Located in Baltimore’s Upper Fells Point neighborhood, Wolfe Street Academy (WSA) has played a transformational role in driving both economic growth and a strengthened sense of community since WSA’s pioneering adoption of the Community School Strategy in 2006. One of the first community schools in Baltimore and Maryland, WSA is a leader in how neighborhood schools serve as a central hub for resources and support within the community.
WSA’s dedication to educational excellence – the school consistently ranks among the top-performing public elementary schools in state testing – and holistic community support has been instrumental to community development in the Upper Fells Point neighborhood, notable for its significant immigrant populations and rich cultural diversity.
Originally opened in 1852 as Public School #23, the historic WSA transitioned to a Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) charter school in 2007. Since becoming a community school and a neighborhood conversion charter school, WSA has been recognized both locally and nationally for its innovative approaches to education and community engagement.
Educational Excellence and Community Engagement
Serving over 250 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, WSA emphasizes individualized learning through the research-based curricula pioneered by BCP in Baltimore three decades ago. The school’s commitment to academic excellence through Direct Instruction and Core Knowledge is exceptional and a key factor in WSA’s distinction as the first BCP charter school – and the first Maryland charter school – to receive an eight-year charter renewal in 2020..
Watch a video of WSA’s approach to Direct Instruction.
Another strong feature of WSA that it is a community anchor is the leadership of WSA with longtime Principal and community advocate Mark Gaither. Entering his 21st year as WSA Principal for the 2025-26 school year, Mr. Gaither leads a community of educators who care deeply about the community they serve.
Comprehensive Support Services as a Community School
As an early pioneer, regionally and nationally, of the Community School model, WSA offers a range of wrap-around support services to assist its families and bolster the community.
WSA’s community services focus on its predominantly minority student body, with 99% of its students identifying as minorities. A substantial portion are English language learners, reflecting the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the Upper Fells Point community. Notably, over 80% of students speak a language other than English at home, and 96% come from low-income households.
To support its diverse student body, WSA uses the Community School Strategy and collaboration with the school’s lead community partner, Elev8 Baltimore, to provide comprehensive services. These initiatives and the work of multiple community partners address the unique challenges faced by immigrant families and foster an inclusive environment conducive to academic success. Such collaborations ensure that students and their families have access to essential resources, contributing to the overall well-being and stability of the community.
Services include:
- A free after-school program
- On-site mental health services provided by Johns Hopkins Bayview
- Food assistance through the Maryland Food Bank and the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund
- Planned Parenthood of Maryland provides medically accurate, engaging and age-appropriate educational programs in English and Spanish for youth.
- A full-time, onsite Community School Coordinator from Elev8 to assist families in whatever needs they may have
- Daily morning announcements and breakfast in English and Spanish for all students and any parents/guardians who would like to attend
Read more about how WSA supports its community.
Economic and Community Impact
WSA’s presence has had a positive ripple effect on the Upper Fells Point neighborhood. By providing high-quality education and comprehensive support services, the school has attracted families to the area, fostering a sense of community and contributing to local economic growth. The school’s partnerships with local businesses and organizations further integrate it into the fabric of the neighborhood, promoting economic development and community cohesion.
Each spring, WSA’s popular street fair, “Wolfefest,” brings the school and neighborhood together for a day of fun, music, food, and a cultural celebration of WSA’s student population and the Latino community in Upper Fells Point.
Upper Fells Point Neighborhood Diversity
Upper Fells Point, also known as “Fell’s Prospect” or “Spanish Town,” has a rich history of cultural diversity shaped by successive waves of immigration. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the neighborhood was home to Irish, German, Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, and Greek immigrants. In recent decades, a significant Latino community has established itself in the area, with residents from Mexico, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, and Cuba.
This diverse cultural tapestry is reflected in the neighborhood’s demographics and vibrant community life. Residents enjoy a variety of ethnic restaurants, shops, and community events that celebrate the rich heritage of Upper Fells Point.
Both Wolfe Street Academy and the Upper Fells Point neighborhood exemplify the strengths of a diverse and multicultural community. The school’s commitment to supporting its immigrant students and the neighborhood’s rich cultural fabric contribute to a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Upper Fells Point’s rich cultural diversity and historic charm have made it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. The neighborhood offers a high walkability score and proximity to attractions such as the Inner Harbor, Patterson Park, and a variety of dining and entertainment venues, enhancing its appeal and supporting local economic growth.
WSA has added to the area’s charm with impressive public art pieces:
- The historic and notable public-art sculpture, Peely-Wheely, first created for the school in 1978 and restored with a Maryland State Arts Council grant in 2024, has greeted school families and community members for decades.
- Two community mosaic projects, created and installed by the students and Baltimore Mosaic Makers, celebrate WSA’s aspirations and community.
- The decorated Community Canoe Bird Garden was completed in collaboration with Patterson Park Audubon Society.
- In fall 2024, WSA parent and Baltimore artist Jessy DeSantis created an outdoor mural, the school’s first, that celebrates the cultural richness of WSA families and the neighborhood and included a portion painted by students.
The economic growth of Upper Fells Point since the early 2000s can be attributed to strategic redevelopment projects, a dynamic housing market, economic diversification, the neighborhood’s inherent cultural and community strengths, and the strong anchor that is Wolfe Street Academy.
