Privately operated schools in city receive $3.3M from foundations

“That’s really one of the key ways we are gong to turn around the district,” Baltimore schools chief Andres Alonso said.

“So much of the public money in public education is going toward core functions. To offer innovative options for students, very often private funding becomes the way to do that.”

The sixth-through-12th-grade schools will be run by the

University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University or private operators. The schools will enable students to specialize in science, public service, health or construction.

Alonso says the new schools will provide slots for children shut out of charter schools and limited spots at citywide high schools with competitive admission.

Parents often take their children out of city schools after eighth grade and enroll them in private schools.

“These schools have all the ingredients for success,” said Diana Morris, director of the Open Society Institute-Baltimore, which donated $1 million.

“They will be small, have an operator with educational expertise and give parents the opportunities to really choose.”

Robert Embry Jr., president of the Abell Foundation, said his organization gave $800,000 because he and his colleagues are impressed with the city’s six existing “innovation” schools, which are smaller than regular schools and privately operated.

Students at innovation schools score better on state tests and attend school more often, according to an Urban Institute study.

Clayton Baker Trust and Lockhart Vaughan each gave $200,000 in the hope the new schools boost graduation rates and better prepare kids for careers or college, said Pete Powell, director of

both.

Alonso, who had an original goal of raising $25 million, wants to continue fundraising, he said, next targeting national organizations.

As many as 24 of these schools could open over the next three to five years.

In May the system will host a fair to inform parents about the new schools.

kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com