{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"National Academy Foundation School 421","outOfStateSupporters":44.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10576620,"projectId":10450535,"letterContent":"As this first quarter of the school year comes to an end, I'd like to take the chance to thank you for your generous donations and tell you how my first year teaching is starting off. \r\n\r\nDuring these first few months teaching, I have faced both challenges and moments of deep joy and appreciation. My students are smart, courageous, funny, and... teenagers. In our classroom, we strive each day to navigate the ups and downs on the path from childhood to adulthood. There a moments of happiness, deep engagement, insecurity, attitude, and sleepiness (both from me and the students). \r\n\r\nEveryday students are using the supplies you funded. From pencils to fidget toys, this classroom functions because it is well-equipped. Snacks, are of course, most of my student's favorite part of this classroom, many often stopping by during transitions to grab one. Even little things, like bandaids or feminine supplies, have supported students success and contributed to a classroom culture that examplifes the phrase, \"if you need something, I am here to help.\"\r\n\r\nThank you for supporting my students.","fullyFundedDate":1786793781125,"projectUrl":"project/further-classroom-enrichment-and-support/10450535/","projectTitle":"Further Classroom Enrichment and Support","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Chacon","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10576620_orig.jpg?crop=3274,3274,x0,y327&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1785955501688","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10576620"},{"teacherId":6837046,"projectId":9936651,"letterContent":"On behalf of our students and volleyball program, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your generous donation to help provide supplies for students learning the game of volleyball.\r\n\r\nYour support has made a meaningful impact by ensuring our students have access to the equipment and resources they need to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the many benefits of being part of a team. For many of our students, this opportunity is about more than just learning a sport—it is about teamwork, discipline, perseverance, leadership, and creating positive connections with their peers and coaches.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, our students are able to practice, improve, and enjoy the game in a safe and supportive environment. Your investment in our youth helps create opportunities that encourage physical activity, personal growth, and school pride.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and supporting their journey both on and off the court. We truly appreciate your partnership and the difference you are making in the lives of our student-athletes.","fullyFundedDate":1766677552151,"projectUrl":"project/volleyball-basics-needed/9936651/","projectTitle":"Volleyball Basics Needed","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Norris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6837046_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643987109438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswomacknorriscsc"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":9975500,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding our sewing machines and fabric supplies. Your contribution has already made a meaningful impact on our students and our music program.\r\n\r\nWith these new resources, students have been able to design and create protective cases for our instruments, learning practical sewing and construction skills while contributing directly to the care and preservation of our equipment. This project has encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in a hands-on and rewarding way.\r\n\r\nYour support is also helping us look ahead to exciting future projects. Students are already planning and designing samba skirts and dance costumes that will enhance our performances and allow them to explore cultural expression, fashion design, and performance artistry together.\r\n\r\nBecause of your generosity, students are gaining valuable life skills while building confidence through creative work that has a real purpose and impact. Thank you for believing in their potential and for helping provide opportunities that inspire innovation, pride, and artistic growth.","fullyFundedDate":1768402110956,"projectUrl":"project/stitching-culture-and-creativity-in-our/9975500/","projectTitle":"Stitching Culture and Creativity in Our After-School Arts Club","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":8893566,"projectId":9975583,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support in funding our new 3D printers. Your contribution has opened exciting opportunities for our high school students to explore creativity, engineering, and hands-on problem solving in ways that were not previously possible.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are now able to design and 3D print gourds for percussion instruments, helping connect technology with music and craftsmanship. They have also used the printers to create replacement parts for broken appliances, learning practical applications of engineering and innovation along the way.\r\n\r\nBeyond these projects, our students are developing valuable skills in design thinking, modeling, and prototyping as they experiment with creating new toys and original inventions that may one day become real products. The excitement and confidence these experiences have inspired in our classrooms are truly remarkable.\r\n\r\nYour generosity is not only providing equipment — it is giving students the chance to imagine, create, and solve problems with real-world tools and experiences. Thank you for investing in their education, creativity, and future success.","fullyFundedDate":1768402631743,"projectUrl":"project/bringing-ideas-to-life-3d-printing-for/9975583/","projectTitle":"Bringing Ideas to Life: 3D Printing for STEM Creativity","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. West","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8893566_orig.jpg?crop=1396,1396,x0,y55&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1671401693752","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/ovawest"},{"teacherId":10040529,"projectId":9370187,"letterContent":"Thank you very much for your generous support of our Digital Bridge Project. We are truly grateful for the donated iPad and speaker, which have already made a meaningful difference in our classroom.\r\n\r\nThese resources have greatly supported our ELL newcomer students by giving them better access to language-learning tools, digital lessons, and interactive activities. The tablet help students practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking at their own pace, while the speaker allow the whole class to clearly hear instructions, stories, and language models. This has increased student engagement, confidence, and participation.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, our classroom is now a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to learn, connect, and succeed. Your donation has helped bridge the gap between language barriers and learning opportunities.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in our students and for investing in their education. Your generosity has made a lasting impact.","fullyFundedDate":1757611198119,"projectUrl":"project/digital-bridge/9370187/","projectTitle":"Digital Bridge","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Maria Lourdes Ugale","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-5_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10040529"},{"teacherId":10043851,"projectId":9379404,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for funding my classroom project—and please accept my apologies for the late response. I recently claimed some of the items from our main office, and I wanted to make sure I had already begun using them with my students before writing to you.