Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Faith • Excellence • Community • Achievement

Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore foster hearts, minds, and souls for lifelong success and service. Rooted in faith and marked by academic excellence, our schools nurture curious thinkers, compassionate leaders, and confident disciples of Jesus Christ. From the first day of Pre-K to graduation day, students are challenged to achieve their best and inspired to serve others with joy and purpose. Our curriculum is rigorous, diverse, and responsive to the needs of each learner. By integrating research-based standards, innovative teaching methods, and emerging technologies, we fulfill our mission to provide a high-quality Catholic education that inspires students to realize their God-given potential and use their gifts in service to others.

Blue Ribbon Schools

Since 2009, AOB Catholic Schools were awarded the Blue Ribbon award, the highest accolade given to schools, a staggering 26 times.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award was the highest accolade given to schools by the United States Department of Education until 2025.  The award recognized schools nationally for outstanding achievement.  The National Blue Ribbon School Award, the highest honor from the U.S. Department of Education, celebrated school that performed in the top 15%. Since 2009, AOB Catholic Schools were awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon award a staggering 26 times. In 2024, half of all National Blue Ribbon schools in Maryland were Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  In 2025, the United States Department of Education disbanded the National Blue Ribbon program.  The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the National Catholic Education Association adopted the Blue Ribbon Schools program that same year.  In 2025, of the 5 Maryland Schools recognized by MSDE, one of them was a Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.  These consistent recognitions are an extraordinary testament to our tradition of faith-filled excellence. Families can be confident that their children are learning in one of the nation’s most successful Catholic school systems.

Leading the Nation in Academic Achievement

On the national MAP Growth assessment by NWEA, Catholic Schools in the AOB achieved:

• Top 30% nationally in Math (8th graders in the Top 10%)
• Top 20% nationally in Reading
• Top 20% nationally in Language Usage

On the nationally normed MAP Growth assessment by NWEA, taken by millions of students across public and private schools throughout the United States, our students consistently exceed national benchmarks. In 2024–2025, Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore achieved:

• Top 30% nationally in Math (8th graders in the Top 10%)
• Top 20% nationally in Reading
• Top 20% nationally in Language Usage

These results reflect more than numbers, they are a testament to exemplary teachers, rigorous instruction, hard-working students and a community of faith animated by vibrant learning and strong purpose. Our students graduate ready for high school, college, and life, equipped to think critically, lead confidently, and serve compassionately. 

Acing “The Nation’s Report Card”

In the most recent U.S. National Assessment of Educational Progress, Catholic school students nationwide ranked #1 in both reading and mathematics.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), administered by U.S. Department of Education, is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of our country’s student achievement. The assessment is given every two years, leading to what is called the “Nation’s Report Card.”  Catholic school students have delivered exceptional results on this assessment. In the most recent assessment, Catholic school students nationwide ranked #1 in both reading and mathematics. This legacy of excellence is alive and thriving in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

STEM/STEAM: Faith-Inspired Innovation

With four Cognia-Certified STEM schools, students explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on projects that ignite curiosity and creativity

Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are shaping tomorrow’s innovators today. With four Cognia-Certified STEM schools, students explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on projects that ignite curiosity and creativity. Guided by faith and inspired by discovery, our learners design solutions to real-world challenges, foster critical thinking, work collaboratively and develop leadership skills that prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.

Dual-Language Excellence

At Archbishop Borders School, our unique dual-language program immerses students in both English and Spanish each day, developing bilingual proficiency and cultural appreciation.

Archbishop Borders School in the Archdiocese of Baltimore offers a unique dual-language program where children are immersed in both English and Spanish, receiving half of their daily instruction in each language. This immersive approach not only covers language arts but extends to subjects like Science, Religion, and gym, ensuring a comprehensive bilingual education. Families are attracted to this program for its ability to make children truly bilingual, catering to both Spanish-speaking families aiming for English fluency and English-speaking families seeking Spanish proficiency.

The benefits of this dual-language education are manifold. These students often outperform their peers, with higher test scores and improved problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and memory retention. Additionally, students gain cultural awareness, fostering empathy and inclusivity aligned with Catholic values. Economically, bilingualism opens doors to broader career opportunities and potential for higher salaries in a globalized economy. In this setting, students live their Catholic values of faith, empathy, and service as they switch seamlessly between English and Spanish.

Caring for God’s Creation: Maryland Green Schools

The AOB has 19 schools recognized as Maryland Green Schools, which offer outdoor learning and eco-friendly practices, so that students grow as responsible caretakers of God’s creation.

Nineteen Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are recognized as Maryland Green Schools by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). These schools integrate environmental stewardship into daily learning: reducing waste, conserving energy, and engaging students in sustainability initiatives. Through outdoor learning and eco-friendly practices, students grow as responsible caretakers of God’s creation.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools

Three of our schools proudly offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a globally recognized framework that fosters curiosity, intercultural understanding, and academic excellence.

Three Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore proudly offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a globally recognized framework that fosters curiosity, intercultural understanding, and academic excellence. IB students are encouraged to think critically, act compassionately, and engage the world with confidence and integrity, living out their faith as global leaders committed to service.

Community Schools: Faith in Action

Through extended learning, family engagement, and community partnerships, our three Community Schools ensure that every child is supported, every family is valued, and every community is strengthened.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore proudly supports three Community Schools. The Community Schools model reflects the Catholic mission to care for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. This model embodies a holistic approach to education, blending academic instruction with comprehensive support services. Each school employs a full-time coordinator to connect families with health, wellness, and enrichment resources. Through extended learning, family engagement, and community partnerships, these schools ensure that every child is supported, every family is valued, and every community is strengthened. Together, students, teachers, administrators, staff members, families, local businesses and community partners create learning environments where faith and compassion meet opportunity.