ensure that the school is a hub of activity for the entire neighborhood.
Govans Elementary School Leadership
Bernarda Kwaw
Principal
bkwaw@bcps.k12.md.us
Victoria Jennings
Assistant Principal
vjennings@bcps.k12.md.us
At Govans, our teachers and staff have the experience, expertise, and passion for elementary-aged children, from PreK through 5th grade. We research and understand how our students learn best and work with multiple teams of professionals to support each individual family. We work closely with our families toward a common goal, to see every student succeed academically and socially.
Govans Elementary School’s Distinctions
- 375 students, PreK through 5th grade with ESOL for all grades
- Experts in teaching and learning for young learners with a schoolwide concentration on early childhood and elementary school education
- New, state-of-the-art building in 2021 on the site of the former building: two-story specialty wing of offices; student support zones; gymnasium; media center; visual arts studio; tech ed facility; science lab, cafeteria; three-story educational wing of classrooms; 3,000 square feet of community space to ensure that the school is a hub of activity for the entire neighborhood.
- Principal Kwaw, veteran Baltimore City Schools’ educator with nearly three decades of experience as a classroom teacher, academic coach, and administrator; became Govans’ assistant principal in 2015 and was promoted to principal in 2018
- Significant teaching experience by Govans teachers with most having taught at Govans for most or all of their careers, providing longevity and consistency needed for a quality education
- Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (eGATE) school recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education
- Diverse school community celebrated through numerous family events, schoolwide events, and the new, annual International Day celebration, to be held this year on Saturday, May 20 from 12pm-3pm at Govans and open to the community, celebrating the Philippines, Guatemala, Chile, Yemen, Jamaica, Senegal, and El Salvador–all countries and cultures represented within the Govans’ student population
- A robust afterschool program (see below)
- Great school spirit including mascot Govie the Dragon
- An active and engaged parent partnership with support services for the Govans community coordinated by the Community School Coordinator (see below)
As one of six BCP schools in Baltimore City, Govans Elementary students receive:
- Customized learning for each student through BCP’s research-based, individualized Direct Instruction program and Core Knowledge curriculum
- Restorative Practices for cultivating relationship-building and problem-solving skills
- A safe, nurturing, fun environment where every child is known and loved
Robust Afterschool Opportunities
Govans offers students and families many choices for afterschool activities. A highlight of the afterschool program, Dragons After Dismissal (DAD), includes a city-wide win by the Govans Robotics team in 2023. After school activities include:
Principal Kwaw checks out a science lab
Dragons After Dismissal, a grant funded program for K-5th grade students accommodating 100 students
- Let’s Go Boys and Girls, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum
- Girls on the Run, a running team
- An award-winning Robotics Team
- Academic tutoring programs free to all K-5th students
- Boys and Girls Sports Club
- Leadership Awareness
- Chess Club and Tournaments
- Art Club
- Govie Club
- Diamond Girls
- Cooking and Nutrition Club
Govans Elementary Schools’ Partners
Strong City Baltimore, Govans’ lead community partner, supervises the work of Sandi McFadden, the full-time GES Community School Coordinator. Sandi oversees and provides resources, partnerships and services to the Govans Elementary students and families.
Services and partnerships include:
- Community engagement activities
- Annual dental screenings for students
- Annual vision and free glasses and hearing screenings for students
- An on-site food pantry with weekly food bag distribution
- Seasonal food and family gifts including Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Student Support Wellness Team
- Full-time social worker on staff
- Partnership with Dewees Recreation Center for family nights and summer programs
- Partnership with local churches and nonprofit organizations that supports families with coat drives, shoe giveaways, and school supply donations
- Partnerships with local universities (Loyola, Towson, and Notre Dame of Maryland University) providing trained tutors to support students in reading and math
Govans’ community partners include:
- The Church of the Redeemer
- Huber Memorial
- Front Porch Church
- CrossRoads Church
- Grace Presbyterian Church
- Chesapeake Insurance Company
- Be a Chef-ICC
- Days of Taste
- Staples
- Dewees Recreation Center
- Govans Farmers Market
- Wire & Honey and Shoes That Fit
- Polos to Ties Mentoring Program
- Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance
- Loyola University
- Towson University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- Morgan State University
- St. Paul’s School
- The Gilman School
- Bryn Mawr School
- Blair Wellness Center
- Board Room Chess
- Kingdom Worship Center
- Church of the Nativity & Holy Comforter
- Department of Planning, Northern District
- York Road Partnership
- York Road Initiative
- Friends of Dewees
- Weekend Backpack
- Hex Superette
- Flight Restaurant/Catering
- Girl Scout Brownie Troop
