About

Federal Hill Preparatory School (PREP) is a Baltimore City public Pre-K to 5th grade elementary school. Located in the heart of Federal Hill, PREP is an International Baccalaureate program candidate school, encouraging both personal and academic achievement, and challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development. This continues PREP's innovative integration of all core subjects via a project-based learning approach, with dynamic semi-annual student led Celebration of Learning presentations.

Proud accolades that PREP has achieved include: 

  • One of only 3 Baltimore City Public Schools to offer an International Baccalaureate curriculum.

  • In its initial 2018 rollout, PREP received a 4-star (out of a possible 5) designation from the Maryland State Department of Education. This measure gauges how schools and school systems are faring on State assessments, including factors such as growth in achievement, student access to a well-rounded curriculum, and the progress of English language learners. 

  • 2018, 2019 & 2020 award winner of Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) designation, signifying that PREP has a gifted and talented education programs that is aligned with Maryland’s Criteria for Excellence: Gifted and Talented Programs Guidelines and COMAR 13A.04.07 Gifted and Talented Education.

  • Early childhood programs that have earned a 5-star quality rating—the highest rating—through Maryland Excels, the state’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed child care and early education programs.

  • Official literacy intensive learning site, with a dedicated literacy coach to support teachers as they improve instruction in English language arts, along with providing targeted professional development tailored to needs at individual schools. 

  • One of only 36% of Maryland schools to receive Maryland Green School certification, awarded to schools that demonstrate a continuous effort to sustainable environmental management practices, environmental education, professional development, and community engagement.

PREP is a culturally diverse neighborhood school striving to create innovative programs to better serve the community. From the Discover with Me and Let’s Grow (3-year-old and Pre-K inclusion programs), Title 1 programming for low income students striving to learn, and the EGATE gifted status, PREP offers individualized learning for all its students. 

PREP also features an enhanced physical environment that supports an arts integration program and belief in a safe, comfortable, and visually appealing learning space. PREP also offers a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) period as part of its curriculum, kept up to date in collaboration with Digital Harbor Foundation, home of Maker Camp and Nanolab.