Tucked between the hustle and noise of I-695 and I-295 in southwest Baltimore lies a peaceful, tree-lined sanctuary dedicated to education, empowerment, and transformation—Sisters Academy.

 

Founded in 2004 through the sponsorship of the Sisters of Mercy, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Bon Secours, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Sisters Academy stands as a one-of-a-kind institution in Baltimore: a private, faith-based, community-centered, tuition-free middle school providing exceptional educational opportunities for girls who might not otherwise have access to an independent school experience.

As Sisters Academy has expanded from serving 22 fifth-grade students in 2004 to 60 students across fifth, sixth, and seventh, and eighth grades today, the needs of the students have also grown. The lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, layered on top of historical racial disparities across healthcare, education, and housing, have had a measurably profound effect on young women of color.

Beyond Content

On July 1, 2023, Kaliq Hunter Simms became the second president of Sisters Academy and the school’s first lay leader. As a fifth-generation

Baltimorean, a product of Catholic education, and a woman of color, she serves as an inspiring role model for students. Recognizing her responsibility—along with that of the staff—to model healthy choices, she is committed to fostering an environment that supports students’ academic, emotional, and personal growth.

During a previous conversation, Ms. Simms said, “We can’t deny how basically every element of our school has a bearing on student mental health or social and emotional development.” Noting that even the time spent learning a subject such as math has an impact beyond content, she emphasized that the classroom environment and a student’s experience of learning are just as important. This understanding led Ms. Simms and her team to seek support to strengthen their wellness and mindfulness programs and provide opportunities for enhanced teacher training in restorative and trauma-responsive instruction.

At Sisters Academy, the atmosphere is one of unwavering love, resilience, and intentional community. Every day, students, faculty, and families navigate challenges together, growing through them rather than simply enduring them. As Principal Dr. Margo Veal put it, “We’re not lucky; we’re loved.” That love is evident in the way students and faculty uplift one another, creating a foundation of trust and belonging that carries them forward, no matter the obstacles they face.

A Foundational Relationship

With a strong connection to education in general and Catholic education more specifically, the Knott Foundation has provided more than $400,000 in grant awards to Sisters Academy since its founding. Our most recent award, $60,000 in June 2024, helped the school strengthen its emerging work of infusing the school day and community with a grounding in restorative practices—favoring healing and rehabilitation over punitive, consequence-based behavior management.

Evidence from the Center on Gender Justice & Opportunity at Georgetown Law affirms that “participation in such restorative practices increases school engagement, fosters resilience, and improves emotional well-being—all key factors in student success. When girls of color have access to supportive, non-punitive approaches to discipline and mental health care, they are more likely to stay in school, graduate, and pursue higher education.”

Reflecting on the impact of the grant-supported work, Ms. Simms shared, “It has just made us much more responsive, immediate.”

The funding allowed Sisters Academy to hire a Student Family Advocate, a new and essential role within the school. More than just a staff position, this advocate has quickly become a trusted resource for students seeking support and a vital link for families facing challenges.

In a short time, the Student Family Advocate has significantly enhanced the school’s ability to respond to student and family needs, providing financial assistance for school fees, crisis intervention for students facing abuse or mental health challenges, and proactive outreach to families in need. Additionally, the advocate’s presence has fostered greater collaboration among staff, ensuring more coordinated, timely, and effective interventions when students require support.

Sisters: Seen. Heard. Supported. Succeeding.

Sisters Academy has always recognized that education extends beyond academics—it is deeply connected to students’ well-being and mental health. The nurturing environment at the heart of the school has led to remarkable outcomes: every student graduates from high school, with 90% attending a Catholic, independent, or selective public high school, and 90% continuing their education beyond high school. To date, 36 alumnae have earned bachelor’s degrees, and seven have obtained master’s degrees.

In the wake of COVID-19, student needs have grown, and rather than simply reacting, Sisters Academy has responded with intention—laying the foundation for a holistic, consistent, and structured approach through restorative and trauma-responsive programming.

Each year, students reaffirm their commitment to a Pledge of Nonviolence, which emphasizes the importance of communication, listening, seeking and granting forgiveness, and respecting both others and the environment. This pledge serves as a touchstone for the school’s culture, reinforcing values that guide students not only during their time at Sisters Academy but throughout their lives.

At Sisters Academy, restorative practices are at the heart of daily life, centering healing, understanding, and accountability in relationships. This approach allows students and faculty to navigate difficulties with grace, fostering open dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to growth. As one faculty member shared, “We’re not just teaching academics; we’re developing the social and emotional strength to lead with compassion and integrity.”

This work would not be possible without the dedication of those who believe in the mission of Sisters Academy. Every contribution, whether through time, resources, or advocacy, fuels opportunities and transforms lives. The generosity of so many empowers the next generation to reach their full potential, ensuring that Sisters Academy remains a place where girls are seen, heard, supported, and given the foundation to succeed.

“Thank you for believing in education, in dreams, and in the limitless possibilities that come from learning. Your impact is greater than you know.” Sisters Academy of Baltimore Administrative Team.

By Kathleen McCarthyi