Baltimore International Academy

Posted: December 16, 2025

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Posted: December 16, 2025

Posted: December 16, 2025

This school is very lax when it comes to bullying. I believe the school doesn’t want to have suspensions on their record; but at the expense of the students’ safety and mental health.

I filed many reports and had to settle for transferring my disabled child from the school because of their inaction when it came to physical abuse from another student.

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Posted: October 27, 2024

Teachers are so good , give lots of activity . Thanks teachers

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

The test scores in English and math are low. Many of the kids can't read where they are suppose to be. The school is dirty, mice poop everywhere in the classrooms. Teachers try hard, but lots of fights. No accountability for fighting and other disruptive behavior. Not a healthy environment for anyone. Unsafe. Poor administration. I saw a parent fighting with the principal. Not a good look for the school.

Posted: January 9, 2023

Posted: January 9, 2023

My son in currently a 3rd grade Mandarin student at Baltimore International Academy (BIA). I am thrilled about the opportunity for him to learn and become proficient in a foreign language. He has attended this school since Kindergarten and he is doing quite well. He is making gains and excelling in all of his classes including English Language Arts (ELA). Many youth at the school may experience ELA lags early on as the focus is on the target language for the first 2-3 years. All of my son's teachers have been responsive when I have contacted them regarding both personal and academic concerns. I am excited to see my son's continued progress and development. He loves the school as do I and my husband. I have no complaints and no hesitation in recommending BIA to other parents seeking a language immersion experience for their children.

Posted: November 5, 2021

Posted: November 5, 2021

Posted: November 5, 2021

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Posted: November 5, 2021

Posted: November 5, 2021

Posted: November 5, 2021

Posted: November 5, 2021

Love this school for my kids. Each year the school gets better and better.

Posted: May 22, 2020

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Posted: May 22, 2020

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Posted: May 22, 2020

Posted: May 22, 2020

The kindergarten French teacher is extremely good. The children learn a lot. There is not enough priority given to outdoor time, and the class sizes are large in small classrooms. There does not seem to be a good system for handling troubled/disruptive students. I am very happy with my child's progress in reading, French, and math. It has overall been a good experience.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Posted: February 11, 2019

Posted: February 11, 2019

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Posted: February 11, 2019

Posted: February 11, 2019

Posted: February 11, 2019

I have a great experience with this school and have no complains so far.

Posted: December 5, 2018

very good my son love his teacheer

Posted: December 5, 2018

i think so they learn a lot

Posted: December 5, 2018

very good it look like my son getting better

Posted: December 5, 2018

so far so good . teacher call if your child is behind and they would discuss with you

Posted: December 5, 2018

they try so far i have no issue

Posted: December 5, 2018

they check every day. good enough home work

Posted: December 5, 2018

i am glad my son has this chance. i am telling you if you do not work with your baby, you can not succeed in this school. may be you might complain the test but that is not all. i am beginner but work hard. so far so good. it slow but it will comes

Posted: May 16, 2018

Posted: May 16, 2018

Classrooms have major disciplinary problems with disruptive students.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Administration does not communicate and is very unprofessional. If your child is bullied or injured by another student you might as well report it to city schools directly.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Children with learning difficulties do not have the required by law instruction. No help or following through with their learning plans. Other children are not being recommended for the services they need.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Bullying is a major problem in thi school. Bullies are not disciplined and no help at school for victims.

Posted: May 16, 2018

Posted: May 16, 2018

This school is a dissapointment. It has a nice "sales pitch" of your child learning a second language. But once your child is there you will find out your child is not getting what you bought. Bullying is a huge problem. Discipline is a huge problem. Plumbing is a huge problem. Rats and roaches all over the place. Disruptive classrooms with no learning going on. Safety is a huge problem. Communication from administration is problem. Finding out that children might be able to speak a few words in another language by 4th grade BUT can't read or write in english is a huge problem.

Posted: April 6, 2018

I have to agree that the opportunity to learn a new language and become fluent in it by any early age is such a great accomplishment for kids. The school has pros and cons as all schools do. However the current leadership of Principal Lokounia’s and her lack of response to the unsafe environment that our kids are being exposed to in this school are very concerning to me as a parent. I know that kids are being bullied throughout the school, across grade levels and regardless of race,ethnicity, and gender. Please do not allow this administration to push our kid’s safety and parent’s concerns under a rug and forget about it.

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

Majority of the students are respectful and goal oriented.

