Playgroups | Neighborhoods | Day Cares and Preschools | Schools | Parents' Classes
1040 William Street, 21230; 410-396-1207
Charter/zoned school: Zoned
Grades served: Pre-K through eighth grade
Application process and deadlines: Application process for advanced academic program in grades 1–5.
Uniform: Suggested uniform for all students includes khaki pants, skirts, or shorts to the knee.
Grades pre-K–5: Royal blue or white polo shirts
Grades 6–8: Red or white polo shirts
The PTO facilitates uniform orders in the fall of each school year. These shirts sport the school logo and the name of the school. The cost of these shirts is set by the uniform company.
Brief school history: Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 (FHPS) is a pre-K–8 school in the Baltimore City Public School System.
School Leadership
Principal: Sharon VanDyke
Contact information: 410-396-1207 (phone); 410-396-3532 (fax)
Sharon VanDyke has been principal of Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 since 1999. Prior to her tenure at school #45, she was principal of two other Baltimore City Schools. Additionally, Ms. VanDyke has been an assistant principal, department head, special education resource teacher, reading resource teacher, and classroom teacher.
Academics
Curriculum: Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 is a Baltimore City Public School and follows the Baltimore City curriculum in grades 6 through 8, and in math for grades pre-K to 5. In addition, Direct Instruction reading and language programs are used in grades pre-K to 5, as well as Singapore math in the advanced academic classes in grades 1–5.
Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 is proud to be an official Core Knowledge School and Core Knowledge Visitation Site.
Supplemental instruction: The curriculum at FHPS offers students an opportunity to participate in physical education, music, art, and library as well as instrumental music.
Special education: Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 provides services and accommodations for all students as determined by their Individual Educational Plans (IEP). These services, provided in various settings throughout the school day, are delivered in, but not limited to, small groups, one-to-one, and as an inclusion model within the classroom.
Test Scores
Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 makes every effort to increase student attendance and achievement and strives to promote academic excellence. FHPS is proud to have the distinction of meeting Adequate Yearly Progress for the past six years. Specifics on test scores can be found here.
Enrichment Activities
Federal Hill Preparatory School offers an advanced academic program in science and math for students in grades 1–5. This program utilizes the internationally recognized Singapore Mathematics.
The application process and testing procedures require students to submit a formal application, grade reports, available test scores, a teacher recommendation, and completion of admissions testing. Applicants are ranked according to the results and offered placement.
After-school clubs: Students in pre-K through eighth grades are invited to join the Chess Club, which meets after school every Friday.
Teaching Staff and Classroom Management
Class size: The enrollment for FHPS for the 2008–2009 school year was 320 students. The average class size is 20 students.
Student Population
Ethnic Breakdown: 79% African American; 16% Caucasian/white; 5% other ethnic groups
Percentage on free/reduced lunch: 56.2%
Percentage with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP): 15%
Specific information on student enrollment can be found here.
Parent Involvement
Parent group: Federal Hill Preparatory School #45 Parent-Teacher Organization
Parent group contact: Hugh Bethell, President
School philosophy on parent involvement: The cooperative efforts of the home, school, and community are essential for academic achievement. Parental involvement is one of the contributing factors to the success of the students at Federal Hill Preparatory School, and all parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s educational experience.
Number of times group meets per year: Meetings are held monthly and meetings with the subcommittees are held as frequently as necessary.
Activities include:
- Assisting in the classroom
- Monitoring during lunch
- Attending workshops
- Volunteering in the office
- Chaperoning for class trips
- Class coverage while teachers attend meetings
- Speaking to a class about occupations, hobbies, etc
- Providing funding for enrichment programs, field trips, etc
- Organizing and managing fundraising activities
Facility Description
Federal Hill Preparatory School has a fenced playground with playground equipment available. There are two computer labs, two science labs, Apple computers in every classroom, a media center, art and music rooms as well as an auditorium and gymnasium The auditorium has a stage with a lighting board and is currently being set up for production of digital media that will be used for a school-based television broadcast.