Our School

THE FES WAY: Our school comes to life in how we engage with ourselves, one another, and our greater community to adapt to today’s complex challenges. We transform learning experiences through WISDOM, LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY. WE ARE FREDERICK!

WHO WE ARE: We specialize in young learners with our research-based, individualized curriculum for Pre-K-5. Frederick Elementary is part of a network of neighborhood charter schools operated by the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) and focused on improving public education in Baltimore City.

We cultivate a dynamic, inclusive learning environment filled with self-aware, critically reflective, wise, and driven learners. Our proven, integrated programs inspire successful learners and future leaders with the wisdom to solve complex problems and lead change, for themselves and their communities.

OUR HISTORY: In 2016, as part of Baltimore City Public Schools 21st Century School Building plan, the school board of commissioners decided to merge Frederick Elementary School and Samuel F.B Morse Elementary School. At that same time, Frederick Elementary became a BCP conversion charter school, and in fall 2017, moved into their newly renovated 21st-century school building and state-of -the-art learning facility.

In just a few years, we’ve transformed as a learning community by:

• Increasing student achievement—we are the highest-performing public school among our cohort with similar demographics
• Maintaining strong community culture—we celebrate and care for the surrounding neighborhoods 
• Developing leaders at every level—we do this through the FES Way and our Habits of Mind.

FES is a Restorative Practice School

What are Restorative Practices?
Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. All adults at FES have been trained in implementing restorative practices. As a result, students may experience any of the following practices at FES:

• Community-building activities
• Restorative circles to build relationships and peacefully resolve conflicts
• Use of positive statements between adults and students
• Parent, teacher and student restorative circles to discuss behavior expectations
• Public apologies during Community Meeting

Our Restorative Practice Goals include:

• To establish a strong and peaceful community.
• To support the process of reflection and accountability.
• To support the FES school values and affirmations.

As a Restorative Practice school, we distinguish between “punishment” and “consequence.” A punishment can be defined as something that is imposed on someone, generally with the intention of creating pain or discomfort. On the other hand, a consequence is the natural or related result or effect of an action or condition. We work to build healthy relationships in our school community that promote the concept of restoration and actions that seek the same, if we are faced with harmful, challenging behaviors.

Community Building

Our ability to develop authentic and meaningful relationships with our students and families is essential to bringing the FES vision to life. Collectively, it is our responsibility to establish positive relationships within our FES community while creating a learning environment that meets students’ developmental, emotional and academic needs.

Community Meetings

One of the key drivers of our community-building efforts at Frederick Elementary School are our weekly community meetings. Each Friday, student groups within the school community gather for 30 minutes of the school day. Community meetings are the time in the week that students and staff come together to celebrate accomplishments; focus on the five Affirmations and associated Habits of Mind; discuss a news story or current event; and/or discuss issues related to celebrating or improving learning environment. Community Meetings are generally led by a faculty member, although at times students are invited to lead the community meeting as well. Parents or guardians interested in attending Community Meetings should contact their child’s teacher.

Morning Circle

Frederick Elementary School’s Morning Circle is designed to provide students with an opportunity to build community with peers and their teacher(s). The Morning Circle has several interrelated goals:

• Build a cohesive and respectful community among students and promote a positive peer culture.
• Promote the 3 Pillar Values, 5 Affirmations, and Habits of Mind of Frederick Elementary School
• Allow students to engage in dialogue about issues that matter to them
• Support a safe space for every student to develop as a strong individual

Our Symbology

The Adinkra symbols of Ghana are timeless. These visual symbols, originally created by the Akan people of Ghana, represent concepts or original thoughts that were viewed as essential aspects of life and the surrounding environment. The Wisdom Knot symbolizes the foundation for Frederick Elementary, while additional Adinkra symbols represent school structures and programs.