Posted: April 6, 2018

The current leadership of Principal Lokounia’s and her lack of response to the unsafe environment that our kids are being exposed to in this school are very concerning to me as a parent. I know that kids are being bullied throughout the school, across grade levels and regardless of race,ethnicity, and gender.

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

My daughter is learning a lot and enjoys the school for the most part. However there is a real issue with bullying that often gets swept under the rug. Please stay involved in your child's schooling.

Posted: March 9, 2018

The teachers rarely teach, my fourth grade teacher assigned us a geography worksheet and I was the only one who could find all of them. I was in french and almost everyone asked me where France was. The teacher had not taught us anything about geography.

Posted: March 9, 2018

Posted: March 9, 2018

Posted: March 9, 2018

From my experience, they provide no help to children with learning disabilities:

Posted: March 9, 2018

There was a student in my class who would give me death threats and suicidal encouragement daily. He even threw me off a swing. The staff did NOTHING. I left the school because of this, and I’m glad I did.

Posted: March 9, 2018

Pretty awful, some teachers were great, but some were awful. The art teacher was an amazing women, but we did no real art.

Posted: March 9, 2018

Posted: January 31, 2018

Posted: January 31, 2018

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Posted: January 31, 2018

Posted: January 31, 2018

Posted: January 31, 2018

Very smart school it gives them diversity and I love the way they know each parent and students

Posted: September 19, 2017

Posted: September 19, 2017

Posted: September 19, 2017

Posted: September 19, 2017

Posted: September 19, 2017

Posted: September 19, 2017

I have had 3 children at this school. One has since graduated. I can honestly say that if you do not work with your child, they will not succeed here. The school's rating does not define the school. My son went on to take all honors classes in high school. They focus more on different forms of learning and cultures and I love it. I am an active parent and have no problem with being my child's first teacher. I think the children take longer picking up on things because they are learning it in another language. Maybe that explains the test scores. My children has always had great scores so I have never experienced that problem. I love this school and the fact that they are teaching my children what I cannot. A rating from me.

Posted: September 19, 2017

I miss Rosetta Stone. They helped a lot.

Posted: July 8, 2015

We have 2 children in 2 different languages who've both been enrolled since kindergarten and both have excelled. It's a challenge to be sure but they enjoy it and have already made great friends.

Like any school BIA has challenges consistent with their community and population not to mention the very ambitious work of teaching FIVE different languages. I also would really like to see more diversity in the school that is representative of this eclectic city and of the many languages offered.

This school is a well-guarded gem.

Parents at this school know it is important to reinforce the English language skills at home and through extracurricular activities outside of the school. It is a team effort after all.

The staff is dedicated and compassionate and the teachers are committed to their students. You would do well to consider this school.

Please also be mindful that these ratings don't always tell the full story.
Always do your due diligence when researching a school home for their most valuable assets.

I wish you Good Luck!

Posted: July 8, 2015

Posted: July 8, 2015

Posted: July 8, 2015

Integrity and inclusion are a mainstay and an expectation in this school. And in our home. we are glad it is reinforced at BIA

Posted: October 26, 2014

My school is Baltimore International Academy where my child, a 2nd grader, has done extremely well, thanks to the support and caring staff of teachers, office administration and Principal Enkiri, who is faithfully out on the parking lot watching all students arrive to school, and in school every morning to greet students and parents in the cafetorium. Principal Enkiri is the BEST! And because he is the best, his excellence is leadership trickles down to the entire organizational structure of BIA. He runs a tight ship and the students are indeed among the best and brightest in the City of Baltimore.

Posted: September 4, 2014

My daughter has been attending BIA since the 2009-2010 school year (K) I have enjoyed the experience of seeing her learn a foreign language. The school has really grown since it first started but overall the staffs commitment to the children has remained the same. The Principal is kind in his interactions with parents and children and makes himself available for any concerns parents have. The only thing I would say to parents considering this school is to be be mindful this is a language immersion school and the children are fully immersed in their target language. You will need to work on reading and writing with your children at home so they are not behind in English. They do have ELA (English Language Arts) but not for enough hours during the day to give them what they need to have strong reading and writing skills. Other than that I have no complaints about this school. Also the aftercare program is really great, kind staff who seems to genuinely care for all the children.

Posted: April 13, 2014

Where else could you send your child to learn Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian, and now Arabic from Kindergarten to Middle School? The answer is simple Baltimore International Academy. This school is a full emergent school. Not only do you have the language at your finger-tips, but you also have the change for your students to learn through the enriched program of IB. An IB program is unique. All IB students learn a second language and the skills to live and work with others internationally essential for life in the 21st century. We encourage a positive attitude to learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to reflect critically, to develop research skills, and to learn how to learn. We encourage community service because we believe that there is more to learning than academic studies alone. Yes, we do expect parents to assist the children in this very rigorous, project-based learning program, but the end results are much more beneficial then any other public school education.

