Baltimore City Public Schools -

Your Choice. Your Future. Your Way Forward.

Here at City Schools, your Choice is your pathway to possibilities. Our students can choose and apply for the middle or high school of their choice.

Composite scores are needed for students applying to schools and programs with entrance criteria. Composite scores are calculated using grades and standardized test scores. The Spring 2024 MCAP assessment scores will be used for students participating in School Choice this year.

To calculate the final overall grade average used in the composite score calculation, we will look at three factors:

1. General overall grade point average.

   • This year's first quarter grades. (8th or 5th grade) and

   • ​​​​​​Last year's final grades. (7th or 4th grade)
                      Only the core subjects (English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) are used in the grade calculation.

2. English & Language Arts MCAP assessment score

3. Math MCAP assessment score

Recently arrived* multilingual learners (MLs) eligible for English Language Development (ELD) services will automatically have their composite scores recalculated using updated grades and assessment scores. For more information, please contact the Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center at MESC@bcps.k12.md.us or 443-642-4481.

*Enrolled in US schools for less than three years.

Important Dates:

• December 2: Composite scores and choice applications available for families in the new Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS): www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/SEMS

• December 14: Annual School Choice fair held at the Baltimore Convention Center (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

• January 17: Choice applications are due in SEMS (www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/SEMS)

  • School Counselors and School Choice Liaisons have until January 24th to support families submitting their applications in SEMS.

• February 3: Charter applications are due. 

  • Charter schools have their own application process. Please reach out directly to schools of interest for more information. 

Visiting schools is the best way to see which school will be the “best fit” for you.

Most schools have at least one open house between November and January when you can visit and ask questions. If you can’t make it to a school's scheduled “open house,” call the school and ask if you can visit at a more convenient time.

Some schools also have shadow days, where you can partner with a current student and attend classes to get a real feel for the school.

View City Schools' Open Houses

 Confused about something related to the high school choice process? No worries! There is a staff member at your current school who can help you find a high school that is perfect for you.

Click the link to see who your Choice School Liaison is. You can talk to this person about high school programs, which schools you’re eligible to attend, visiting schools you’re interested in, how to apply, and more.