On April 18, 2024, Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA), one of the highest performing Pre-K through 8th grade public schools in Maryland, celebrated an exciting new chapter: a 12-month construction project to expand HHA’s facilities.
This project includes a new gymnasium with seating for spectators, an additional classroom, and new student restrooms which will provide an additional 9,545-sq ft of space. Known across the state and city for its high performance and diversity, HHA is a neighborhood conversion public charter school operated by the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) and in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools.
The major expansion and improvement for HHA will allow the school to better serve its 850 students who live in Southeast Baltimore. The new facilities, particularly the gymnasium and planned, new playground, will serve the community as well with new space for community meetings and recreational sports.
HHA is not just a beacon of success and academic achievement, it is also a vibrant community space, where we see the American dream actually working in a community that we love.
Read more about the construction project. The HHA expansion is being built by Whiting-Turner and designed by Ewing Cole architects.
Based on test scores and parent ratings, HHA is also one of the region’s top-performing public charter schools. For the 2023 school year, HHA received a four-star rating on the 2023 Report Card from the Maryland State Department of Education. HHA is among Baltimore City Public Schools’ highest-rated elementary and middle school by MSDE.
The Hampstead Hill Academy Groundbreaking Ceremony
More than 50 students, parents, neighbors, BCP staff and board members excitedly looked on, as a group of distinguished state and city leaders celebrated this milestone on April 18.
Participating in the groundbreaking ceremony, as pictured, left to right: Delegate Robbyn Lewis, 46th District; Baltimore City Comptroller Bill Henry; HHA Principal Matt Hornbeck; Baltimore City Councilmember Zeke Cohen, 1st District; Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff, Baltimore City Public Schools; Mike Palmer, former HHA parent; Delegate Mark Edelson, 46th District; Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson; and HHA Student Julyabby Castillo-Vargas. Photo by Wesley Lapointe
Several people spoke at the event, sharing their excitement about HHA’s cornerstone role in the community and what an expanded and improved facility means to the lives of students, faculty/staff, parents, and Southeast Baltimore.
Principal Hornbeck:
“Our dedicated teachers remain steadfast in their commitment to our students’ education. Our goal has always been to provide a nurturing environment that supports the whole child. With the addition of nearly 10,000-square feet of [improved facilities], we move closer to realizing that vision … It is not just about the buildings we construct, but the lives we touch and the futures we shape. Together, on this Baltimore City corner, let’s build a place to play and learn for thousands of children for decades to come.”
Senate President, Bill Ferguson:
“I remember when I was first elected and [talked with] Principal Hornbeck about his hope to expand HHA and find ways to create more classroom spaces and [opportunities] for students. For the last 13 years, we’ve been looking at different models. HHA is a shining beacon of hope and one of the assets in Baltimore. This is such an exciting moment for HHA and the City.”
HHA seventh grader Julyabby Castillo-Vargas:
“This is very important for my classmates and me. Our new gym will allow us to continue to build the Hampstead Hill community that I love so much. After all, students and families coming together is what Hampstead Hill Academy is all about.”
Baltimore City Public Schools Chief of Staff Alison Perkins-Cohen:
“Hampstead Hill Academy exemplifies our goals for families and students in every Baltimore City school: academic excellence, strong leadership, diversity, and a supportive school community. This addition will help to make a great school even better.”
Thank you to our Funders:
Many foundations and individuals have contributed to making this dream a reality including The Sherman Family Foundation, Abell Foundation, The Richman Foundation, France-Merrick Foundation, Middendorf Foundation, and The Charles T Bauer Charitable Foundation.
Former HHA parent and project donor Mike Palmer:
“Our school is really much more than just a school. It’s where kids go for clubs and sports and the arts. That’s what really got me most excited about this project; it’s where kids come for all of these activities. For so many kids here in this community, it’s not just the school, it’s also the best – maybe the only – opportunity they have to do those things.”
Joshua L. Michael, Ph.D., Executive Director of The Sherman Family Foundation:
“We believe great schools are cornerstones to great neighborhoods, which dramatically shape opportunity for children and families in Baltimore. That’s why we are committed to supporting Hampstead Hill, which consistently outperforms schools with similar student populations across the state. Said simply — Hampstead Hill Academy is one of our state’s best neighborhood schools.”
Kristen S. Kinkopf, Executive Director of The Richman Foundation
“We are delighted to support the vital work of Hampstead Hill Academy and look forward to celebrating the completion of the school’s expansion and renovation project. This important project will provide students, faculty, staff, and families with much-needed facilities for student learning and community gathering. We are proud to support a school that does such an outstanding job teaching and nurturing its students!”