Posted: February 22, 2014

Full language immersion is an excellent idea for the education of your child whether he/she is within the U.S. or in any another country. English classes, however, should be prioritized in light of the standardized testing and realization that the student's 'real life' involves understanding and functioning within an English-speaking environment. Parents need to bolster their student's reading and provide less 'babysitter' items such as extended tv viewing and videogames that do not assist in learning/mastering their first language (English). The scheduling of English classes at the beginning or end of the school day should be avoided if possible due to the numerous conflicts.The student should be responsible for home and classwork. Being in an IB school also requires projects and enhanced learning. Parentseither be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Yes, the school takes a parental role once the student is within their walls, but they are dealing with whatever conditions that are within the child's household and external environment: be it good or bad. Redirecting students to their family hopes works only with parental assistance. They can be ROCK students!!

Posted: February 5, 2014

I love the idea of a language immersion school but they are really falling short. My son is in the Russian immersion program. His first teacher was great until she ran into green card problems&went into hiding. He ended up with a subpar substitute for the rest of the year. His first grade teacher was fine. More problems arose in 2nd grade. We loved his teacher. English classes started that year too. His English teacher in 2nd grade was good. They just didn't seem to be doing anything in music. They started the year with a packet of material to cover. By November, they had only done a couple of pages. I asked what they'd been doing. He said they watched The Spiderwick Chronicles a few times. That teacher was eventually let go&a new music teacher was brought in. She seems to be fine. His English teacher this year, 3rd grade, has serious problems with her own grammar&spelling. She can't correct homework properly due to her poor English. Nothing is being done about it. There is no indication that she will be replaced though she clearly should not be teaching. We requested a conference with her. When she finally called, it was to complain about her job to us. Time for a change.

Posted: August 15, 2013

BIA is a great school. I have a third grader and second grader enrolled currently. They speak Spanish fluently. I also like that the entire family has access to Rosetta Stone in your child's target language. BIA is also an IB school that focuses on different cultures . Be prepared to read with your children every night for 20 minutes and do the Rosetta Stone too. Your kids get a lot out of the school when parents go the extra mile for their children.

Posted: June 11, 2013

This school is a fantastic concept, but is very poorly executed. The administration puts on a show and dance for parents. It's very gimmicky. If you want your child to learn how to sing and dance in Chinese and do not mind them being academically behind, then this is a fantastic option for you! They have several combined classes because they can't keep students as they reach the upper grades. My child was once in a class of 25, which has now dwindled down to 6 students. I will be transferring my children this fall. I tried to stay because I love the concept, but I can not waste anymore of my children's time. Educating them has fallen on me after school because they are not learning what they need to know during school. There are MUCH better options out there! They hire teachers with very little teaching experience, simply because they speak one of the target languages. I understand that it may be difficult to find quality teachers who speak Mandarin, Russian, French, and Spanish and have experience in immersion teaching, but this should have been thought of at the onset of the school's creation. I speak English, but would make a terrible teacher.

Posted: April 27, 2013

As of this school year 2012-2013 BIA has experienced a great amount of change, from school buildings, principals, to schedule. Unfortunately, these changes have affected the way the school runs, picking up of the children is a potential fire hazard. There are double doors heavy to open, were children and parents are coming in and out off with no organization. As a formal teacher and a stay at home mom I spent a lot of time at the school volunteering therefore I am able to observe teaching and behavior methods used by my child's teacher. The behavior in my child's classroom is unbelievable! During SEVERAL of my visits it has taken the teacher an average of 20min to start her morning plan due students disrupting the class. It has taken office personnel another 10 minutes to come and get these students out of the classroom because they are dealing with other students from other classrooms. Where I come from charter schools are held to a higher standards with behavior and classroom management . BIA is no different from an inner city public school.

