Baltimore City Schools recognizes that circumstances outside of school can make attending a traditional school difficult for some students, while some students thrive in settings that offer specific supports. That’s why the district offers alternative schools and programs designed to help all students succeed academically and graduate ready for college or career training.
Alternative Options Program (AOP)
Elementary/Middle Alternative Programs (EMAPs) is one of two alternative programs servicing middle school students. EMAPs specializes in high quality academic instruction and behavioral supports. As stated in our mission and vision statements, it is our goal to inspire our students to develop the necessary coping and decision-making skills to positively excel socially, behaviorally, and academically.
EMAPs started as a part of the BCPSS’ Alternative Education Services Suspension Placement. In the early stages of the program, EMAPs’ staff provided academic services to students who were placed on long-term suspension. The primary goal of our staff was to help students overcome behavioral challenges while maintaining high academic standards. Our hope was to inspire students to regularly make positive behavioral decisions while simultaneously promoting academic excellence so that students can successfully be reintegrated into traditional schools. This remains a priority for our Alternative Options Program (AOP).
Bridge Academy Program
In recent years, our services have expanded. Three years ago, EMAPs began to operate the Bridge Academy Program. The Bridge Academy Program is designed to service over-aged under-credited students who are in middle school. This program operates on a trimester system to accelerate the acquisition of credits so our students can attempt to enter their correct grade. Depending on age and grade level entry into the Bridge Academy, some students transition into a high school alternative program in an attempt to graduate on schedule. Students who have sufficient credits for their age, transition out of EMAPs into traditional high schools
The Bridge Academy Program holds the same standards of academic excellence as the AOP. Many of the students attending the Bridge Academy have a myriad of behavioral obstacles to overcome. Our goal is to relentlessly encourage our students to conquer academic challenges by abstaining from behaviors that are a hindrance to success.
More details about how we push towards these goals can be found under the Academics tab.
Elementary/Middle Alternative Programs 