In celebration of Women's History Month, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) is highlighting the impactful legacy of schools named after women who have made significant contributions to history and society. These schools serve as a reminder of women's strength, resilience, and leadership throughout time. By honoring these pivotal figures, City Schools celebrate their achievements and inspire the next generation of students to follow in their footsteps. This article explores the stories behind these schools, their namesakes, and the lasting influence these women continue to have on education and the community.
The Alice G. Pinderhughes Administrative Building
Our district office, located at 200 E. North Avenue, is named for Alice G. Pinderhughes, who became the city's first female superintendent in 1983. Her motto was "Individual success. Every child can succeed." Pinderhughes was dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students, particularly those from underserved communities, and implemented policies to increase academic achievement and school accountability. Her leadership left a lasting impact on the city's education landscape, and her legacy continues through initiatives that focus on equity and student success.
Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts 
Augusta Fells Savage was a pioneering sculptor, educator, and activist whose work helped shape the Harlem Renaissance and elevate Black artists in America. Born in 1892 in Florida, she overcame racial and financial barriers to become one of the most influential sculptors of her time. Savage's work, including her famous The Harp (inspired by the Negro spiritual Lift Every Voice and Sing), celebrated Black culture and identity. As a teacher and mentor, she founded the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts, nurturing the talents of future greats like Jacob Lawrence.
Billie Holiday Elementary School
Billie Holiday Elementary School is named in honor of the groundbreaking jazz singer Billie Holiday, a woman who defied societal barriers to leave an enduring mark on music and civil rights. In an era when women, especially Black women, faced significant discrimination, Holiday used her voice not only to captivate audiences but also to challenge injustice. Her song Strange Fruit became a powerful protest against racial violence, demonstrating the courage and influence of women in shaping history.
Dorothy I. Height Elementary School
Dorothy I. Height was a civil rights and women's rights activist whose leadership spanned over seven decades. Born in 1912, she played a crucial role in the fight for racial and gender equality, serving as the longtime president of the National Council of Negro Women. Height was a key strategist in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating for Black women's voices in policy and social justice. Her tireless efforts in education, voting rights, and economic justice paved the way for future generations.
Katherine Johnson Global Academy
Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician whose groundbreaking calculations helped propel NASA's space program forward. Born in 1918, she overcame racial and gender barriers to become a key figure in America's early space missions. Her precise computations were crucial to the success of John Glenn's orbital flight and the Apollo moon landing. As a Black woman in STEM, Johnson's legacy extends beyond her contributions to space exploration—she inspired future generations of women and people of color to pursue careers in science and mathematics.
Lillie May Carroll Jackson School
Lillie May Carroll Jackson was a pioneering civil rights leader whose activism helped lay the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement. Born in 1889 in Baltimore, she led the city's NAACP branch for over three decades, making it one of the most influential in the nation. Known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Jackson spearheaded campaigns against segregation, voter suppression, and racial discrimination. Her leadership and advocacy set the stage for later victories, including the desegregation of public spaces and schools.
Lois T. Murray Elementary/Middle School
Lois T. Murray was a dedicated educator and advocate for special education in Baltimore. As a trailblazing leader, she worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for children with disabilities, ensuring they had access to quality learning environments. Her commitment to inclusion and equity in education left a lasting impact on Baltimore's school system.
Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle School
Maree G. Farring was a dedicated community activist and educator in Baltimore, Maryland. She served on the Baltimore City School Board of Commissioners and was vice president of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education. She once said civic work was "the love of her life" in a 1967 article in the Baltimore Sun. Her commitment to education and community development was recognized by naming Farring-Baybrook Park in her honor in February 1975, the first time a Baltimore city park was named after a living person.
Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School
Margaret Brent was a pioneering figure in early American history, known for her work as a lawyer, landowner, and advocate for women's rights. Born in England in 1601, she arrived in Maryland in the 1630s and became one of the first women in the American colonies to manage her property and business affairs. Brent's most significant contribution came in her legal work, where she petitioned the Maryland Assembly for the right to vote and to serve as a representative, making her one of the first women in the colonies to formally advocate for women's political rights.
Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School at Bentalou
Mary Ann Winterling was a dedicated educator and principal at Bentalou Elementary School for 35 years, where her leadership earned the school a Maryland Blue Ribbon in 2003. Known for her nurturing yet firm approach, she created a welcoming environment for students and encouraged strong parental involvement. Winterling's dedication extended beyond the classroom, often sourcing books for her students at yard sales and rewarding them with stuffed animals. Even while battling cancer, she continued to lead with resilience and her school was later renamed in her honor.
Mary E. Rodman Elementary School
Mary E. Rodman was a blazing educator and community leader who made significant contributions to Baltimore's educational landscape. In 1889 she graduated from the first class and first public high school for African Americans in Baltimore, located at Carrollton and Riggs Avenue. She went on to teach and administer until she died in 1937.