HAMPSTEAD HILL ACADEMY
About Hampstead Hill Academy
Hampstead Hill Academy, located in Baltimore’s vibrant 21224 community, has a long-standing history of serving local families. Originally founded in 1880 as Public School #47, the school has grown and evolved alongside its surrounding neighborhoods. Hampstead Hill began partnering with the Baltimore Curriculum Project in 1996 and officially became a charter school operated by BCP in 2005, strengthening its commitment to high-quality instruction and community-centered education.
Today, Hampstead Hill Academy (Pre-K through 8th) proudly serves students living within its neighborhood enrollment zone, which includes the Brewers Hill, Canton, and Canton Industrial Area communities. Children who live in—or move into—the zone may enroll at any time without participating in a lottery; families in the zone are encouraged to contact the school directly to enroll.
Families who live outside the zone are also welcome to apply to Hampstead Hill Academy. If no seats are available at the time of application, students may be placed on a waitlist or considered through an upcoming lottery.
A Neighborhood School
Canton, located in Southeast Baltimore along the waterfront, began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as an industrial and maritime hub. Its development accelerated in the 19th century, with shipyards, factories, and warehouses driving economic growth. The neighborhood attracted working-class immigrant populations, primarily Irish and German, who settled near employment centers and established churches, businesses, and civic organizations.
Hampstead Hill School was established to serve Canton’s growing population, providing education to children of working-class families. The current Hampstead Hill Academy building was constructed in 1980. This followed the demolition of the original Hampstead Hill School #47, which had served the community since its establishment in 1880. The new facility was designed to accommodate the growing educational needs of the Canton and Highlandtown neighborhoods.
Over the years, Hampstead Hill has evolved alongside the Canton neighborhood, expanding to include middle school grades and adding a Pre-K wing in 2008. Most recently, the school constructed the Newstead Gym and new classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment. Through every phase of growth, Hampstead Hill Academy has remained a proud anchor for education and community engagement in Southeast Baltimore.
School Snapshot
Founded: 1880
BCP partnership: 1996
Charter conversion: 2005
Grades Served: Prek-8
Enrollment: ~900 students
Mascot: Bee/Hornet
School Colors: Blue and yellow
High-quality teachers, including Maryland Teacher of the Year (2025)
Many facility upgrades over the years, including additional classrooms and a new gymnasium in 2025
Focus on restorative practices and positive school climate
Enrichment & clubs: arts, music, athletics, after-school programs
Strong community partnerships supporting student success
Charter School
Hampstead Hill Academy converted to a neighborhood charter school in 2005. During its last renewal in 2023, the Board of School Commissioners approved to renew Hampstead Hill’s charter for eight years. Its next renewal will be in 2031.
