From the CEO’s desk · October 2026
Rooted & Rising
Our organizations. Our stories. Our collective impact.
A monthly reflection from Dr. Kristina Kyles-Smith,
CEO, Girls Charter School, Inc.
From the CEO’s desk
The power of three.
And rising.
Dr. Kristina Kyles-Smith
CEO, Girls Charter School, Inc.
There is something powerful about three in this moment at Lillie May.
We are celebrating our move from two to three stars on Maryland’s School Report Card—a meaningful step forward, and an invitation to keep rising.
We also know that our scholars’ achievement deserves a fuller picture. We look at what they know, who they are becoming, and what they can create through three dimensions: knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work.
And behind this work are three connected organizations: Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School, Girls Charter School, Inc., and Paquin-Stith Community Development Corp. LLC. Each has a distinct role in educating our girls, sustaining our institution, and caring for the places and relationships that support our future.
That is the story of this issue: progress we can see, foundations we are strengthening, and possibilities we are building together.
She can. She will. End of story.
Girls Charter School, Inc.
Monica Mitchell · Founding Board Chair
The institution behind the mission.
Our school is the heart of our work. Our organization is the foundation that helps it thrive.
Our charter renewed through 2029 →
Learning, leadership & opportunity beyond one campus →
An extraordinary investment in institutional sustainability →
Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School
Three stars. Three dimensions. Growing together.
From two to three out of five stars on Maryland’s 2025–2026 School Report Card—progress worth celebrating, with more work ahead.
Our fuller picture of achievement includes knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work: what scholars know, who they are becoming, and what they create.
View the official MSDE report card →
Academic growth, service & a celebration of learning
In March 2026 i-Ready results, 82 of 200 scholars assessed in reading (41%) and 54 of 179 assessed in mathematics (30%) achieved at least twice their typical annual growth benchmark. These measures describe growth, not grade-level proficiency.
Read the academic growth context →
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Our scholars’ participation in the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk connects learning, character, and community action. It is one way the mission takes shape beyond the classroom.
Come see their learning.
Join our Fall Celebration of Learning on Friday, November 13, 2026. Doors open at 1:15 p.m.; the program runs from 1:30–3 p.m. Scholars will share their research, their ideas, and their work with the community.
Paquin-Stith Community Development Corp. LLC
An investment in our future
Protecting the place. Growing the possibilities.
A $2.8 million philanthropic gift to GCSI retired the primary mortgage on our historic school property, strengthening the foundation for our future.
Our backyard is coming to life, too. Chilling for China brought our community together there in support of scholars’ international learning.
Stewarding this community asset
GCSI’s institutional work connects with Paquin-Stith’s responsibility for property stewardship. Continued facilities care, thoughtful capital planning, and financial discipline protect this important community asset.
Our Mission in Motion
Evidence of our impact.
Academic growth. Character in action. Work that matters. Our mission comes to life in what scholars learn, how they lead, and what they contribute.
News & Stories
Ideas in action. Learning together.
Deeper Learning Mid-Atlantic Hub · October 14, 2026
What does the work ask students to think about?
The Hub’s second gathering brought educators to Two Rivers Public Charter School in Washington, DC, to look closely at the tasks students experience—and the thinking those tasks make possible.
With Sarah Fiarman, participants explored the instructional core and examined student work together. See the questions, conversations, and evidence that shaped the day.
Looking Ahead
Come be part of what’s next.
Public events · October 29–December 28, 2026
Celebration of Learning
Hear our scholars share their learning.
Doors 1:15 p.m. · Program 1:30–3 p.m.
Leadership Tour & Talk
Get to know Lillie May at our virtual open house.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop
Shop Lillie’s Winter Market and support our scholars’ educational journey to Ghana.
City Schools Choice Fair
Explore school choice opportunities in Baltimore City.
Check each event page for current details. Holiday Pop-Up Shop hours and participation details will be shared as finalized.
Join the Movement
Let’s grow something beautiful, together.
Join our community for stories of scholarship, leadership, and the everyday brilliance of our girls. Stay connected with student learning, community events, and ways to take part.
Join the Circle →Support our work →
She can. She will. End of story.
