Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School

1425 East Fort Avenue

School District

Baltimore City Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Baltimore City Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by teacher on April 06, 2023

Have taught 7th grade Math and are considering a full time elementary position.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2023

Our kids have been going to FSK for five years now and it’s hard to find anything to complain about. We’ve really liked the teachers every year. The principal is really good and engaging. The PTO is very engaging and active. The school is growing, and probably as important is the area around the school is growing. I’m usually cautious of middle school age children but the middle school seems nice and safe and everyone seems respectful. The school is also very active on the communication to parents vis a social media platform which is just awesome! Oh and laptops being issued to every child and free breakfast, lunch and (I assume still) dinner is amazing to me. I recommend giving this school a look if you live anywhere in the city, even outside the school zone since they allow outsiders. It’s a gem.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2022

A model public school educating students from pre-k through 8th grade. Active PTO, dozens of community partners, focus on equitable offerings for students ranging from recipients of special education services through twice-exceptional gifted students. Beautiful green campus, access to adjacent public park and walking distance to the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry National Monument. A great place to learn and support.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2019

An Excellent school wouldn't choose another school over FSK Great Principal ,GREAT Teachers just an all around TERRIFIC school
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2018

This is only a good school for elementary students. The 7th and 8th grades do not even have a math teacher! They're putting these children at risk of being behind their peers. I'm considering pulling my son out because of this and the behavior of some of these kids. They've had problems issues with teachers at the Middle school level for the past 2 3 years and they can't seem to find an administrative assistant who isn't rude.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2018

I had the opportunity to visit the school as a potential parent of a 3rd grader. My child is coming from a private school, so it's a big transition for her. The school age attends now(I wont name) is really over rated because of who the owner is. I'm paying for nothing, no academics program,no school lunch,no field trip,nothing. I visited FCKE/M as I greeted by staff very politely the office secretary wasn't that polite. I was taken for a tour and the school was pretty quiet, very clean hallways/stairway, I visited each classroom and the teachers was actually interacting with the students and all the students seem like they where eager to learn. The library is outstanding, lunch room was clean, bathrooms clean. Health aide was very kind and informative. So overall I'm pleased with what I saw. But the real challenge will be my childs grades, work performance, and academic skills. I will give an update review after the 2018-2019 school year.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2017

The teachers are wonderful and nurturing at this school. I'm confident that the new principal will be able to work through some of the issues with the current administrative personnel (this is the only reason for the 3 stars, instead of 5). Another reviewer commented that they were concerned about the upper grades. My experience has been that the school is undergoing very positive changes and I've seen this reflected at each grade level.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2017

Iam a a potential parent wondering why scores are so low. Only good feedback are from lower grade parents. As well as academic, are there art, music, etc programs. I have a incoming 5th grader who has challenges, will there be resources/help?
Submitted by principal on August 07, 2017

Good Evening,I am reaching out as the new principal at FSK. Thank you for the feedback that is being left on the page. In reference to the previous post of disappointment, I would like to talk about your concerns. Please email me at cbasmajian@bcps.k12.md.us
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2017

Our daughter is in Kindergarten at FSK. The early childhood team (pre-K, K, and 1st) work very closely together to differentiate instruction for the students and we feel confident that she is getting the support she needs in all subject areas. In addition, she feels known and cared for by all the adults in the early elementary wing of the building. She is making good progress with reading, writing, and math, has made friends, and really enjoys the after-school program. We love being a part of a neighborhood school community where parents look out for one another's kids and support each other in and outside of school.
Submitted by other on January 09, 2017

We absolutely LOVE FSK! Great school. Our child is happy and doing great! We love the diversity!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2017

We have always loved living in the city and explored many options when it came to choosing a school for our daughter. We enrolled our daughter at FSK for kindergarten and haven't looked back. She now is in the 3rd grade and is thriving in all ways imaginable. She looks forward to going to school and has developed a great sense of pride through all of her academic accomplishments. The parent involvement is second-to-none and the teachers, administration and staff are fully engaged in making FSK the best that it can be. We couldn't be happier with our choice to enroll at FSK!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2017

