Our Purpose
Green Street Academy was founded to meet a clear need in Baltimore City: ensuring students graduate with both the academic foundation and practical skills required to succeed in college, careers, and life.
Serving grades 6–12, GSA prepares scholars to navigate a rapidly changing world through rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and intentional career pathways that begin early and build over time.
A Vision Rooted in Opportunity
In 2008, founders Larry Rivitz and David Warnock began listening to families in West Baltimore who shared a common concern: too many students lacked access to the educational resources and preparation needed for today’s workforce and higher education landscape.
Their response was to imagine a new kind of public charter school that combined strong academic instruction with 21st-century career education, while also serving as a community anchor for students and families.
To bring this vision to life, they partnered with founding principal Ed Cozzolino, an experienced educator who helped shape the school’s academic model, culture, and early foundation.
Green Street Academy opened in 2010 with that vision at its core.
Built on Strong Values
From its earliest days, GSA has been guided by five core values that continue to shape the school’s culture and approach to learning:
scholarship
integrity
perserverance
citizenship
Sustainability
These values are not just ideals. They inform how scholars learn, how educators teach, and how the school shows up for its community. Sustainability, in particular, influences GSA’s identity, programs, and long-term commitment to preparing scholars for lasting success.
A Campus Designed for Learning and Impact
In 2015, Green Street Academy relocated to its historic 1920s-era campus, transforming the space into a LEED Platinum, nationally recognized Green School. The campus was intentionally reimagined to support collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
Today, GSA serves more than 800 scholars annually and continues to expand access to college credit, career certifications, internships, and real-world learning experiences.
Partnerships That Expand Opportunity
At Green Street Academy, we believe strong schools are built alongside strong communities. That’s why we intentionally build partnerships that expand opportunities for scholars both inside and outside the classroom.
One example is our relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore and the Baltimore Ravens through the Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club at Hilton Recreation Center, located adjacent to campus. The partnership gives GSA scholars access to athletic facilities, mentorship, enrichment opportunities, and community spaces that expand our campus and our reach in the community. Together, we are making an impact in West Baltimore.
Leadership
Green Street Academy is guided by experienced educators and community leaders committed to student success, strong governance, and long-term sustainability.
Under the leadership of CEO Denisha Logan, a founding teacher and lifelong advocate for Baltimore City students, GSA continues to strengthen its academic model, deepen partnerships, and expand opportunities for scholars.