Original Research by School Decision on Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove
Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove is a regular public high school serving grades nine through twelve in Baltimore City. It is part of the Baltimore City Public Schools district, which covers the city as a single school system. Baltimore is an independent city with a mix of residential neighborhoods, a major port, and a service-oriented economy anchored by Johns Hopkins Hospital and University. The city has seen a slight population decline in recent years, and a large infrastructure project to replace the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge is underway. The school sits within this urban fabric, drawing its students from across the city.
The student body is diverse, with a majority Hispanic population and a substantial Black population, along with a smaller share of White students and very small numbers from other racial groups. A majority of students come from households with economic need, as reflected in the share qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment shrinks noticeably from ninth to twelfth grade, which is common in many high schools but may also reflect student mobility or attrition patterns.
Academic performance data for this school is limited, and what is available paints a concerning picture. State assessment results for math and science were suppressed, meaning the numbers were too small to report publicly. For the one subject where a single year of data was available—English language arts for the 2024-25 school year—the proficiency rate was low. This is the only recent point in the trend, so there is no way to know whether the school is improving or declining. A parent may want to speak directly with the school about how it supports literacy across all subjects and what interventions are in place.
No graduation rate was reported in the data we reviewed, which is unusual for a high school. The school does not appear to have reported chronic absenteeism rates or discipline data in this dataset. Program offerings, such as Advanced Placement, career and technical education, or dual enrollment, were also not available. Because this is a regular public school within a large district, families may want to check with Baltimore City Public Schools about what pathways the school offers and whether any specialized programs exist at this campus.
The school is a regular public school; it is not a charter or magnet school, though its magnet status was not indicated. Its Title I status was not reported, though the high economic need among the student body suggests it likely receives federal funding for low-income students.
What this means for a family considering Benjamin Franklin High School is that there is less concrete academic evidence to rely on than at many high schools. The available assessment data shows a very low proficiency rate in English language arts, and no comparable data in math or science. The school serves a predominantly low-income, Hispanic and Black student body. The setting is an urban district with a large institutional base and a slowly declining population. Without more information on graduation rates, course offerings, and student support systems, a parent should plan to visit the school, talk to teachers and administrators, and ask directly about college and career readiness, special education services, and English learner programs. The school’s website and the district office would be the next steps for getting a fuller picture.
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