At a glance, Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School is a community school with numerous neighborhood business partners. Taking a broader view, Francis Scott Key is a citywide school with a technology magnet program that attracts sixth through eighth graders from throughout Baltimore. But still more thorough examination reveals that Francis Scott Key is a world school where elementary students learn Japanese, and where distance learning programs and the Internet connect students to others around the globe.

Situated in Locust Point, the school serves a diverse population of pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students, including some students receiving special education services who participate in the general education program. While noted for its extensive use of technology, Francis Scott Key itself is more diverse, offering a strong arts program and a variety of sports and activities. The school's strength in the arts has been celebrated at programs in Annapolis and throughout Baltimore. Middle school students can also develop life skills in Francis Scott Key's home economics program, a rare offering among city middle schools, or strengthen their knowledge and confidence by competing against other students in the National Academic League.

Evidence of Francis Scott Key's progress can be seen in its 2000 MSPAP scores, which surpass the city average and meet state standards for third grade writing.

The school receives strong support from community partners including the Kiwanis Club, which provides monthly recognition of students who demonstrate good citizenship, and Struever Brothers, Eccles and Rouse, which is helping to renovate the school's media center. Parents are very active in the school through the PTA and via Internet connection to teachers. The PTA plans activities, encourages volunteerism in the school, solicits contributions for the school, and offers monthly incentives to improve attendance.

By working together within school walls and using technology and partnerships to reach beyond school walls, the staff, students, and parents of Francis Scott Key are building a school destined for success in the 21st century. (Excerpted from the Baltimore City Public School System Annual Report Publication - 2001)

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