Academic excellence in an inclusive, inviting community is foundational to our school’s identity — within our classrooms and beyond them.
Learn about some key elements of our school program below.
Our Approach to Learning
Enrichment, academic support and ESL instruction are woven into our school day, so we can best meet the individual needs of learners.
Our school is intentional about supporting students who learn differently. There are full-inclusion programs for kids who may need some support to be successful within their grade-level classroom. We also have self-contained special education classrooms or co-taught models for those students who may need a more targeted approach to teaching and learning. To learn more about citywide special education services, please see this page (early learners) or this page (school-aged students).
Our middle school offers an honors track to challenge students who excel academically. Our honors math curriculum allows some students to enter high school with academic credit for Algebra 1. Our honors program in middle school prepares students for the academic rigor of Advanced Placement® (AP) or International Baccalaureate® (IB) programs in high school. Honors classes are offered in Math, Science, English/Language Arts, and Social Studies.
Our goal is to set every student on a path to succeed.
Co-curricular Features
The EGATE Award: Hampden EMS was recognized by MSDE for Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education. Schools who have earned the EGATE Award have demonstrated that their gifted and talented program is aligned with Maryland’s Criteria for Excellence.
Maryland Green Schools are part of a nationally recognized, merit-based program of schools with advanced sustainability practices, such as our indoor green wall, profiled here. We are proud to have been certified as a Maryland Green School in 2020.
Outdoor Classroom: Our outdoor classroom, made possible through a grant from Royal Farms, provides a space for children to interact with the natural world through structured and unstructured physical activity, play, and lessons.
PBIS Gold School: We use a framework for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. This proactive approach helps us to create a social culture where all students can achieve social, emotional and academic success.
SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) middle school teacher of the year: Mr. Muhammad Benyameen received this statewide award for the essential role he plays in physical and social emotional learning.
More Than Academics
Students of all ages can participate in activities that enrich their school experience, including:
Student Government Association
Yearbook
National Honor Society
National History Day
Safety patrol
Green team
Student-led tutoring for peers and younger students
Special Olympics
Physical education and active play
Extracurricular opportunities like chess team, debate club, art club, Comic book club, Lego® club, Girls on the Run®, and service learning.
Well-Being Matters!
We know that kids today face stressors that we never imagined for their childhood. As educators, we are conscious of bridging the achievement gap for those who’ve been impacted by remote learning during the pandemic.
Our wellness team is also committed to the emotional well-being of our students. Meet our team below! They are available to help support you and your family, whatever stressors you may face.