BALTIMORE – Overall, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) boosted its percentage of 3-, 4-, and 5-star schools on the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) annual Maryland School Report Card in 2024. At the same time, the school district now has its fewest number of schools earning stars in the lowest category.
City Schools' leap forward also outpaced Maryland school districts overall. Eighteen percent of City Schools campuses gained at least one star compared to a year ago, better than the state’s 16 percent rise. Meanwhile, only 6 percent of Baltimore City schools lost a star compared to 8 percent statewide.
Over the last year, the percentage of City Schools campuses with 3-, 4-, and 5-stars increased from 35 percent to 44 percent. This means 11 more campuses are now rated in the highest categories of performance compared to the prior year. This increase is highlighted by Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, which again earned the highest rating of five stars.
At the same time, City Schools has continued a three-year trend of schools moving from the lowest category. Only four schools are now designated in that category, a third as many than in 2019, before the COVID pandemic.
The improvement in school star ratings builds upon similar growth shown on other state reports, such as the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) results in math and literacy. The results are proof that investments to address key performance areas, such as 9th grade preparation for graduation and access to a well-rounded curriculum, are yielding results.
“Our star rating increases are good news for our community, as they reflect the hard work and positive outcomes that are occurring daily in schools across the district,” said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, chief executive officer of City Schools. “We still have work ahead but this news is encouraging. Our students and staff are putting in the work needed to grow, and it shows.”
Items of note
Each year, the Maryland Report Card includes a star rating for each school in the state. Schools earn from one to five stars yearly based on critical academic, college readiness, and school quality and student success measures.
Furley and Yorkwood gained two stars, 24 (17%) schools gained one star, and only 8 (6%) schools lost a star. City Schools is the only district that had schools move from 1 to 3 stars.
The greatest improvements were seen in Access to Well-Rounded Curriculum, Student Growth Percentile, and On Track in 9th Grade for Graduation.