BALTIMORE — Baltimore City schools are back in session.
Mayor Brandon Scott visited six schools to help welcome Charm City's young scholars back to the classroom.
The mayor awarded Katherine Johnson Global Academy with a trophy, as they had the best reduction in chronic absenteeism for the 2025-2026 school year.
City Hall says Katherine Johnson Global Academy reduced chronic absenteeism by more than 26% and increased attendance by more than 8%.
This comes after Mayor Scott issued an attendance challenge for Baltimore's public schools. The initiative is a big push for students to be on time and ready to learn.
The school that is making the most progress regarding attendance each quarter will get a trophy and a visit from the mayor.
“We want to make sure our young people have the best possible start to the school year, and I was proud to cheer them on today as they returned from the summer break,” said Mayor Scott.
“I also presented the Katherine Johnson Global Academy community with an award for their great work reducing chronic absenteeism last year. As we start the fall semester, I’m calling on all of our students, teachers, parents, and staff to rise to the challenge: show up ready to succeed each and every day, and have a great year!”
Mayor Scott also stopped at Hamilton, Hazelwood Elementary Middle School, Waverly Elementary Middle School, Callaway Elementary School, Gwynns Falls Elementary School, and The Commodore John Rodgers School.
At each school, he took some time to talk to students, teachers, and faculty.
