Posted on 09/15/25
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 15, 2025 - A Fox45 News investigation has uncovered yet another stunning failure in Baltimore City Public Schools when it comes to academic outcomes.
Despite a dramatic increase in funding, Project Baltimore found one City high school that has not had a single student test proficient in math in four years.
Carl Stokes, a former Baltimore City Council member and charter school operator, responded:
“They do a horrible job. That school should be closed.”
Achievement Academy at Harbor City, a high school in northeast Baltimore, has not had a single student test proficient in math in four years, according to MCAP state exam data. Over the last four school years, 134 students at the school have taken the state math exams. Not one scored proficient.
Stokes said: “It says that the leadership is worthless. They are failing their mission. They are failing the students.”
City Schools describes Achievement Academy as an alternative placement school for students who struggle in traditional academic settings. Its vision is “to cultivate lifelong learners and productive citizens.”
Funding has sharply increased. In 2021, the school received $20,014 for each of its 372 students. By 2024, enrollment dropped to 202 students, but per-student funding doubled to $42,618. Yet, despite the increased spending, not one student tested proficient in math.
“When you look at the amount of money it’s getting and the education the students apparently aren’t getting, who do you hold accountable?” asked Project Baltimore’s Chris Papst.
Stokes answered: “You start with North Avenue headquarters. From superintendent, CEO and her cabinet, and then the local school leadership.”
Achievement Academy’s principal last year was Kristin Taylor, a 19-year veteran of City Schools who earned $148,440 in total compensation.
City Schools declined an interview and instead sent a statement, which avoided addressing student outcomes. Instead, the district said the state’s per-pupil figures “include central office and districtwide costs, not just school-level spending,” and should not be interpreted as actual per-student spending.
MSDE also noted that Achievement Academy primarily serves students who are overage, under-credited, or have faced disruptions such as juvenile justice involvement, requiring smaller class sizes and individualized supports.
Stokes stressed that accountability is the only solution: “At some point you have to withhold money, withhold promotions, and dismiss persons who don’t meet the standards for these young people.”
On the Maryland State Department of Education’s school rating site, Achievement Academy earned two stars. Despite four years without a single student proficient in math, the school is not rated among the state’s lowest performers.