Alternatives to Baltimore City Schools (Hampstead: houses, middle schools, living in)

[bobbybmore]

Hello -

I live in Federal Hill and have a girlfriend who is moving from out of state with me around summertime. I've done a few searches and from what I understand, Baltimore City schools is a lottery system. While Maryland has been ranked #1 in public schools, it's hard to believe as I look at stats for schools in my area. He is 11 and will be attending middle school. Is private school the only option to guarantee that he gets into a great school? It doesn't seem possible for him to go to a different county and go to school, right?

Thanks for any help

[dogpark]

Hi Bobby,

Welcome to public education purgatory!

I live near you, my wife is a city public school teacher, have two kids, one private and one in a decent charter (entered via lottery system, long waiting list). Honestly, middle school is probably the time when it is best to go private so you have control and can do the best to ensure a positive outcome. PM me if you want suggestions.

[Tinawina]

Public middle schools in Baltimore City pretty much suck. Even Roland Park's gets mixed reviews. Mt Washington just started one that's going for IB certification soon but it's only been a couple of years since it started so the jury is still out. From there your only decent option is the Ingenuity Project, a gifted program that focuses of science and technology and has chapters in 4(?) schools. The kid would have to take the entrance exam and score very high.

I have been told this same thing several times by multiple people from all walks of life... even teachers. Perhaps there is another viable public option out there but I haven't heard abotu it. A few of the specialized high schools start at 6-7th grade (?) so maybe one of those is a good option?

I think private is likely to be your best option.

[lumibird]

There are some good schools for middle school kids if you dig deep: Hampstead Hill Academy, City Neighbors, KIPP Ujima Village, Thomas Jefferson (near Federal Hill), Federal Hill Prep, and others. Don't go by the number ratings on greatschools.com - they don't always tell the whole story about a school. Read reviews, talk to parents, go to open houses, etc. There are terrible schools ranked a "2," and awesome schools ranked a "2."

[RRS2010]

I used to work at KIPP. I have mixed feelings. I am not saying the education is bad, there are some solid, dedicated teachers there, but there are some real inner city problems in that school and the administration does not address them properly. I think this school is great for kids living in poverty who have no choice other than attending regular Balt City schools and this gave them oppty for scholarships to private schools.

I personally wouldn't send my kids there for the behaviors issues alone.

[dogpark]

Originally Posted by RRS2010

I used to work at KIPP. I have mixed feelings. I am not saying the education is bad, there are some solid, dedicated teachers there, but there are some real inner city problems in that school and the administration does not address them properly. I think this school is great for kids living in poverty who have no choice other than attending regular Balt City schools and this gave them oppty for scholarships to private schools.

I personally wouldn't send my kids there for the behaviors issues alone.

+1
I knew folks that worked there, helped open it.
Behavior/peer group is a major influence on how a child will do in a class and school. You can control your kid to a point, but not the others. Teachers have to deal with the disruptive kids and often it is at the expense of the non-disruptive kids. Administrations are instructed to minimize disciplinary actions. Some parents/guardians don't react when informed of issues. And the disruptions continue. So the class sinks to the level of the lowest common denominator. After 6 years of this foolishness, we pulled our oldest and sent her private.

Public elementary thru 4th grade is OK, 5th into middle school is awful and you better get your kid into a good high school...

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by bobbybmore

I live in Federal Hill...

But do you OWN there?
iow... how committed to living in the City are you?

[Clyde Pharmer]

As a product of the Baltimore city school system, Roland Park Middle was good. We had a lot of kids do well in high school and beyond based on reconnections on Facebook. Our class had Poly's valedictorian, Western's valedictorian, Gilman's valedictorian, and many successful professionals.

[are you kidinme?]

You're thinking about an alternative to Baltimore City schools, when really you should be thinking of an alternative to Baltimore City. Given there outstanding schools less than 20 min away, why would you do that to a kid?

[AWeil]

I have 2 sons who attend and have attended RP Park: one went to RP Park from K through 8, and now attends accelerated math and science program (ingenuity) at Poly.

Compared to schools in wealthier counties we may not have the same amenities, but my kids are getting a solid education. I would suggest your girlfriend come for a visit, meet the principal and talk to the parents! It really depends on your child and if it's the right fit.

Also: as a family we have benefitted from our kids being able to walk and bike to school--something that has become increasingly rare in this country!