Roland Park Country School
Lillie May Carroll Jackson School
The Roland Park Country School will open a charter school, the Lillie May Carroll Jackson School, in 2014-2015. Named after the “mother of civil rights” in Baltimore and Maryland, the vision is to create an experiential learning community for Baltimore City girls in grades 5-8. With the belief that changing girls’ lives will change the world, the mission of the school is to develop 21st century learners with a strong sense of community through rigorous course work, high quality adventure experience, character development and leadership opportunities. The Lillie May Carroll Jackson School envisions a world where all young women, regardless of their background, have the skills, tools and qualities necessary to succeed in college and develop as leaders in their communities and the world. It is believed that the formation of this partnership is the harbinger of a new era where educators in all sectors work together to bring the very best that we can to the lives of all of our children.
Click here to see a student produced video on LMCJ.
Growing Girls and Gardens
In 2005, the Middle Grades Partnership, a fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation, invited Roland Park Country School to establish a public/private partnership program. In response, Growing Girls and Gardens, a science-based program, teaches academic skills through the involvement of 7th and 8th grade girls in community gardening and 9th grade girls in an introduction to water studies.
The primary goals of the program are to mitigate summer learning loss, to improve students’ academic skills, and to encourage interaction among girls across the greater Baltimore area. In addition to gardening, the girls study reading, science, writing, math, art, and dance. Since 2005, the program has served approximately 45 girls each summer.
The Next Step
The Next Step is an academic enrichment program available for girls in grades 10-12 in the Baltimore City area. Serving approximately 45 students each summer, the girls participate in a 6-week session. See grade level class descriptions below.
- 10th grade The mission of the Inner City Youth Science Program, held on the campus of Loyola University Maryland, is to engage area rising 10th grade girls in science as they develop knowledge and skills that will help them in their current academic work as well as present them with possibilities for pursuing careers in STEM fields.
- 11th grade The mission of the Think, Do, Design pre-architecture program at Morgan State University is to help rising 11th grade girls understand and appreciate the built environment as they develop knowledge and skills that will help them in their current academic work.
- 12th grade Rising high school seniors of The Next Step spend their summer studying the museum experience. For example, in 2013 students created an online museum. Hosted by Roland Park Country School’s web system, My City, My Life showcases the positive path that girls attending high school in the greater Baltimore area have chosen to take.
- Graduates High school graduates participate in a group project each year. In 2013, students chose to create a teaching unit on Industrial Baltimore, coming to understand how prominent industries have changed over time affecting the economic health of the City.
In addition, high school girls may participate in a school year program that includes workshops such as SAT refresher, Applying to College, and completing the FAFSA.
Anticipated outcomes for The Next Step are: (1) students will receive direction and support in planning for their academic futures; (2) students will learn about architecture and STEM career choices; (3) students will learn in the college setting; (4) students will be supported in their pursuit of higher education and the accompanying transitions; and (5) students will be provided SAT instruction.