Original Research by School Decision on Home Assignments-secondary
Home Assignments-Secondary is an alternative school in Towson serving grades seven through twelve. It is part of Baltimore County Public Schools, a large district that covers the entire county and includes Towson as its county seat. The school’s small size and alternative designation make it a distinct option within the district, but also mean that many of the metrics families typically use to compare schools are not available here.
Towson is a mix of residential neighborhoods, government offices, and university campuses, including Towson University and Goucher College. The downtown core centers on the Baltimore County Courthouse, with county administrative buildings, police headquarters, and the district’s own central office nearby. York Road is the main commercial corridor, and a free circulator bus, the Towson Loop, began service in recent years to improve local mobility. Housing values in the area have been above the national benchmark, and rents are correspondingly high, reflecting the community’s desirability as a northern suburb of Baltimore with steady but modest population growth.
The school itself has very low enrollment, which is common for an alternative setting. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The student body is predominantly Black, with a smaller white population and a small share of Hispanic students. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported.
State testing results for math, English language arts, science, and social studies are all suppressed, meaning the numbers are not published. This is typical when the tested group is very small, as is often the case at alternative schools where student populations can be transient or where many students may not be assessed on the standard grade-level exams. For the same reason, there is no reported graduation rate. A reader should understand that the absence of these figures is not a sign of failure but a reflection of the school’s nature and the small number of students at each grade level. A parent considering this placement would want to discuss academic progress measures directly with the school.
No information was available about course offerings, Advanced Placement or career and technical education pathways, discipline records, or staff qualifications. The school’s website was not provided, so a family would need to contact the school for details on the programs and support services available.
For context on the district, Baltimore County Public Schools has made several recent changes that could affect students at Home Assignments-Secondary. A new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading was adopted in the 2023-2024 school year, though that applies to elementary grades. More relevant to secondary students: the district implemented a cell phone policy in 2024-2025 restricting phone use during instructional time, with high school students permitted phones only during lunch and passing periods. The district is also implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a multi-year state plan that brings increased funding for pre-K expansion, teacher salaries, and college and career readiness. Voters approved a bond issue for school safety and security upgrades, including secure entrances and cameras, though it is not clear which schools were prioritized.
Home Assignments-Secondary serves a specific population of students who need an alternative academic setting. Its small size and mission mean its students are not captured by standard accountability measures. Families exploring this option should reach out directly to understand the school’s approach, the support structure for students, and how progress is assessed outside the typical testing framework. The school is located in a well-established community with strong institutional anchors, but the school itself operates as a distinct pathway within the larger Baltimore County system.
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