Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) is dedicated to the success of every student. A strong foundation for learning begins in the earliest grades.
BCP is proud to announce that the first four of our six neighborhood conversion public charter schools achieved a new level of MSDE Accreditation for our Pre Kindergarten programs. Frederick Elementary School, Govans Elementary School, Pimlico Elementary Middle School, and Wolfe Street Academy were the first of the BCP network to receive this honor. City Springs Elementary/Middle School and Hampstead Hill Academy have begun the PreK accreditation process and will submit their work in April 2025.
The accreditation process is rigorous, requiring documentation, data analysis, and state observation visits to ensure that the programs are functioning at the highest level for the benefit of our students. We spoke with Maura Farrall, BCP Lead Academic Coach, who oversees this process for BCP, to learn more.
What does accreditation mean and why is it so important?
Developing the confidence, social skills, and academic background to be a successful learner starts earlier than most people realize. For BCP schools, it begins in our Pre- Kindergarten programs for 4-year-old children. Brain development researchers agree that these early-age students are at the height of brain development, and that high quality early childhood education (ECE) is critical to future academic success.
MSDE Pre-K Accreditation is awarded to schools based on an exhaustive and rigorous one- to two-year examination by MSDE Early childhood professionals. Programs are assessed on how they administer and run their program and how the school involves parents and the community.
Schools provide hundreds of pieces of evidence around curriculum and how the program is assessed throughout the year to continually improve. Observers join classes to watch students during instruction and play, and they inspect indoor and outdoor areas and all the equipment and materials used in each class. Schools also undergo a self-appraisal of areas of strengths and challenges in its Pre-K program.
What makes preschool at a BCP school distinctive in public education?
No matter which school you choose, a BCP Pre-K Program is wonderful for young learners. Each of our schools has a developmentally appropriate program that provides science-based academic and social learning opportunities. Children learn through fun, small-group teacher instruction as well as academically rich play time both indoors and out.
Every student is welcomed as a unique individual by experienced and caring teachers. Our professional educators know that one size does not fit all and embrace the talents and gifts each of our students bring to the class. Teachers get to know each child as a learner and as a growing person. They collaborate with parents and early childhood coaches to continually assess their practices to ensure each student has the social and learning environment they need to grow as a student and a person.
Our teachers are highly effective professionals who care for all children and are actively engaged in professional development throughout the year. At BCP there is a dedicated team supporting and assisting the teacher and students through weekly collaborations, including:
- Specialists in Early Childhood Education
- Curriculum
- Restorative Practice
- Special education
- Multilingual learning and teacher coaches
We believe that every child can learn and that family input is a critical piece of student success. Through the community schools model, we offer community and family support to support and to listen to those who care for our students.
Congratulations to Frederick, Govans, Pimlico, and Wolfe Street Academy on completing successful Pre-K accreditations!
Learn more about the Pre-K accreditation process
MSDE Accreditation for licensed child care centers and public Pre-K programs to demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality learning
MSDE Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education
“Recognizing that a child’s early years are the most critical period for brain development and set the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future emphasizes equitable early education opportunities that prepare all children for school and for success … and puts a strong emphasis on improving the quality of existing and new programs.”
