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7 Essential Facts About Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School: Unpacking The 2025 Updates And Academic Reality

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Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School (LWEMS), a foundational institution in Baltimore’s Ramblewood neighborhood, continues to be a central topic of discussion among parents and the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) community, especially as the 2025-2026 school year approaches. The school, which serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, is currently navigating a period of significant capital improvements and new system-wide policy changes, making it a critical time for stakeholders to understand its current direction and academic standing.

The information available as of December 22, 2025, highlights a dedicated effort by the school's leadership to enhance the educational environment, even while facing ongoing challenges in student academic performance. From the completion of a major playground renovation to the implementation of new BCPS requirements, LWEMS is a dynamic hub of activity focused on fostering a nurturing and inclusive setting for its nearly 1,000 students. This comprehensive profile provides the most current details on the school’s leadership, academic realities, and community impact.

Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School: School Profile and Leadership

Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School, often referred to simply as LWEMS, has served the Baltimore community since its establishment in 1955. Located on Glennor Road, the school operates under the umbrella of Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) and is a critical educational resource for the surrounding area.

The school's mission is to provide a quality education through the implementation of best practices, which include data analysis, promoting social-emotional development, and strengthening community ties.

  • School Name: Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School (LWEMS)
  • Location: Baltimore, MD (Ramblewood Neighborhood)
  • Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 8th Grade (PK-8)
  • Establishment Year: 1955
  • District: Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS)
  • Student Enrollment: Approximately 962 students (as of a recent report)
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: Ranges from 17:1 to 1:19

Current School Leadership

The school's direction is currently spearheaded by a veteran educator dedicated to the BCPS system:

  • Principal: Ashanti Porter
    • Principal Porter is a highly dedicated educational leader with nearly two decades of experience within the Baltimore City Public School System.
    • Her tenure has been marked by initiatives focused on enhancing academic rigor, fostering social-emotional development, and strengthening community engagement.
    • She has been a key partner in major capital projects, including the recent playground renovation.
  • Assistant Principal: Sha Nekwa Winfield

The Academic Landscape: Performance and New Initiatives

Understanding the academic environment at LWEMS requires a look at both recent performance data and the new programs being implemented to drive improvement. The school prides itself on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment, but like many urban schools, it faces distinct challenges in standardized testing.

MCAP Performance and Academic Rigor

The school’s performance on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) tests indicates that academic proficiency remains a major area of focus. Recent data shows that the percentage of students proficient or better in Mathematics is well below state and district levels (e.g., only 8.7% proficient in Mathematics).

In response, Principal Porter's leadership has prioritized enhancing academic rigor, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning to better prepare students. The curriculum is focused on school readiness and utilizes individualized and group instruction.

Key Academic and Enrichment Programs

LWEMS offers a robust range of programs designed to support the holistic development of its students:

  • Full Range of Programs: The school provides academic, enrichment, extracurricular, and athletic programs.
  • Y Head Start: A partnership with The Y in Central Maryland provides a proven curriculum focused on early school readiness for younger students.
  • New Media Center: A significant recent addition is a new media center, providing students with updated resources and technology access to support modern learning.
  • Social-Emotional Development: A core focus of the school's mission is nurturing the social-emotional well-being of its students, recognizing the importance of a supportive school climate.

2025 Updates and Community Partnerships Driving Change

The most current news surrounding Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School is centered on recent infrastructure improvements and the dynamic role it plays within the Baltimore community. These updates, many of which are active as of late 2025, signal a commitment to continuous improvement.

Recent Capital Improvements and Facilities

The school has seen major physical upgrades, which are crucial for providing a modern and safe learning environment:

  • Major Capital Improvement: The school has recently completed a major capital improvement project, though specific details of the entire scope are not fully public.
  • New Playground: A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a new playground, a result of a powerful partnership between BCPS, Principal Porter, and organizations like the Parks & People Foundation. This facility is vital for physical education and recess.

BCPS-Wide Policy Changes and School Events

As a BCPS institution, LWEMS is directly involved in district-wide initiatives and policy shifts for the 2025-2026 school year:

  • 2025-2026 Policy Updates: Baltimore City Public Schools has released updated policies on student requirements for the 2025-26 school year, which directly affect LWEMS students and families. These updates are accessible via the new City Schools app.
  • CEO Search Community Forums: LWEMS is part of the larger BCPS community engaging in the process to select a new CEO, with new dates for community forums being released to gather public input.
  • Community Engagement: Corporal Betty Covington, a City Schools Police Officer, recently hosted a Black History Mens Panel, demonstrating the school's commitment to cultural enrichment and community dialogue.

The Role of Community Partners

The success of LWEMS is deeply intertwined with its community partnerships. Organizations like Bridges Baltimore have a long history of working with students from Leith Walk, helping to create a pipeline of success that extends through high school and college graduation. This external support is critical for supplementing the school’s internal resources and providing students with mentorship and opportunities beyond the classroom.

The school also faces discussions around new external organizations, such as the fundamentalist Christian ministry Lifewise Academy, which has made public schools its mission. These discussions highlight the ongoing conversation about the role of external groups in the public school system.

Future Outlook for Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School

Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School stands at a pivotal point. While academic challenges, particularly in standardized testing, persist, the energy and investment in the school are undeniable. The completion of major capital improvements, the dedication of Principal Ashanti Porter, and the active engagement of community partners like Bridges Baltimore and Parks & People all point toward a concerted effort to create a foundation for long-term success. The focus on data analysis, best practices, and a nurturing environment suggests a strategic approach to addressing the needs of its diverse student body. As the 2025-2026 school year progresses, the implementation of new BCPS policies and the continued development of enrichment programs will be key indicators of the school’s trajectory toward sustained academic growth and community leadership.

7 Essential Facts About Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School: Unpacking the 2025 Updates and Academic Reality
leith walk elementary school
leith walk elementary school

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