The Baltimore Design School was founded in 2010 to bring design education to the students of Baltimore City.
Learn more about our mission and our students.
Our driving force is to develop creativity and critical thinking skills for Baltimore City students. BDS not only teaches basic art, design, and communication skills, but engages students in problem solving, finding solutions, and thinking critically. At BDS, all students–with engaging instruction, practice, and a passion for design–can learn and grow from the experience. We welcome all students who have a strong desire to succeed, and a particular interest in pursuing careers in graphic design, architecture, and fashion design.
Baltimore Design School fosters creativity and develops the academic and critical thinking skills of 6th through 12th grade students. It also prepares students for admission to college and careers in the design fields of architecture, fashion, and graphic design. BDS is a Baltimore City public transformation school that offers a comprehensive college preparatory program that integrates design throughout the academic curriculum and provides Career and Technology Education (CTE) pathways.
Educate graduates to see design as a way of living an ethical, productive, and rewarding life.
Prepare students for admission to colleges, and careers in a variety of modern design fields.
Integrate design thinking into every aspect of the academic curriculum.
Foster a caring community dedicated to every student’s academic and personal success.
At BDS we have high expectations for our students. We are always seeking to foster an environment that is conducive to learning and achieving. We encourage our students to D.A.R.E. to be different by being Diligent, Accountable, Respectful, and Enthusiastic.
BDS is a Positive Behavioral Intervention & Support (PBIS) school. This is an incentive program designed to recognize when our students exhibit exemplary behavior.
Learn More About Student Life
National Junior Art Society (NAHS)
Career & Technology Education (CTE)
National Honor Society (NHS)
SpringBoard ELA & Math Curriculum site for all middle school students
Maryland state-approved Teacher Professional Development Site (PDS) in partnership with Maryland Institute College of Art & Loyola University Maryland.