Baltimore City College

Posted: April 15, 2023

The teachers at this school are excellent--as good as you will find in any private school. I don't know how they do it, given how many students they have, but they are really invested, really get to know all these kids. There is always that one teacher who doesn't seem to like kids or their job, but I've found that to be the case everywhere, even when spending $25K+ on tuition.

We didn't know a whole lot about IB going in, and while I love the philosophy of expanding world views and critical thinking, I find the grading system bizarre and, I feel, it causes undue stress. But that's a criticism of IB, not City.

The school goes above and beyond to try to support kids struggling with mental health issues like anxiety and depression, but I guess I feel like all schools, all of us as a society, should be doing more to prevent kids from becoming so stressed in the first place. The emphasis on high stakes testing might be great for kids who are naturally competitive and confident, but even for them, is that really healthy?

Overall, we are happy with the school. I wouldn't say this is good preparation for college though--college is FAR easier and less stress. In IB you have 6 or 7 academic subjects. If I recall, in college I think you only have like 4? If you have a child who is prone to anxiety or depression, I would be sure to have a lot of supports in place. Remind your kids that this particular test or that grade will make zero difference in the overall quality of their life and to lighten up. Steve Jobs dropped out of Reed, right?

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2018

Posted: August 12, 2018

My daughter went to City for 4 years and became a young responsible adult. She can articulate a defense for all people regardless of background and has excelled academically. She is a graduate of 2018 and got a full ride to an excellent college that was her top choice. City will give students a chance to grow socially and academically and any kid from any background would be fortunate to attend.

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: August 9, 2017

I love the school. It really challenges your thinking . The teachers and your peers are really kind and help you to do better.
#CityForever

Posted: August 9, 2017

Posted: May 24, 2017

Posted: May 24, 2017

Posted: May 24, 2017

Posted: May 24, 2017

The academic program is wonderful, however there is absolutely to support for students with mental health issues such as Depression, Anxiety, ADD,etc.

Posted: May 24, 2017

Posted: May 24, 2017

Posted: May 24, 2017

Posted: September 1, 2014

City is a good school with great teachers, but the school does not utilize money properly. Instead of using money to help students pay our tons of dues (which we are not told about until long after we become freshmen) or to purchase books necessary for class, or even to fix the very flawed heating/cooling systems, we get sometimes frivolous/purely aesthetic renovations and a new card-swiping system to get into the school and into our classes. By the end of my year last year, when they fully implemented the card swiping system, only one of my seven teachers made us swipe in to enter the room. Despite that system being useless, money was wasted on it. Despite many students being in poverty, we have to pay for expensive uniform shirts that can only be bought from a single specific store. The majority of us have to pay for our own books, which many are incapable of. The school cares deeply about college and the advisory staff definitely want to help you out in any way, but the school does not have its priorities straight in terms of where money goes and how much students have to pay.

Posted: April 6, 2014

Baltimore City College is ranked in the top 3% of public high schools (Newsweek 2013), top 1% per Greatschools test score rankings for the State of Md.. Top 10% all high schools nationwide (public, private, parochial) as ranked by nationwide college admissions offices. With the only International Baccalaurate public high school program in Baltimore City. With a droppout rate under 2% and matriculation rate of about 98%.. With the USA's #1 high school debate team. Even POTUS gave recognition to one of our graduates, at the Morehouse Univ. graduation speech in 2013. For some reason Greatschools will not acknowledge our achievements? All of this at a school, where almost half of the students are on the school lunch program. This is a five star school.

Posted: January 29, 2014

I am a current student at BCC. The school as a whole is excellent with great opportunities. The teachers here push you to do your best and to keep trying to achieve your goals. I wouldn't change it for the world. City Forever !! Class of 2016 :)

Posted: September 20, 2013

This school is amazing! They push us academically and help us meet our personal goals. Since going to this school, I've improved academically and have become more responsible. City forever!

Posted: July 19, 2012

I'm a current student at BCC and I think this school is absolutely wonderful and challenging. I recommend anyone that is up to be academically challenged. The IB program is very unique and also very challenging. All through its not that diverse its still a great school with the teachers support and a friendly environment. This school is the BEST and I'm glad I chose to go here. :))

Posted: July 16, 2012

I feel like this school is being underrated and should be treated with more respect, besides Poly or Eastern. This is school is a Maryland Landmark.

Posted: July 16, 2011

City continues to maintain a consistent school providing a quality academic foundation. As a 1959 graduate and the father of a 1995 graduate I noted a consistency in City's academic foundation. I was also a middle school chess coach and noted City had many excellent players on its team. This gave me insight into the minds of many of its players.

Posted: June 16, 2011

As in regards to schools for baltimore city...you have to fill out a school of choice form for your child number 1 to 5 in order of choice. My suggestion is to contact the student placement office on north avenue because the deadline for those forms has passed but if your new to baltimore city schools it probably won't apply to you