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Hampstead Hill Academy
500 South Linwood Avenue, 21224; 443-984-2860

Charter/zoned school: HHA is a public, neighborhood charter school. The Baltimore City School’s Board of Education recently fully renewed HHA’s charter through 2013.

Application process and deadlines: HHA’s elementary grades serve all students living in its attendance area from Broadway (west) to Haven (east) and Eastern (north) to Boston (south). All students in grades K–8 living in HHA’s attendance area are offered admission to the school. All prospective families are encouraged to arrange to tour the school with an administrator.

Approximately one third of HHA students live outside of the attendance area. Families living outside of the attendance area are offered admission as a result of an annual public lottery. Families of students living outside of the attendance area should complete a preregistration form to participate in the public lottery. The preregistration form is available online. If a student is not selected for admission, their name will be placed on a waiting list in the order drawn. Siblings of students admitted who are not admitted themselves will move to the top of the waiting list in their respective grades. Typically, more spaces are available in grades KÐ2 than in grades 3Ð8. Families living outside of Baltimore City are also permitted to participate in the lottery process. If admitted, a standard annual tuition rate of approximately $3000 will be assessed by Baltimore City. HHA believes in keeping families together. Incoming out-of-zone kindergarteners who have a sibling that is a current HHA student will be offered admission. This applies to rising kindergarteners only. Students must turn five on or before September 1 of the school year to enter kindergarten.

Prekindergarten is a separate program with its own set of admission criteria and will not be addressed by the lottery guidelines. There are 40 pre-K spaces available for students who turn four on or before September 1 of the school year and have one or more priority characteristicsÑfor example, eligibility for free or reduced lunch, English as a second language, specific physical challenges, etc. Students are ranked according to the eligibility requirements. In late spring, BCPSS pre-K applications (with a full description of priority characteristics) are given to families who preregister for admission to pre-K at HHA. More families apply for admission to pre-K than any other grade. Once admitted to HHA, students with good attendance and punctuality do not need to reapply each year.

Uniform: The HHA student uniform consists of a collared navy blue shirt with tan or khaki pants, shorts, or skirts. Uniform shirts are available for purchase at a low cost at the school office.

Brief school history: HHA has been in existence since 1893. HHA has been operated since 2002 by the Baltimore Curriculum Project (www.baltimorecp.org), a local nonprofit organization. HHA converted to a charter school three years ago. Its charter was recently fully renewed through the 2012Ð2013 school year. The charter allows HHA to choose its own curriculum, hire and train staff, meet the needs of staff and students and control day-to-day budget decisions. The current brick building was constructed in 1989 and has central air. Because the building is relatively new, it contains no asbestos or lead paint.

School Leadership

Principal: Matthew Hornbeck has served as the principal of HHA since June 2003. He attended Baltimore City schools and is a graduate of Baltimore City College (high school), one of the high performing, all-city high schools in Baltimore City. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College, a master’s in education from Temple University, and a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. Prior to becoming a principal, he worked as a consultant to large urban districts on issues of school finance and professional development, served as a program officer to improve high poverty schools at the Council of Chief State School Officers, taught elementary school in Baltimore City, worked in admissions at Bowdoin, and worked on childcare issues at the Children's Defense Fund. He lives in Roland Park with his wife, a school psychologist, and his two elementary-aged children, who are public school students in the city.

Vice Principals: Arleen Proto, Arleen Proto comes to us with over 20 years of educational experience in Baltimore City. Ms. Proto earned a bachelor’s in elementary and middle school education from Cal State University of San Bernardino. She taught her first four years in Fontana, CA, before moving to Baltimore in 1989. The next exciting 19 years were spent teaching at Moravia Park Primary/pre-K-8 Campus #105. Ms. Proto earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision and administration 1 and 2 certificates from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. At Hampstead Hill, Ms. Proto looks forward to working with an energetic, caring, and knowledgeable staff in promoting student achievement.

Mari Satterlee has been an Assistant Principal at Hampstead Hill Academy since the summer of 2007. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in teaching from Occidental College in Los Angeles. She also earned an Administrative Certificate from Loyola College. After 19 years of teaching a variety of subjects from the first to the eighth grades, she worked as an instructional support teacher and interim assistant principal at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City. At Hampstead Hill Academy, Ms. Satterlee helps to oversee the implementation of the curriculum—including the newly adopted Math Works program and the special education program—works closely with the growing Hispanic population, and assists in the management of student behavior.

Academics

Curriculum: Hampstead Hill Academy uses research-based curriculum in all grades. There are many students in the elementary grades reading significantly above grade level. The school uses SRA’s Direct Instruction curriculum for reading, spelling, language, and writing in the elementary grades. The Reading Mastery series teaches emerging and new readers the skills they need to quickly master decoding and move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Reading Mastery is one of the most effective reading programs in the country. That said, HHA knows that even the best programs must come alive and be tailored to meet the individual needs of students. HHA teachers know how to meet the individual needs of students.