Posted: March 21, 2013

I love my school. My children have been coming here since its inception. The new principle is great and is very firm with our children. He demands order and they listen. The only program to which I have not been privy is the French Immersion. I have kids in all other languages and I dont have one complaint. My only suggestion for new comers is that you prepare to teach English at home. English is not introduced until 2nd grade which may put your child behind in reading if you dont pick up the slack. Also, read with them nightly; Dr. Suess books help alot. What they miss in English is made up by the knowledge they gain as a potential interpreter or Language analyst. the possibilities are endless. My girls recognize chinese on movies and can tell me what they are saying. On the last snow day (when it didnt snow at all) I used google to communicate with my babies and to translate their responses. It just makes you feel good as a parent that you are setting them up to be something great. CHinese/Russian programs are by far the best I think. Good luck with your decision

Posted: December 18, 2012

Thank you for making sure our children are safe! The video cameras, security guard, and the intercom at the front door prove that BIA is dedicated to a safe and quality education for all students.

Posted: October 3, 2012

This first quarter at BIA has been amazing for my kindergartener who is excited every day about going to BIA. She adores her teacher, has made new friends, and is constantly reciting her new Spanish dialogue at home daily. I see the Principal daily wearing school crossing guard gear, helping the student and parent walkers make their way safely onto the grounds of the school. The combination of learning academics through foreign language is top rate. Learning a second language at this age helps to ensure and enhance our student's success and marketability in the future. I knew this was the right school for my daughter. And she LOVES it! I have an older child who is self taught Chinese and Mandarin, who now teaches Chinese to younger students during the summer months, with excitement! The motivation to learn came from home. At its core, your child's success in all areas, even academically, is dependent upon how you prepare and motivate him or her at home. That's where it starts. BIA does an excellent job with the daytime portion of that duty and responsibility. Five starts for BIA!!!!!!!

Posted: September 13, 2012

I love this school. I am a teacher at another Batimore City school and BIA is great. I recommend it to all of the parents I know. Of course nothing is perfect. They have their issues, but we have a new school building, a new principal and there is the feeling of new life and great things to come. The school is an IB World Primary Years school, 4 different languages and dedicated teachers. As parents, we must make our presence known, do our part at home and the teachers will do the rest. Join the PTO, get involved parents! The new principal seems to have a vision and a focus for high expectations and he will accept nothing less from the parents. I have a feeling, with his enthusiasm and dedication, our new principal is going to take us places. BIA, the BEST school in Baltimore City!

Posted: August 26, 2012

As a parent of 4 children in 3 languages from 5th grade spanish to kindergarten chinese, I am highly impressed and dream about the future opportunities available to my children through this program. There are some set backs because in order for your child to remain successful in English it requires work/input/actual determination from the parent but if you are in any way like the dedicated, involved, focused parents of BIA, it will be ABSOLUTELY no problem to overcome. They offer FREE rosetta stone software, that I myself work on almost everyday. Your child will almost be guaranteed a scholarship with language skills like this. My children talk to everyone. She speaks chinese to her piano teacher (who is Asian), my son speaks to strangers (in my presense) when he hears them speak Russian, and my other daughter on several occasions has helped an hispanic in the store with a language barrier. The skills are invaluable but you have to be patient. In addition, as in any school, you have to make the teachers know your presence and see that you care about your child's success. Dont leave it up to them whether your child learns successfully or not. It is always up to you.

Posted: July 9, 2012

Very unorgainized. do not communicate with parent. Spend more time fuzzing with the children. Never see the results of this program through the child.

Posted: July 7, 2012

My daughter loves her school! She is in the Kindergarten Russian Immersion Class and her teacher Ms. Kozyaykina is excellent! I would definitely recommend this school to others. The school is in the process of moving to the Mother Mary Lange school in Frankford where they will have the much needed space for their host of activities. I love that the kids are in a diverse teaching environment and also the host of activities that they attend outside of the classroom to complement the teaching. As a parent, i'm excited to see her having fun, learning and in the process i am learning as well. MMe Loukunia is currently the acting principal and is doing an excellent job! I think that the parents can assist some more with activities and the protocol for dealing with problematic children needs to be revised...but other than that i am pleased.

Posted: May 24, 2012

The mission? Great! My child read, writes and speaks Chinese remarkably. The school is diverse which was important to me because I attended up in a tremendously diverse school which allowed me to learn about different ethnicity and cultures - this school does exactly that. The reason why I gave it three stars is because the school fails to communicate important information about students to the parents. My child was was touched inappropriately by another student. The student was removed from the school and I was informed of this by a parent that happened to be in the classroom that day. The principal is very hard to pen down long enough to voice your concerns. The child was let back into the school three months later and again I was not informed nor had any say in the matter. The office staff could be more professional. The school secretary insults the parents, intimidates the children and lies about school protocol in order to make your visit difficult. She has threatened to 'beat' my child, call the police when I was late picking up my child and told me it was my child's fault when the school released him and he ended up at another school. You have to stay on top of them!