Researching Your Baltimore City School Options

Baltimore City families have an abundance of school options to choose from, including traditional zoned and out-of-zone public schools, public charter schools, independent schools, and homeschooling.

While this means families have the freedom and flexibility to determine the best school fit for them, it can also feel daunting! Here are our top five tips for researching schools for your kiddos:

Tip #1: Find Your Zoned School

To find out which public school your child is zoned for, enter your address into the City Schools map. Note that children who will turn 5 by September 1 must enroll in kindergarten, which guarantees a spot at your zoned school. Most zoned schools provide Pre-K (for children who will be 4 by September 1) through eighth grade, although some are elementary-only and end at fifth grade. Baltimore City families also have the option to enroll “out of zone” if there is available space, the family commits to transportation, and the principal approves. A map of all schools is available here.

Tip #2: Visit in Person

The best way to get to know a school is to visit it in person. Even if you pass by the building daily or know many families who send their children there, see the classrooms for yourself. Witness the school in action and get a feel for what a typical day is like for students. Begin your research by checking the school’s website, but don’t stop there. Find the school’s phone number and call the office to inquire about upcoming tours. Many schools hold open houses regularly or can arrange one if requested. If your schedule prevents you from visiting on designated tour days, ask whether there are any upcoming public events like community cleanup days, festivals, or performances.

Tip #3: Connect with Other Families

After touring the building, reach out to a current family to hear about their experiences. You can connect through your Smalltimore network, a social media group like Baltimore City Kids, or by asking the office staff to introduce you to PTA/PTO representatives. You can also reach out to Live Baltimore for help!

Some schools host informal meetups where families can get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Check the PTA/PTO’s social media pages for upcoming events. Having an honest conversation helps you understand what the school community offers and how your child might fit in.

Tip #4: Review the Data

Along with in-person visits and chatting with families, consider using online tools to get a better sense of a school. Remember, school rankings on real estate listings are usually based only on standardized test scores, which penalize families living in poverty and doesn’t consider School Choice options.

Every fall, the Maryland State Department of Education releases the Maryland State Report Card, which provides a percentage earned to each school based on these criteria:

• Academic achievement: state test scores in English language arts and math
• Academic progress: improvement in test scores
• Progress in achieving English language proficiency
• Graduation rate
• Readiness for post-secondary success
• School quality and success: school survey and absenteeism data

Families can also find a wealth of information on each school’s profile on the City Schools website. Expand the “data profile” to see data points including the number of students and staff, average teacher tenure, early learning metrics, attendance and suspension incidents, demographic information, and more.

Another great tool that City Schools provides is the Stakeholder Feedback dashboard, which offers reports and summaries of feedback gathered from students, families, staff, and community members throughout the school year.

Tip #5: Engage over the Summer

Once you’ve made your decision and enrolled your child, get excited about the school by taking walks around the grounds, exploring the playground, and following the school or PTO on social media to stay updated on upcoming events. Chat with your child about the uniform and bell schedule so they know what to expect. Consider connecting with other families in your neighborhood whose kids attend the same school and arranging some fun playdates. Many schools also host “Sneak a Peek at your Seat” events before the new year starts—it’s a great way to get familiar with the environment.

Now that you’ve done your homework, enjoy becoming part of the vibrant school community!