Students in preK and kindergarten are self-contained with the same teacher and teacher assistant all day. In grades 1–5, students are grouped homogenously based on their performance in reading, math, language and writing, and spelling. Students are not grouped based on age or grade. Homogenous scheduling permits teachers to accelerate students and fosters student engagement in learning. To assess student progress, quantitative and qualitative data on student groups is reviewed weekly by curriculum experts, teacher coaches, and administrators. Changes in groups—both for students who need more time to master content and for students who master content quicklyÑhelp teachers keep classroom lessons moving at an appropriate pace.

Teachers use a script, flipchart, and other curricular materials to help students master content. They also use their own skills to tailor the curriculum to their students. Adults learn through repetition and children do too. HHA teachers, especially in grades pre-K–2 routinely ask for both group and individual responses to reading comprehension questions, vocabulary definitions, and pronunciation. The school is very open and transparent. Prospective parents are encouraged to observe instruction in any grade they wish.

As increasing numbers of students are performing on or significantly above grade level in reading, HHA is changing the daily schedule to include dedicated science instruction instead of a second reading period each day. In addition, science and social studies content is heavily embedded in the Reading Mastery series starting in second grade (ie, students learn about scientific terms and concepts). For 2007–2008, there are dedicated science classes for students above grade level in reading in fourth and fifth grades and for all students in sixth through eighth grades. For 2008–2009, dedicated science instruction will be expanded to second through eighth grades. By fourth and fifth grades, students are reading abridged classics like Tom Sawyer, The Odyssey, and The Prince and the Pauper. Starting in fifth grade, students read novels, classic literature, and plays such as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, and Romeo and Juliet.

Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, HHA’s faculty decided to adopt and implement a math program called Math Works. Math Works is designed for students in second through seventh grades (eighth grade will come on line in 08-09). Math Works uses hands-on work with manipulatives and teaches a wide range of skills to understand math concepts and problem solving. Math Works is completely aligned with the Maryland State Voluntary Curriculum Standards (VSC). In middle school, students take classes in world history and ancient civilizations.

Supplemental instruction: Pre-K and kindergarten have resource classes four times per week. Resources are art, music, library, Food for Life, Spanish, and physical education. They also have play time at centers where children can work individually or in small groups each day for 30 minutes. At least 15 different HHA centers are currently being redesigned and will offer students higher quality manipulatives, more hands-on science and socialization activities.

First through fifth grade students also have resources four times per week. Resources include Spanish, music, Food for Life, art, library, and physical education. Students in first through eighth grade who are on or above grade level are eligible to take band or orchestra lessons.

HHA has a full-time band teacher and full-time orchestra teacher. Each teacher teaches classes half of the time and semi-private lessons the rest of the time. We recently purchased more than $15,000 worth of violins, violas, and cellos.

Recess: 15 minutes every day for grades pre-K–5. Rest time for younger students is usually about 15 minutes. Pre-K also has snack time each day.

ESOL (English as second language): There are two full-time ESOL teachers at HHA. They service the 90-plus ESOL students that attend HHA. Depending on the level of need, English Language Learners receive between 30 and 300 minutes of instruction weekly. This year, the ESOL staff is embarking on a project to synthesize the best practices of Direct Instruction and the Baltimore City ESOL Department's mandated curriculum.

Special education: HHA utilizes a full inclusion model. We have a special education teacher who goes into the classrooms to monitor student progress and assist the regular educator in the implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals, objectives and accommodations. We also have related service providers who provide speech and language, psychological and occupational therapy services. Our IEP team is available on a daily basis to maintain compliance and to assist general educators, special educators, related services providers, and parents of special education students with needs and concerns.

Test Scores

Of the 106 disaggregated categories measured by the state over the last six years, HHA has met or exceeded state standards 99 of 106 times. In addition, the state sets high student attendance goals. HHA has met every attendance standard for six years. Specific test scores are available here.

Enrichment Activities

Gifted/talented programs: HHA believes in the potential of every child to perform at world-class levels. HHA differentiates instruction in all grades and groups students homogeneously to promote rapid acceleration in program. Students have opportunities to engage in more extracurricular activities including sports clubs, chess, and musical theater.

Tutoring: Teacher coaches, curriculum experts, and administrators meet weekly to discuss and analyze quantitative and qualitative classroom and student data. If a student is struggling, interventions are assigned including assigning a tutor, priority seating the classroom, progress charts that get sent home, paired reading practice, and so on. The after-school program has an academic component called Kids Lit.

After-School Clubs

All clubs start right after school and last for one or two hours.

• Band: Grade 3 and up; semi-private lessons during the day; two concerts a year; 45-minute lessons
• Orchestra: Grade 2 and up; semi-private lessons during the day; two concerts per year; 45-minute lessons
• Chorus: Kindergarten and up
• Culinary arts club: Grade 3 and up
• MASSAC (sports activities club): Grade 3 and up
• Middle School Girls’ Soccer: Grade 6 and up
• Chess teams: Grade 1 and up; junior and senior teams; champions three of four previous years; 10% of school involved
• Garden Club: Grade 1 and up; seasonal
• Annual spring musical: Past performances include Annie, Aladdin, Music Man, High School Musical, and Mulan Jr.
• Ceramics Club: Middle school
• Audubon Nature Club: Grades 2-4
• Creative Alliance Arts After-School Program: Grades 5-8
• Yoga: Grades pre-K–2
• Photo Club: Grades 1-3

Before/after care: 80-plus elementary and middle school children participate at an onsite program called Fitness, Fun and Games, a local nonprofit. Hours are 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Cost is from $60 to $170 per month depending on number of days per week and time of pickup. Program activities include: homework time, snack, programs through Enoch Pratt Free Library, playground fun, sports, small group academic/artistic activities. You can sign up for just one day a week or more to suit your schedule. This program is also available when school is not in session.

