Baltimore city Schools & Education
Baltimore city, Maryland
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
70.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
70.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 89.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,733
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,395
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
State School Rank
#24
of 24 counties (1 = best)
Explore Baltimore city across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Baltimore City, Maryland
A Diverse Urban Educational Landscape
Baltimore City manages 155 public schools serving a population of 76,398 students in a purely urban setting. The infrastructure is dominated by 111 elementary schools and 35 high schools, reflecting a commitment to early childhood and secondary education. Two distinct districts operate here, including the SEED School of Maryland.
High Investment Amidst Urban Challenges
Baltimore City spends $11,733 per pupil, which is higher than the Maryland state average of $10,395. The graduation rate stands at 70.1%, trailing the national average as the city works to bridge performance gaps. Despite these hurdles, the city maintains a school score of 53.3, which is above the national median of 50.0.
A Leader in Charter Innovation
Baltimore City Public Schools is the primary district, while the SEED School of Maryland serves as a specialized statewide boarding option. The city is a hub for choice, with 31 charter schools making up 20% of all public campuses. Large vocational and technical schools like Mergenthaler (1,677 students) provide critical career-ready pathways.
Big Schools in an Urban Core
Every one of the 155 schools is classified as an urban locale, providing students with a consistent city experience. The average school size is 493 students, though specialized high schools like Digital Harbor and Baltimore Polytechnic often exceed 1,500 students. This mix of traditional and charter models creates a highly varied educational feel.
Urban Living Near Diverse School Models
Baltimore City offers unique educational opportunities through its wide array of charter schools and specialized vocational programs. Families searching for homes should consider the proximity to these high-enrollment magnet and charter options. The high per-pupil investment reflects a city-wide priority on improving student outcomes.
School Overview
Total Schools
155
in Baltimore city
Total Enrollment
76,398
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
31
20% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Baltimore city
Baltimore City Public Schools
SEED School of Maryland
155 Public Schools in Baltimore city
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,677 |
| Digital Harbor High School | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,591 |
| Baltimore Polytechnic Institute | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,555 |
| Baltimore City College | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,497 |
| KIPP Harmony Academy | Baltimore City Public Schools | KG–8 | Charter | 1,480 |
| Roland Park Elementary/Middle | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 1,365 |
| Patterson High | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,335 |
| Western High | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,262 |
| Paul Laurence Dunbar High | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,067 |
| Carver Vocational-Technical High | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,020 |
| The Belair-Edison School | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Charter | 1,013 |
| Lakeland Elementary/Middle | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 997 |
| Leith Walk Elementary/Middle | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 967 |
| John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 930 |
| Academy for College and Career Exploration | Baltimore City Public Schools | 6–12 | High | 902 |
| Hampstead Hill Academy | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Charter | 861 |
| Edmondson-Westside High | Baltimore City Public Schools | 9–12 | Vocational | 859 |
| Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 855 |
| Green Street Academy | Baltimore City Public Schools | 6–12 | Charter | 854 |
| Calvin M. Rodwell Elementary/Middle | Baltimore City Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 841 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$11,733
State avg $10,395
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Baltimore city filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Baltimore city
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Baltimore City, Maryland — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Baltimore City, Maryland?
Baltimore City manages 155 public schools serving a population of 76,398 students in a purely urban setting. The infrastructure is dominated by 111 elementary schools and 35 high schools, reflecting a commitment to early childhood and secondary education. Two distinct districts operate here, including the SEED School of Maryland.
How do schools in Baltimore City perform academically?
Baltimore City spends $11,733 per pupil, which is higher than the Maryland state average of $10,395. The graduation rate stands at 70.1%, trailing the national average as the city works to bridge performance gaps. Despite these hurdles, the city maintains a school score of 53.3, which is above the national median of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Baltimore City, Maryland?
Baltimore City Public Schools is the primary district, while the SEED School of Maryland serves as a specialized statewide boarding option. The city is a hub for choice, with 31 charter schools making up 20% of all public campuses. Large vocational and technical schools like Mergenthaler (1,677 students) provide critical career-ready pathways.
What is the school experience like in Baltimore City?
Every one of the 155 schools is classified as an urban locale, providing students with a consistent city experience. The average school size is 493 students, though specialized high schools like Digital Harbor and Baltimore Polytechnic often exceed 1,500 students. This mix of traditional and charter models creates a highly varied educational feel.
How can I find homes near good schools in Baltimore City, Maryland?
Baltimore City offers unique educational opportunities through its wide array of charter schools and specialized vocational programs. Families searching for homes should consider the proximity to these high-enrollment magnet and charter options. The high per-pupil investment reflects a city-wide priority on improving student outcomes.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.