The Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School

Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle is a recent Baltimore success story. In 2010, we were labeled a "Turnaround" School due to poor academic performance and safety concerns.  In fact, the Baltimore Sun ranked the school 872 out of 875 total schools in Maryland. However, in only five years, after being projected to have 210 students enrolled in 2010, we now have 702 students enrolled, and we are growing by the day!  We believe that this is a stamp of approval from families that we are on the right track toward turning Commodore around.

We have demonstrated marked improvements in statewide test scores and have regularly met state-set Annual Measurable Outcomes (AMOs). Our staff continues to grow, and we have one of the highest staff retention rates in the city.  Our students are moving closer to fulfilling the mission of "From Commodore to College: 100% for 100%."  Clearly, momentum is building, but we are still very far away from the turnaround being complete. There are still considerable obstacles facing our students, and we continue to need support.

There are a number of ways for volunteer groups to get involved, and we are open to suggestions. Academically, our students continue to need personalized support around content areas, both in the classroom and during afterschool programming; tutoring and mentoring opportunities are always available. As a newly rebranded community school, we are also looking to prioritize a variety of initiatives related to mental and physical health including a strengthened, more organized food pantry and a more cohesive vision and dental program. We also continue to seek support around meeting the needs of chronically absent students. Finally, we welcome one-time or semi-regular weekend school beautification visits to our campus for painting and clean-up projects. 

Volunteer opportunities

The school operates Monday – Thursday, 7:30am-3pm and Fridays, 7:30am-1:30pm.  Most volunteer opportunities will occur outside of those hours so as not to disturb instruction. However, we can be flexible depending on the type of project proposed.