Hello Charm City: The DMV to Baltimore Bridge

Deep Dive: The Real Scoop on Baltimore Schools

Hey there! 👋

Let's talk about the elephant in the room - schools. When I first moved to Baltimore, the school system was one of my biggest concerns. Now, as a mom of two, I've navigated the system and discovered something surprising: Baltimore offers more school choice options than most parents realize.

The Secret Most People Don't Know 📚

Here's something that blew my mind: In Baltimore, you can transfer your child to almost ANY school for almost ANY reason. No, really. Unlike DC where you're mostly locked into your neighborhood school or the lottery system, Baltimore's transfer process is uniquely flexible.

Some valid transfer reasons include:

• Desire for higher quality instruction

• Seeking stronger leadership

• Want smaller class sizes

• Looking for specific programming

• Need before/after care

• Want a safer neighborhood

• Seeking better academic reputation

(And yes, all of these are official reasons on the transfer form!)

Your Baltimore School Options 🎓

Let me break down the main paths:

1. Charter Schools:

• Free public schools with special programs

• Admission by lottery

• No geographic restrictions

• IMPORTANT: Application deadline for 2025-26 is coming up!

• Pro tip: Apply to multiple schools to increase your chances

2. Zoned Schools:

• Traditional neighborhood schools

• Some are highly rated

• Check out

  • Roland Park Elementary/Middle

  • Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle

  • Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle

3. Transfer Option:

• Can apply to any school with space

• Transfer window opens every spring

• Success rate higher than you'd think!

4. Private Schools:

• Often cheaper than DC private schools

• Many offer financial aid

• Some with tuition under $15,000 (compare to DC's $45,000+)

My Personal School Journey 🌟

When we started looking at schools, I was nervous. But we found an amazing charter school that we absolutely love. The process was straightforward:

1. Researched schools and applied to my top 5 charter school picks(December)

2. Submitted applications (February)

3. Got into lottery (March)

4. Received acceptance from 3 schools (April)

5. Enrolled in my top pick (May)

Baltimore School Rankings 📊

Top-rated schools you should know about:

1. Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle (#1 public K-8 as of 2025)

2. Baltimore School for the Arts (specialized high school)

3. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute ("Poly" - top high school)

4. Baltimore City College (not a college - another top high school!)

5. Mount Washington Elementary (hidden gem)

School Search Timeline ⏰

January/February:

• Research schools

• Attend open houses

• Submit charter applications

• Prepare transfer requests

March/April:

• Charter lottery results

• Transfer decisions (rolling through August)

• School registration

May/June:

• Enrollment paperwork

• School visits

• Meet teachers

Pro Tips from a Baltimore Mom 📝

1. Don't Just Trust Ratings:

   • Visit the schools

   • Talk to current parents

   • Join school Facebook groups

2. Consider All Factors:

   • Before/after care options

   • Transportation

   • Enrichment programs

   • Parent community

3. Have Backup Plans:

   • Apply to multiple charters

   • Consider nearby districts

   • Keep transfer option in mind

Final Thought 💭

The Baltimore school system isn't perfect - no system is. But it offers something unique: options. Whether it's charter schools, transfers, or traditional public schools, you have more choices than you might think. The key is starting early and knowing your options. Remember, some of the most successful people I know graduated from Baltimore City schools - including my husband!

Ready to dive deeper into your school options? Reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help you navigate the process!

With charm, Gift Ukpolo

Hello Charm City is a bi-weekly newsletter helping DMV residents discover affordable housing and a better life in Baltimore - from someone who made the journey and saved money doing it.