Excel Academy at Francis M. Wood High School is a public adult high school located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, part of the Baltimore City Public Schools. The school is named for Francis M. Wood, Baltimore's Director of Negro Schools from 1925 to 1943.
Serving 264 students in grades 9-12, Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 264 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 10-14% (Btm 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The attendance zone for Francis M. Wood Alternative High covers the entire school district in Baltimore, MD, encompassing approximately 92.1 square miles. Families typically have a drive of 10-15 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 5.6 miles from the school to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Overview
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School's student population of 264 students has declined by 44% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 43% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
264 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School is 0.17, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1152 out of 1338 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
7%
Hispanic
7%
24%
Black
91%
32%
White
2%
31%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
10-14%
85.8%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)100%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
46%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
1%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Grey, Burgundy
School Mascot
Francis M. Wood Bear
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School's ranking?
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School is ranked #1152 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School often compared to?
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Edmondson-westside High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School?
The graduation rate of Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School is 10-14%, which is lower than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School?
264 students attend Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School students are Black, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School?
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School offer ?
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School part of?
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School is part of Baltimore City School District.
In what neighborhood is Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School located?
Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School is located in the Poppleton neighborhood of Baltimore, MD.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Very good school and great teachers...
Review Excel Academy At Francis M. Wood High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
