Northwood Appold Community Academy (NACA) PCS #330
Baltimore City Public School System
Virginia Richardson, Principal
Opened in August 2005
Kindergarten through Fifth Grades, 250 students
4417 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 323-9546
www.nacacad.org



About Northwood Appold Community Academy:

NACA opened in 2005. It considers among its accomplishments the following:

• Recognition for providing an “unusually calm and peaceful learning environment.”
• Numerous students scoring at the Proficient or Advanced level on the MSA
• Stanford Ten scores that exhibit significant numbers of students scoring at or above grade level
• 2007-2008 fourth grade Ben Carson Scholar
• Development of a school library by staff, parents, and community members
• Considerable parental involvement (ninety hours of volunteer time are expected)
• Outstanding drama presentations
• Attendance rate at or above the state mandated satisfactory level

Program Philosophy and Model:

• NACA uses a “Freedom and Democracy” theme to promote its focus on academic excellence
• NACA implements the Voluntary State Curriculum to guide its instruction of standards and skills and uses “Freedom and Democracy” exemplars to infuse real-world examples of individuals overcoming obstacles to achieve success

Learning Environment:

• Class sizes are limited to twenty-one students, staff with a teacher and a teacher’s assistant
• Special educators join the instructional team at various times throughout the day and as required by student need
• Resource classes in world cultures, technology, and physical fitness are provided to students
• Classrooms are equipped with computers for student and teacher use
• Every student has scheduled computer lab time
• Students have access to the school library and regularly take advantage of Enoch Pratt Library, which is located across the street
• Art education programs are available through the Baltimore Museum of Art

Student Support Programs and Services:

• Students designated as having special needs receive consistent services articulated in their IEP and provided by a team of general educators, special educators, and related service providers
• A Student Support Team provides targeted services for the general education population requiring additional support and instruction

Partnerships:

NACA has partnerships with several organizations:

• Enoch Pratt Library provides reading and research materials as well as periodic literacy programs.
• Morgan State University supports the development of the students through the computer lab, the development of the Playscape, and other community services.
• Good Samaritan Hospital provides community outreach services which include school materials for students and health fairs.
• Northwood Appold United Methodist Church provides volunteers who support the day to day school operations.