By Baltimore City Public Schools and Maryland Office of the Governor
BALTIMORE – On June 4, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) officially opened the doors to the new Furley Elementary School and Recreation Center, marking a major milestone in the district’s continued investment in sustainable, student-centered learning environments. In partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks, City Schools unveiled the state-of-the-art facility during a ribbon-cutting celebration attended by elected officials, school leaders, families, and community members.
The new campus, located at 4633 Furley Avenue, will serve nearly 620 students in Pre-K through 5th grade and includes an integrated recreation center designed to benefit both students and the surrounding community in Northeast Baltimore. The building incorporates environmentally friendly construction and design features and is part of the district’s broader effort to modernize educational facilities citywide.
Governor Wes Moore joined local leaders in celebrating the grand opening.
“This building is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we invest in our children and our communities,” said Governor Moore. “The new Furley Elementary School and Recreation Center reflects our commitment to educational excellence, community engagement, and a sustainable future for Baltimore.”
The Furley Elementary School project replaces a 1960s-era building facing irreparable structural damage. The project was supported by $42.9 million in funding approved by the Interagency Commission on School Construction, of which $7.5 million came from the FY 2026 capital budget that Governor Moore signed last month.
“A decade ago, the city closed Furley Elementary because it was literally falling apart. Today, we celebrate the new Furley Elementary: a true community school, with everything our students need to reach their full potential,” said Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott. “I’m grateful to celebrate this investment alongside our partners from the state, Baltimore City teachers and administrators, community members, and most importantly, our students.”
The new building will house a new music and art center; a recreation center; an early learning special education classroom; technical education classrooms; and gardens to support environmental education.
“A decade ago, Furley Elementary faced an emergency closure due to aging infrastructure — and with that, students and families were forced to leave behind the place they called home. But even then, a promise was made: that one day they would return to something better. Today, that promise is kept,” said Senator Cory McCray. “It’s a symbol of what happens when we choose to believe in our students, invest in our neighborhoods, and refuse to let setbacks define our future. With world-class classrooms, a new rec center, and space for learning inside and out, we’re opening doors for the next generation of leaders right here in Northeast Baltimore.”
The new facility is also a net-zero energy school, made possible by a $1 million grant from the Maryland Energy Administration’s Decarbonizing Public Schools Grant Program, which funded the purchase and installation of a rooftop solar array. And as a community school, the building will continue to serve as a hub for community recreation, wraparound resources for students and families, and engagement beyond the school day.
“At Furley Elementary, students will be learning in a school whose physical space uses clean energy and provides the opportunity for kids to learn hands-on lessons about the importance of clean energy right on their campus,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Baltimore City now leads the state in the number of net-zero schools. MEA is extremely proud to have made the $1 million grant that allowed Furley Elementary to become a net-zero energy campus, as part of more than $4 million total investment in Baltimore City Public Schools this year.”
The FY 2026 capital budget invests $825 million toward facility maintenance and new construction for schools, including targeted funds to support the Public School Construction program and construction for fast-growing counties that are experiencing overcrowding. The budget also continues the $1.7 billion Built to Learn Fund initiative with $302.2 million in revenue bonds dedicated to the renovation and construction of public schools across the State.
City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises praised the collaborative spirit that made the project possible.
“Furley is a shining example of what happens when city leaders, state partners, and school communities work together with a shared vision,” said Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises. “This new school gives our young people a space that reflects their brilliance, their energy, and the future they deserve.”
The new building features flexible learning spaces, natural lighting, and community-focused design, while offering a modern recreation center that will serve students during the school day and be open for community programming after hours.
Principal Shalonda Howze expressed her excitement at welcoming students into the building.
“This is a dream come true for our school family,” said Principal Howze. “The new Furley gives us the tools and the environment to help every student thrive—and it shows our kids that they are worth the very best.”
For more information about Baltimore City Public Schools’ facilities projects, visit www.baltimorecityschools.org/buildings.
About Baltimore City Public Schools
Serving approximately 76,000 students, Baltimore City Public Schools is committed to providing a world-class education through its Portrait of a Graduate, which addresses the critical areas of student wholeness, academics, and staff leadership. The goal of City Schools is to create learning communities where our students will learn, grow, and graduate from our high schools college and career ready, and equipped to succeed wherever their life may take them.