OrchKids offers two program tracks, Instrumental and Choral, across both Summer and After-School programming. We are currently enrolling students for Summer 2026 and the 2026–2027 school year. Families must complete the online enrollment application at the bottom of this page to be considered for participation. Submission of an application does not guarantee enrollment as space is limited in both tracks. Enrollment will largely be based on a first-come, first-enrolled basis and is open to students who attend a Baltimore City Public School (BCPSS).
Summer Program
The Summer 2026 program is open to current OrchKids after-school students, as well as new students who attend a Baltimore City Public School (BCPSS) and either have at least one year of instrumental experience OR are entering grades 1–5 and interested in the choral track.
Dates
July 6-July 23, 2026
Program Days & Time Frames
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
Please note that the final day of summer programming is Thursday, July 23. The Summer Concert will take place that evening at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (1212 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201).
Location
Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237
231 S Eaton St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Transportation
Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237 (231 S Eaton St, Baltimore, MD 21224). Transportation to and from Highlandtown #237 will be provided at OrchKids Sites (listed below). Students may also be dropped off and picked up directly at Highlandtown #237.
OrchKids Sites:
- Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School (MAWES)
- Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School (MTR)
- Booker T. Washington Middle School (BTWMS)
- Dorothy Height Elementary School (DH)
- The Belair-Edison School (BES)
- Henderson Hopkins School (HH)
- Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #215 (HEMS #215)
Program Components
Large Ensemble Rehearsals
Instrument- or Voice-Specific Sectionals
Instrumental Small Group Lessons
Instrumental Chamber Music
Enrichment Activities
Book Club
Recess
Fun Friday Field Trips
Talent Show
Performances
Important Dates
Enrollment Period
March 4- May 15
Notification of enrollment sent by the end of May.
Summer Orientation
June 2 OR 3 | 5:30 - 7:00pm
Two Locations: HEMS #237 Library OR MAWES Auditorium
ALL parents/guardians of accepted students (new and returning) are required to attend a Family Orientation meeting. If a parent/guardian is unable to attend a scheduled session, they must contact an OrchKids staff member as soon as possible to schedule a separate onboarding meeting.
After-School Program
Program Dates
September 28, 2026 - May 13, 2027
Program Days & Time Frames
Monday-Thursday, program dismissal until 7:00 PM
*Dismissal times vary between 5:00 and 7:00 PM depending on your student’s schedule. Each student will attend 2-3 days per week as scheduled by OrchKids staff in the fall.
Locations
Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School
220 N Bentalou St, Baltimore, MD 21223
Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237
231 S Eaton St, Baltimore, MD 21224
Enrollment Dates
New Students
Open Enrollment: March 4 - September 11
By End of May: Notification of summer enrollment
By Beginning of September: Notification of after-school enrollment
New students may apply at any time. Students who apply after September 11 will be placed on the waitlist and will be contacted if and when space becomes available. If accepted into the program, an individualized plan will be created to support your student’s successful start in programming.
Currently Enrolled Students
Open Enrollment: March 4 - May 15
By End of May: Notification of summer enrollment
By End of Summer: Notification of after-school enrollment
Program Components
Private or Small Group Lessons
(Instrumental Track only)
Ensembles
Instrument- or Voice-Specific Sectionals
Enrichment Classes
A Better Tomorrow Starts Today (BTST) Partnership
OrchKids is proud to partner with A Better Tomorrow Starts Today (BTST), a lead partner with Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS), to provide free access to on-site mental health and therapeutic support services for our students.
If your student is accepted into the OrchKids program and your family is interested in learning more about these services, you may connect with OrchKids staff for additional information about eligibility, the referral process, and any required consent forms. Participation in services is optional and requires additional documentation.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled OrchKids classes, rehearsals, ensemble days, and private or small group lessons. To fully benefit from the OrchKids program, consistent attendance on assigned program days is essential. More information on the attendance policy will be shared at orientation.
Transportation
Students enrolled in after-school programming who attend school at one of the OrchKids satellite sites listed below will receive transportation to their hub site (MAWES or HEMS #237) on their scheduled programming days.
OrchKids Satellite sites:
- Mount Royal Elementary/Middle School (MTR)
- Booker T. Washington Middle School (BTWMS)
- Dorothy Height Elementary School (DH)
- The Belair-Edison School (BES)
- Henderson Hopkins School (HH)
- Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #215 (HEMS #215)
Students enrolled in after-school programming who attend Baltimore Junior Academy (BJA) will receive transportation to MAWES or HEMS #237 on ensemble days only.
Students who do not attend one of the schools listed above will be responsible for getting to their site on their assigned programming days. If there are any challenges regarding transportation, please indicate on the enrollment form.
Important Dates
ALL parents/guardians of accepted students (new and returning) are required to attend a Family Orientation meeting. More information about Family Orientation will be included in the enrollment notification. If a parent/guardian is unable to attend a scheduled session, they must contact an OrchKids staff member as soon as possible to schedule an individualized onboarding meeting.
For New Students:
Spring Family Interest Meeting/Instrument Petting Zoo
Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School (MAWES)
May 28 OR June 4 | 5:30-7:30pm
MAWES Cafeteria
Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237 (HEMS)
May 27 OR June 4 | 5:30-7:30pm
HEMS #237 Library
Fall Family Interest Meeting/Instrument Petting Zoo
Mary Ann Winterling Elementary School (MAWES)
September 3 | 5:30-7:30pm
MAWES Cafeteria
Highlandtown Elementary/Middle School #237 (HEMS)
June 4 OR 5 | 5:30-6:30pm
HEMS #237 Library
Complete the ENGLISH Enrollment Form Here
Complete the SPANISH Enrollment Form Here
Questions About Enrollment?
New or Returning Families (not currently enrolled): Text us at (844)-685-0024
Currently Enrolled OrchKids Families: Please message us through TalkingPoints (our primary family communication platform).