Breakfast is free to all Baltimore City school children. HHA has a full kitchen and serves a hot breakfast beginning at 7:35 am. The dining room is supervised by staff. Parents are welcome to sit with their children while they have breakfast. Alternatively, drop-off is permitted at the Streeper Street entrance beginning at 7:35 am. School begins for students at 8 am and concludes at 2:40 pm.

Teaching Staff and Classroom Management

Number of students in each pre-K class: 20 (one teacher and one aide); total number of students in pre-K: 40

Number of students in each kindergarten class: 18-24 (one teacher and one aide); total number of students in kindergarten: 90

Number of students in each fifth grade class: from 11 to 22; total number of students in fifth grade: 47

Number to students in each sixth grade class: from 16 to 20; total number of students in sixth grade: 36

Teaching staff: Average years of teaching experience among staff: One third of teaching staff have more than 20 years of teaching experience. About 50% of staff have a master’s degree. One teacher has a doctorate. A number of teachers have experience in county schools (generally, city schools have a difficult time attracting county teachers). In 2007-2008, four staff members choose to send their own children to HHA. HHA receives more than 75 unsolicited resumes each year from teachers seeking a good place to work.

Paraprofessionals: Paraprofessionals are support teaching staff in pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, and any other classes that have support teaching staff. There are aides in pre-K and kindergarten classes. Some are college-educated and some are not. These are highly trained people that HHA invests in as professionals. There are six other aides in the building to reduce class size in content areas as needed, provide additional clerical assistance, etc. All para-educators have interesting backgrounds, including a graduate of Cornell University, a decade-long staff member at Kennedy Kreiger, a board member of the Bryn Mawr School of Baltimore, and two recent college graduates. Other paras have college credits but no degree. All aides have been specifically chosen because they work well with HHA students and teachers.

Student Population

Number of students at the school: 565 (425 pre-K-5 and 140 sixth and eighth)

Ethnic breakdown by percentage: 45% Caucasian/white; 35% African American; 15% Latino; 5% Native American

Percentage of in-zone/out-of-zone students: two thirds in zone; lower grades have higher percentage in zone

Percentage on free/reduced lunch: 75%

Percentage of ESOL students (English as second language): 17%

Percentage with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP): 8%

Specific information on demographics is available here.

Parent Involvement

Parent group: Hampstead Hill Academy Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Parent group contact: Chris Kotchenreuther, PTO President, 410-396-9146

Parents and families are essential partners with the school. Parent and family involvement, especially around school readiness issues like attendance, punctuality, homework, adequate rest, nutrition, and understanding of school policies and procedures can make student success much more likely.

There is no PTO membership fee. All families of students enrolled at HHA are automatically members of the PTO. There is no cooperative or minimum volunteer hours required of parents. However, dozens of parents provide daily and seasonal support by volunteering during lunch and recess, the annual spring musical, clubs and activities, etc. HHA tries to match volunteer time and interest with school needs. Parents are encouraged to start programs, clubs, and activities for HHA students.

The PTO Executive Board meets at least six times each year after school hours and invites agenda items submitted a week in advance.

The PTO sponsors Back-to-School Night and Report Card Nights, as well as special events like the Hampstead Hill Nights music series. The PTO raises approximately $10,000 each year for programs and supplies that benefit HHA students. Parents have unfettered access to the principal, assistant principals and teachers. They are welcome in building at any time to observe. Parents are encouraged to start programs. For example, yoga and photography were started by parents.

The PAT Committee where a group of parents discuss strategies to improve the over-all environment of the school, Community Dinners, run by the culinary Arts Club, which occur at school approximately once a month during the school year. Nutritious culturally theme-based meals are accompanied by chorus, band, and orchestra performances. Community Dinners are a great place for parents, students, staff and neighbors to connect and build bonds.

Facility Description

HHA is housed in a nice brick building that is well maintained. The interior was completely repainted in the summer of 2007, with cheery yellow classroom walls and calm green hallways. There are new wide lockers for every student. Renovation and maintenance has been helped greatly by a partnership with developer Struever Bros, Eccles, and Rouse, Inc. They have has assisted the school with painting, installing new windows, building a custom science laboratory and faculty lounge, etc. The school has a gym/auditorium, a library (with $18,000 in new books for 2007–2008), a cafeteria that overlooks Patterson Park, and a brand new technology/computer space. HHA has a new playground and will start construction of a new $2 million Early Learning Wing for pre-K and kindergarten students in the summer of 2009.