Press release · The promise and power of three
Lillie May earns three stars
as ELA proficiency gains outpace
city and state
Celebrating our scholars, our progress and the community that keeps us rising.
For immediate release
BALTIMORE — Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School (LMCJ) has earned three stars on Maryland’s 2026 School Report Card. The milestone accompanies English language arts proficiency gains that outpaced both Baltimore City and Maryland from 2024 to 2026, reflecting the sustained work of scholars, staff and families.
From 2024 to 2026, LMCJ’s English language arts proficiency rose from 18.9% to 31.3%, an increase of 12.4 percentage points. That was more than three times the city’s 3.73-point increase and Maryland’s 3.5-point increase. LMCJ nearly closed its gap with Baltimore City, narrowing the difference from 9.1 points to just 0.43 points.
ELA proficiency gains
2024–2026 · percentage points
+12.4 pp
+3.73 pp
+3.5 pp
Change in group proficiency rates, not individual student growth. Source: verified MKS worksheet figures.
“These gains come from work our scholars and staff do every day, with families beside them. We are proud of this milestone and of the girls behind it. We want each scholar to know the joy of being a girl and the confidence that comes from doing demanding work well.”
KRISTINA KYLES-SMITH · CEO
The progress extends to economically disadvantaged scholars, whose ELA proficiency increased 11.0 percentage points, compared with 4.48 points for the corresponding city group and 4.78 points statewide.
Carrying the name of Baltimore civil rights leader Lillie May Carroll Jackson, the school connects academic preparation with leadership and service to community. Daily Crew and Blooming Lillie Circles make room for girls’ voices, friendships and reflection alongside demanding academic work.
Its EL Education model develops three dimensions of achievement: knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work. Through scholar-led conferences, Passage Portfolio Presentations and Celebrations of Learning, girls explain their understanding, reflect on their progress and share work they have revised with care.
That promise continues beyond eighth grade. Alumnae attend public and independent high schools, including Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Western and Roland Park Country School. Some return as mentors, giving “Lillie for Life” its meaning and helping younger scholars imagine their futures.
Strengthening mathematics achievement remains a schoolwide priority.
Media contact
Kristina Kyles-Smith
kristina.ksmith@lilliemay.org
About LMCJ
Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School is a tuition-free public school for girls in grades 5–8 in Baltimore. Founded in partnership with Roland Park Country School, it combines rigorous academics, character development and experiential learning. Learn more at lilliemay.org.
Data sources and comparison notes
ELA figures use the verified 2024–2026 MKS worksheet figures supplied for this release. Changes are percentage points, not percentage increases. City and state aggregates are contextual comparisons and may differ in grade span and student composition. LMCJ’s overall 2026 ELA proficiency rate of 31.3% remains below Baltimore City’s 31.73% and Maryland’s 50.2%. Star ratings combine multiple measures; these ELA figures alone do not explain the rating increase.
School ratings were verified in MSDE’s annual accountability files. View MSDE data downloads. School program and alumni examples come from LMCJ’s credential application and Rooted & Rising materials.
