Wolfe Street Academy (WSA) has been a neighborhood conversion public charter school with the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) since 2007. BCP has been working with WSA since 1998 on the Direct Instruction curriculum, the research-based curriculum used by all BCP schools to customize each child’s reading plan and success.

WSA has been and still is a leader in the Community School initiative in Baltimore. WSA is recognized among the most highly acclaimed school innovators in Maryland and nationally. The school serves the Upper Fells Point neighborhood with high-quality academic programming and family-centered resources and wraparound services.

School Leadership

Mark Gaither

Mark Gaither

Principal since 2005
CGaither@bcps.k12.md.us

Education is the fundamental grass-roots revolution with the power to change the world. Wolfe Street Academy strives tirelessly to better serve every student so that they can lead happy, productive, and meaningful lives.

Mark Gaither

Principal

Wolfe Street Academy Distinctions

We are a safe, supportive, nurturing, and joyful environment where every child is known and loved. Relationships are at the heart of WSA. We’re proud to be small but mighty – and the only Prek-5th grade elementary school in Southeast Baltimore.

  • 250 students, PreK through 5th grade
  • ESOL for all grades
  • Gifted and Advanced Learning Programs
  • Elementary-only focus and expertise in how younger learners learn best
  • Vibrant, diverse community serving the neighborhood
  • Champion of the community school movement in Baltimore since 2006
  • Recognized nationally and in Maryland as an innovative, exemplary community school
  • 1st charter school in Baltimore City to receive the newly established eight-year charter contract in 2019
  • Two full-time instructional coaches for teacher and classroom support
  • Comprehensive, schoolwide focus on mental health for students and families with on-site therapist and services provided by Johns Hopkins Bayview 
  • Free after school program for all students
  • Variety of elective clubs: string instruments, chess, baseball, soccer, disc golf, girls running club. 
  • Weekly physical education, fine arts, and technology enrichment classes for every child.   
  • Daily Morning Meeting for all members of the community, including students, staff, parents, and family members in Spanish and English
  • Recruitment of diverse, dedicated, and talented faculty and staff

    As one of six BCP schools in Baltimore City, Wolfe Street Academy 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
    • High-quality professional development for teachers and staff
    • Stability of leadership and multiple-year charter school renewal

    Robust Enrichment and Afterschool Programs

    Wolfe Street prides itself in offering students a variety of enriching and exciting afterschool and summer programs. Our program is funded, in part, by the Family League of Baltimore City and The Weinberg Foundation with The Baltimore Curriculum Project providing management of the grants.  

    AfterSchool Program

    • Includes academic instruction and enrichment classes in writing, music, STEM, arts, health
    • Free, K-5th, M-Th with snack and supper daily

    Clubs include

    Wolfe Street’s Community Partners

    Wolfe Street works with numerous community organizations to provide resources, partnerships, and services to its students, families, and the larger community in Upper Fells Point. These programs and services are coordinated by Elev8 Baltimore, the Community School lead agency with WSA. Elev8 Baltimore works closely with WSA to ensure that every program and outreach is meeting the needs of the community.   

    Services and partnerships include:

    Upper Fells Point Improvement Association: Neighbors supporting the school and families that live and work among them

    Boardroom Chess: City-wide student chess league

    Baltimore Family Alliance: Provides gifts to students for the holidays

    Wolfe Street community moring meetingBaltimore Hunger Project

    Maryland Food Bank

    SOURCE Johns Hopkins Tutors: Volunteer Student Organization at Hopkins Medical

    Patterson Park Audubon Society

    Planned Parenthood of Maryland

    Julie Community Center

    Baltimore New American Access Coalition: Provides support to new immigrants seeking family benefits

    Downtown Sailing Center

    Family League of Baltimore

    Junior League Biztow: Financial Literacy

    Raising a Reader: Early Childhood Family Literacy 

    Wolfe Street Academy
    245 South Wolfe Street
    Baltimore, MD 21231    

    (410) 396-9140

    Email Mark Gaither

    About the Baltimore Curriculum Project

    Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) is the largest operator of local neighborhood, public charter schools in Maryland. We create safe, supportive learning environments for children PK-8 by providing innovative, research-based educational strategies, intensive teacher training and extensive support for administration and staff. We support our local neighborhood needs by tailoring our resources and support through community partnerships.

    As one of the longest-running charter operators in Maryland, our schools are regularly recognized as some of the most highly acclaimed neighborhood charter schools in the state. 

    Pimlico Elementary / Middle School

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    Contact Us

    BALTIMORE CURRICULUM PROJECT
    2707 E. Fayette Street
    Baltimore, MD 21224
    410-675-7000
    Fax: 410-675-7030
    bcpinfo@baltimorecp.org

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