We made the choice to send our daughter out of zone for kindergarten and I couldn't be happier that we ended up at FSK.The school grounds are great, I was impressed with the technology in the classrooms, the diversity and programs available. I love the location of the school - during the Blue Angels arrival in Baltimore the early elementary classes got to walk to parks and Under Armour to watch. For school trips they have the ability to ride the free circulator bus, which stops in front of the school. Immediately after we began my daughter had transitioning issues and her teacher and several staff members went above and beyond to help both of us make it easier for her. That meant a lot and showed the character of the school.Prior to enrolling, I went to a PTO meeting to see what that was like and was super impressed with the amount of active parents that showed up. Since becoming a parent and attending meetings I continue to be impressed with the parental involvement at FSK. A strong PTO was something I looked for in a school and FSK did not disappoint.The middle school and elementary students are in separate wings, however I do know that at times my daughter gets to interact with middle schoolers (when she dressed as The Lorax for American Education Week "Dress as your Favorite Book Character" she came home and told me at least 5 of the "big kids" told her how much they liked her outfit). I've also seen middle schoolers coming out and helping on weekends or evenings to elementary events and have enjoyed seeing how gentle they are with the younger kids.Not to be naive, it is still a city school and when I walk my daughter in the building in the morning we pass some older kids sometimes using colorful language, but it's nothing worse than what they hear at the playground (or from my own mouth). My daughter has never mentioned it or been phased by it.I originally saw the low score on Great Schools and didn't know what to think but it was recommended to check out FSK. The score does not match the school.My advice as a new parent to a perspective parent is to be as involved as you can. To make a great school you need great kids but also need their parents.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2016

Transferring in from another school where things were not what they should've been - the administration (teachers too though it wasn't all of their faults) couldn't handle the kids my daughter has found her "home". Her teachers as well as the staff are amazing taking the time to assure her and me that what she went though at her other school would not happen at this one. Nor have they. Her grades have improved -she's actually getting an education now! and her zest for life has returned She's befriended a diverse group of individuals who not only share her interests but have her back when she needs them most. Her father and I could not be happier. Only wish I'd moved her over sooner.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2015

Our son goes to Pre-K. At first we weren't sure, but so far everything has exceeded our expectations. Staff is wonderful!
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2015

Our second year at Francis Scott Key and we could not be happier. My son is in the kindergarten program this year and its wonderful. With only 15 children in the class to one teacher and one assistant he is getting that one on one focus that we were looking for. The school has created many after school programs that are priceless; Spanish, violin, art, and music to name a few. My son loves the after school program. We are so happy to be a part of this community and the families we have met along they way are priceless. We are looking forward to the future program that the school has to offer.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2015

We've had an excellent experience with Francis Scott Key. My son transferred to FSK in the second grade from a small private school. He is now entering the 8th grade and is doing well overall. He has some learning disabilities, but the IEP team has been great about working with us. The teachers have been responsive to my concerns and respond promptly to my questions. The school is well kept and I feel it is a safe environment for my son.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

My daughter is a first grader at Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School. We are so pleased with all of the great things happening at the school under the leadership of Principal Mary McComas. Great new resources are being brought into the school, and there is a fantastic before and after school option which is key for our family. Our daughter came from a challenging Montessori pre-school background and I was frankly worried about her being challenged enough at her new school. This year I am quite pleased with the challenging work she brings home. We walk to school, and it has a wonderful community feel. She is in a class of 22 students, so the student:teacher ratio is pretty nice as well.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2015

I have two daughters at FSK. One is in second grade and one is in pre-kindergarten. They are both having wonderful experiences at the school. My husband and I are very pleased with the level of academic instruction, the social environment, the community involvement, and we could not be more pleased with the level of commitment shown by the principal of the school Mary McComas.
Submitted by teacher on February 08, 2015

I have been an educator at Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School for almost 16 years now. It is the ONLY school I've taught at since I graduated from Coppin State University. I have seen so many colleagues and administrators come and go, and I can honestly say I would not be the teacher I am today without the support from first, my administrators, who this year are Mrs. Mary McComas and Mr. Christopher French. Mr. Shockney was with FSK for a few years and I learned so much from him. But it is my team of colleagues that I am fortunate to work with that allow me to stretch the minds of young students, raise my expectations and help them reach them, and the extra curricular programs that extend student learning. I am proud that FSK is now an Honors school and (hopefully) soon to be GT school. I feel most rewarded when I get visits from current high school or college students who come to thank me for pushing them as hard as I do. Truthfully, as an educator, I never know what, if any, impact I've had on students....I just have to trust that I've done my best. Validation comes in so many forms. I am also a mother of 15 year old sons so I know how hard teachers work! Thanx