The Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) closed out 2025 with encouraging academic gains, major facility updates, and continued momentum across its network of six neighborhood conversion charter schools. These highlights were shared during the December 11 Board of Directors meeting, held at Govans Elementary School.
A Warm Welcome from Govans Elementary
The meeting opened with a welcome from Principal Bernarda Kwaw, who shared recent successes and celebrations happening at Govans. She highlighted the school’s strong enrollment—exceeding district projections—as well as rising interest from neighborhood families. Principal Kwaw also noted continued growth in early grades, particularly kindergarten and fourth grade. She shared updates about schoolwide initiatives, including improved attendance trends, expanded community partnerships, and student showcases that have brought families together throughout the fall.
MSDE Star Ratings
BCP schools continue to demonstrate steady, multi-year progress in Maryland’s statewide accountability system. This year, Hampstead Hill Academy earned a 5-star rating, the only school in Baltimore City to receive the state’s highest distinction. Wolfe Street Academy maintained strong performance and is on the cusp of a 4-star rating.
Other BCP schools—City Springs, Frederick, and Pimlico—showed significant upward trends. All three have made substantial gains over the last four years, with Frederick and Pimlico each improving by more than 10 percentage points during that time. These gains reflect BCP’s continued focus on high-quality instruction, strong professional development, and robust school climate practices.
Enrollment Trends
Enrollment across the network declined slightly this year, though the picture varied by school. Govans, Hampstead Hill, and Wolfe Street all exceeded district enrollment projections. City Springs grew modestly but fell short of a higher-than-usual projection, and Pimlico saw a sharper decline, likely the result of increased recruitment efforts by neighboring schools. To address this trend, Pimlico’s leadership team has launched earlier and more frequent outreach to feeder schools, including open houses and information sessions designed to help families make informed school choices.
Pimlico Charter Renewal
Pimlico received a 3-year charter renewal recommendation—a common outcome this cycle, as few schools citywide earned the maximum five years. While the school demonstrated strong growth, absolute MCAP scores and high student mobility in the surrounding community impacted the rating. BCP and Pimlico have already begun implementing improvements in areas such as attendance, special education compliance, and family engagement. Early indicators show that these efforts are producing positive results. The Baltimore City School Board will officially vote on the Renewal on January 12, 2026.
Investments in School Facilities
Two major construction projects are bringing new energy to BCP communities:
- City Springs’ New School Building
Demolition of the old Lombard Middle School building is underway, marking the first phase of City Springs’ new state-of-the-art facility. BCP is working closely with the design team to ensure the new building supports modern learning, safety, and community use. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with a projected opening in fall 2028. - Pimlico Track and Field
Construction on Pimlico’s new outdoor athletic complex continues at a strong pace. The upgraded track and field are expected to be completed in spring 2026, and will provide an important resource for students and the surrounding community.
A Year of Celebration: BCP’s 30th Anniversary
The 2025–26 school year marks 30 years of BCP serving Baltimore City students, and the organization has launched several initiatives to commemorate the milestone:
- A refreshed website launching in January 2026
- A “30 Voices for 30 Years” digital storytelling campaign highlighting students, teachers, families, and partners
- A BCP history video, scheduled for release in April
- A printed and digital Impact Report on 30 years of BCP’s achievements
- Volunteer service days across the network
- The Leading Minds Symposium on February 6, focusing on three decades of educational innovation
- The “Are You Smarter Than a BCP Student?” gala, April 30 at the Maryland Science Center
Fundraising efforts are also underway, including the “$30 for 30 Years” campaign supporting the Muriel Berkeley Innovation Fund and continued progress toward the $400,000 Hampstead Hill playground renovation.
The next board meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026, at Pimlico Elementary/Middle School.