WOLFE STREET ACADEMY
About Wolfe Street Academy
Wolfe Street Academy (WSA), located in Baltimore’s historic Upper Fells Point neighborhood, has a long and proud tradition of serving its community. Originally opened in 1852 as Public School #23, the school has evolved alongside the neighborhood it serves. After joining the Baltimore Curriculum Project in 1996, WSA became a neighborhood charter school in 2007, deepening its commitment to local families.
Today, Wolfe Street Academy (Pre-K through 5th) proudly serves children living within the zone, which includes the Upper Fells Point and Fells Point neighborhoods. Families living in this zone may enroll at any time without a lottery. Those living outside the zone are welcome to apply through the city-run charter lottery.
A Neighborhood School
Upper Fells Point, also known historically as Fell’s Prospect or Spanish Town, is a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood shaped by generations of immigrants. From European settlers in the 19th century to a vibrant Latino community today, the area thrives on its mix of cultures, cuisines, and community spirit.
WSA is deeply woven into this fabric. The school celebrates and supports its immigrant families while fostering connection and pride through public art and community projects, including the historic Peely-Wheely sculpture and the mural Memoria y Esperanza (Memory and Hope) honoring WSA families and cultures.
The original Public School #23 building stood at Wolfe and Gough Streets from 1852 until its demolition in the 1970s. The current Wolfe Street Academy building, constructed in 1975, continues the school’s legacy of serving as a hub for learning, community engagement, and cultural celebration in Upper Fells Point.
SCHOOL SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1852
BCP Partnership: 1996
Charter Conversion: 2007
Grades Served: Prek-5
- Feeder School: WSA students can automatically continue to Commodore John Rodgers School for middle school.
Enrollment: ~250 students
Mascot: Wolf (James)
School Color: Navy blue
- Focus on restorative practices and positive school climate
Title 1 school serving students from underserved communities
After school programs and enrichment
Strong community school partnership with Elev8 Baltimore
About Wolfe Street Academy
Wolfe Street Academy (WSA), located in Baltimore’s Upper Fells Point neighborhood, has a rich history of serving the community. Originally opened in 1852 as Public School #23, the school partnered with Baltimore Curriculum Project in 1996 and converted to a neighborhood charter school in 2007.
Wolfe Street Academy (Pre-K through 5th) serves its neighborhood zone (21231), which includes the Upper Fells Point and Fells Point neighborhoods. Any child living or moving into the neighborhood may enroll at any time, without participating in a lottery. If you live in this zone, call or email the school to enroll.
If you live out of the zone, you can still apply to enroll your child at Wolfe Street Academy. If there are no vacancies at the time, students can be added to a waitlist or upcoming lottery.
A True Neighborhood School
Upper Fells Point, also called “Fell’s Prospect” or “Spanish Town,” is a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood shaped by waves of immigration, from European communities in the 19th and 20th centuries to a thriving Latino population today. Residents enjoy a vibrant mix of ethnic restaurants, shops, and cultural events, reflecting the neighborhood’s heritage.
Wolfe Street Academy strengthens this community fabric, supporting its immigrant students and contributing to local cohesion and pride. The school adds to the neighborhood’s charm through public art, including the historic Peely-Wheely sculpture, student-created mosaics, the Community Canoe Bird Garden, and a 2024 mural celebrating the families and cultures of WSA. By fostering education, community engagement, and cultural celebration, WSA remains a key anchor in Upper Fells Point’s ongoing growth and vibrancy.
Public School #23, now known as Wolfe Street Academy, was constructed in 1852 to serve the growing educational needs of Southeast Baltimore. Over the years, the school underwent renovations to accommodate enrollment and evolving educational programs. The current building of Wolfe Street Academy was constructed in 1975. This followed the demolition of the earlier structure at Wolfe and Gough Streets.
245 S. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
CHARTER STATUS:
Wolfe Street Academy converted to a neighborhood charter school in 2007. During its last renewal in 2020, the Board of School Commissioners approved to renew Wolfe Street’s charter for eight years. Its next renewal will be in 2028.
