On Dec 3, 2024, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released its annual practice of assigning star ratings to public schools, providing a clear, accessible way for parents, students, and the community to assess school performance. The ratings are based on multiple indicators, including academic achievement, student growth, progress in closing achievement gaps, and the school climate.
When the pandemic first hit, many schools faced challenges that impacted their performance, from disruptions in in-person learning to difficulties with remote instruction. Baltimore City, with its high population of economically disadvantaged students, was particularly affected by these challenges. As a result, many Baltimore City schools saw their star ratings dip in the early years following the pandemic.
However, the story of the Baltimore Curriculum Project’s (BCP) six neighborhood conversion charter schools is one of recovery and resilience. Since 2022, all six BCP schools have increased their total points earned in the Star Rankings, some making huge strides and resulting in an additional star. This is a testament to the dedication of our principals, faculty, staff, and parents and to the quality of the BCP program.
We’re delighted that two of our six BCP schools received an increase in the Maryland Star Rating for 2023-24.
Wolfe Street Academy received a 4-star rating, joining Hampstead Hill Academy as our 4-star schools. Since the pandemic, Wolfe Street has been working tirelessly to close the achievement gaps that widened during this time and to regain that fourth star they received in 2018 and 2019.
“I have always been a fan of small, consistent, incremental growth over time,” says Mark Gaither, Wofe Street Principal. “This type of growth is replicable and speaks of fundamental systems that are supporting student success year over year. It’s also a call to continue working hard and setting high expectations for ourselves and our students.”
City Springs Elementary / Middle School increased to 3 stars, joining Govans Elementary School in that rating. City Springs faced significant challenges during the pandemic, compounded by the fact that just before it began, the Perkins Homes projects—an area from which City Springs draws many of its students—were demolished for redevelopment. This led to the displacement of nearly all the families in the City Springs community and affected student enrollment and retention. However, despite these obstacles, City Springs has made remarkable progress in overcoming these setbacks, allowing them to regain the third star they had earned in 2018.
“Although we still have work to do and more growth to realize, I am proud of City Springs’ return to three stars!” says Dr. Rhonda L. Richetta, Principal. “This achievement reflects the hard work and spirit that our dedicated staff, talented teachers, and terrific students and parents display every day. As families return to our community in the new Perkins Square, we are thrilled to have our wonderful school as the community anchor!”
Congratulations, Wolfe Street and City Springs!
Read more about the Maryland Star Ratings system in The Baltimore Banner.
