Federal Hill Preparatory School

Effective September 2007, the Baltimore City Public School System assumed control of the Ingenuity elementary program. Essentially, Ingenuity's systems and procedures were transferred to Federal Hill Preparatory School (FHPS). While the name has changed, the program remains a citywide accelerated mathematics and science program for elementary students and will continue to run as it has in years past. To read the letter announcing this change click HERE.

Federal Hill Preparatory School
1040 William Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
t. 410-396-1207
 

Located at Federal Hill Preparatory School, 1040 William Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. Ingenuity began at FHPS in the 2001-2002 school year with first and second grade classes. Each year since then, a grade has been added. Ingenuity at Federal Hill Preparatory School provided a special opportunity for alert and creative students in grades 1-5 to study mathematics and science at an advanced level with an enriched curriculum developed by master teachers.

Directions: Federal Hill Preparatory School is located south of the Inner Harbor. Go south on Light Street, go past the Science Center, go to the second light and turn left on Cross Street (Cross Street Market will be on the right), go one block and the school will be on your left.

Impetus for the program was the desire to begin using the internationally recognized Singapore mathematics curriculum at its earliest possible stages (it is currently used in Ingenuity middle schools). Noting the progress students are able to make in middle school stimulated the desire to give students the opportunity to gain even further progress while enjoying the early challenge of a rigorous mathematics program.

Federal Hill Preparatory School has advanced science and math program in grades 1-5 for the 2007-2008 school year. The science at the elementary level combines the acquisition of content knowledge with exploration and discovery, emphasizing the development of conceptual understandings and scientific research processes. A spiral approach to unit topics selection introduces concepts at earlier grade levels that are further explicated in more sophisticated applications in later grade levels. In studying all topics, reference to basic scientific principles provides continuity and connection. Through a myriad of hands-on experiences, connected to appropriate readings and research, students learn basic scientific principles, scientific methods and thinking, and general science across many disciplines. Best of all, children's natural curiosity and desire to explore the world around us is fully developed.

At the Federal Hill Preparatory School, students participating in advanced science and math program will:

• study mathematics using the internationally recognized Singapore mathematics textbooks to learn basic skills and complex problem solving.
• learn science through a variety of activities designed to nurture their delight in discovery and their natural curiosity about the world.
• ask questions and plan ways to find the answers to their questions by performing simple science experiments.
• build essential skills necessary for success in middle school and on state and national tests.
  

Application Procedure

The applications can be obtained: by mail. Please call the Federal Hill Preparatory office and request an application, t. 410-396-1207.

Kindergartners applying for first grade are expected to be able to read and do math at least at a first grade level. They will be tested using an age-appropriate standardized test to evaluate reading ability and mathematics understanding. Applicants will be ranked according the results and offered placement. The first grade class size is 16-17. When the class is filled, qualified applicants may be put on a waiting list and notified by rank if an opening occurs.

Students applying for grades 2-5 will be tested only if they cannot provide standardized test scores. The admission decisions will be made using report card grades, standardized test scores and the teacher recommendation. Acceptance for grades 2-5 will depend on the number of available spaces; we cannot guarantee openings for all grades. Qualified students may be put on a waiting list and notified if an opening occurs.

Students applying for grades 2-5 are expected to have standardized test scores in reading and mathematics.

1. Have excellent attendance with no unexcused absences. This includes summer programs if required.

2. Behave respectfully toward teachers and students at all times. This means:

a.  Cooperating with others.
b.  Following class rules.
c.  Following directions and doing all assignments, both class work and homework.

3. Show consistent effort to do their best and work to achieve E's and G's on their report cards.

If, during the year, a student is not meeting the academic standards, the student and his/her parents will be asked to meet with the school and Ingenuity staff to assess the student's difficulties and determine steps for improvement. The program curriculum is academically advanced and moves at a fast pace. We recognize that this pace is not for all children so that students who are unable to meet the academic rigor of advanced program will be moved to a more appropriate program. This is done to place the student in a program where he/she will thrive and achieve academic success.

Students who do not meet the behavior standards will be placed on a short-term contract. If disrespectful behavior persists, the student will be dismissed from the program during the current school year and will be considered for reassignment to another class or another school.

Students who continue to meet the Standards and thrive intellectually are invited to apply to the middle school program for sixth grade by completing an application in the Fall of 5th grade.

Click here for a map and directions

For further information call Federal Hill Preparatory at 410-396-1207.

Revised November 5, 2007