As the 2025–26 school year rolls out, Baltimore City Public Schools’ Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) is ensuring that multilingual learners across the district are welcomed, supported, and ready to succeed. With a growing population of multilingual learners, OML is focused on strengthening instruction, staffing, and family engagement across the city.
Growing Numbers, Growing Support
“As of August 6, 2025, more than 10,500 students in grades PK–12 are identified as multilingual learners in Baltimore City Public Schools, representing 68 different languages,” said Maria Reamore, Director of Multilingual Learners. “This number reflects students currently receiving English Language Development (ELD).”
To meet the needs of this growing population, City Schools has ELD teachers assigned to 108 schools. This is a significant increase from prior years, driven by enrollment trends and the increasing diversity of student language backgrounds. In schools without a dedicated ELD teacher, four teachers rotate to provide services, with one of them supporting specialized programs, such as Separate Public Day Schools.
Strategic Expansion of Programming
OML uses both current enrollment data and historical patterns to determine where new or expanded ELD programming is needed. This targeted approach ensures that resources follow student needs. While support can vary based on school-specific enrollment, all schools are equipped with district-provided tools for communicating with families and providing quality ELD instruction.
Summer Planning and Professional Development
Much of the OML’s summer was spent preparing school staff for the new year through a mix of professional learning, scheduling consultations, and curriculum updates. “Administrators and teachers have participated in ongoing professional development, including district-sponsored sessions tailored to support multilingual students”, said Maria.
This year, the district introduced Student Success Liaisons for multilingual learners. These educators will collaborate closely with schools to help ensure that both students and families have the resources and support they need from day one.
Enriching Summer Experiences for Students
City Schools also provided targeted summer programming for multilingual learners. A high school summer program for multilingual learners offered both original credit for over-age and under-credited students and credit recovery opportunities. 
Additionally, while not limited to multilingual learners, the popular Spanish Theater Camp provided many students a valuable space to strengthen their Spanish and celebrate their heritage language.
OML also worked with other summer programs to ensure ELD-certified teachers were on staff whenever multilingual students were enrolled, ensuring continuity of learning over the break.
Welcoming New Families and Learners
For families new to the district, City Schools emphasizes a warm and inclusive welcome. When families indicate that a language other than English is spoken at home, City Schools team assesses students for ELD eligibility. If eligible, parents will receive communication through translated materials or phone interpretation services about the ELD instruction their child will receive.
All schools have access to over-the-phone interpretation services, ensuring that staff can communicate effectively with families in their preferred language.
Building Strong Family Partnerships
OML encourages schools to maintain regular communication with families in languages they understand, recognizing that some families may come from cultural backgrounds with different expectations around parent-school engagement. Proactive outreach helps bridge those differences.
Schools are encouraged to emphasize the importance of home language development. Families are encouraged to read and speak with their children in the language they are most comfortable with, promoting bilingualism and biliteracy as a strength, as is the case with the Dual Immersion Programs at Lakeland Elementary/Middle School and John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School.
As the new year begins, the Office of Multilingual Learners is doubling down on its mission: to ensure that every multilingual student not only learns English but also thrives academically and remains connected to their cultural and linguistic roots. With expanded staffing, tailored support, and a focus on family engagement, the district is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and successful school year for all.