\r\n\r\nI am happy to share that the iPad is already making a meaningful difference in our classroom. Students who do not have their own devices are now able to complete their Achieve 3000 activities, ensuring equitable access to digital learning. I also use the iPad for grading and checking attendance on Infinite Campus, which allows me to continue my PowerPoint instruction without interruptions during class.\r\n\r\nThe thermal laminator has been incredibly helpful as well. I am in the process of laminating our instructional materials so they will last for many years and continue to benefit future students. The extension cord allows me to safely plug in multiple devices during instruction, and the multi-device charger makes it easy to keep the iPad and other devices fully charged and ready for daily use.\r\n\r\nThank you so much for your generosity. My heart is truly full as I start this new year equipped with these much-needed tools. Your support has already made a positive impact on my students' learning experience.\r\n\r\nThank you again, DonorsChoose!","fullyFundedDate":1757611198251,"projectUrl":"project/from-page-to-screen-making-english-clas/9379404/","projectTitle":"From Page to Screen: Making English Class More Engaging","teacherDisplayName":"Mr. Cervantes","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10043851"},{"teacherId":7562213,"projectId":9275961,"letterContent":"Thank you for making our Classroom Revamp project possible. Your generosity has truly transformed how my students learn and interact each day. We are using the new resources to create a more organized, welcoming, and functional learning space. One standout moment was during a recent group activity when students easily transitioned between stations, collaborated more smoothly, and stayed focused longer because everything they needed was accessible and clearly set up.\r\n\r\nWhen students first walked into the revamped classroom, their reactions said it all. There were smiles, excited comments, and even a few surprised \"wows.\" Several students shared that the room felt calmer and more comfortable, and they were proud that their classroom looked like a place where important learning happens. That sense of ownership and pride has already led to better engagement and respect for our shared space.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, we are now moving forward with more interactive lessons and project-based learning that take full advantage of our improved classroom setup. Students are currently working on collaborative projects that require organization, discussion, and creativity, all of which are easier in a space designed to support them. Your kindness gave our students more than materials. You helped create an environment where they feel motivated, supported, and ready to learn. Thank you for being such an important part of our classroom journey.","fullyFundedDate":1746786254782,"projectUrl":"project/classroom-revamp/9275961/","projectTitle":"Classroom Revamp","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7562213_orig.jpg?crop=838,839,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625677968152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7562213"},{"teacherId":7562213,"projectId":9356891,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our Snack Attack project has already made a meaningful difference in our classroom. We are using the snacks as part of our daily routine to support focus and learning, especially during longer lessons and collaborative work time. One memorable moment was during a small-group activity when students were tackling a challenging problem set. With a quick snack break, they came back energized, more patient with one another, and ready to keep going.\r\n\r\nWhen the snacks first arrived, the excitement was immediate. Students were genuinely surprised and grateful, and several shared how having a snack at school helps them concentrate and feel cared for. That feeling of support created a positive tone for the day and strengthened our classroom community.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, students are better prepared to engage in upcoming lessons that require sustained attention and teamwork. Our next steps include continuing project-based learning and group discussions where students need the energy and focus to participate fully. Your kindness didn't just provide snacks. It helped create an environment where students can learn, collaborate, and do their best work. Thank you for being such an important part of our classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1757611198531,"projectUrl":"project/snack-attack/9356891/","projectTitle":"Snack Attack","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Cole","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp7562213_orig.jpg?crop=838,839,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1625677968152","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/7562213"},{"teacherId":6837046,"projectId":9722852,"letterContent":"Your donation toward providing snacks and food for our students has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact on our school community. Many of our children arrive each day without having eaten breakfast, and some go home unsure of what their next meal will be. \r\n\r\nHunger is one of the biggest barriers a child can face in the classroom. When students are hungry, it becomes incredibly difficult to concentrate, stay engaged, or participate in daily lessons. Simple activities like reading, writing, or working on a group project can become overwhelming challenges. Your generosity removes that barrier. \r\n\r\nBut the impact isn't only academic—it's emotional as well. When students know they can count on their school to help meet their basic needs, they feel safe and supported. That sense of safety builds trust and encourages stronger relationships between students and staff. Your donation communicates to our students that they matter, that people believe in them, and that they are deserving of care and kindness. \r\n\r\nYour support also helps create a more positive school climate. When students are fed and energized, their behavior improves, and they are more likely to participate in class discussions, collaborate with peers, and take on new challenges. Teachers can spend more time teaching and less time addressing the effects of hunger, such as irritability, distraction, and fatigue. \r\n\r\nYour kindness goes beyond the snacks themselves. It builds confidence, nurtures hope, and strengthens a sense of community. Students feel seen. They feel valued. And they are reminded that there are people who care about their future.\r\n\r\nThank you for choosing to support our students in such a meaningful way. Your donation has a powerful ripple effect that touches their academic success, emotional well-being, and overall growth. You are helping us create a school environment where every child can learn with dignity, energy, and the belief that they are capable of achieving great things. Your impact is truly immeasurable.","fullyFundedDate":1758907074434,"projectUrl":"project/brain-power-and-self-confidence/9722852/","projectTitle":"Brain Power and Self Confidence","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Norris","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp6837046_orig.jpg?crop=398,398,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1643987109438","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/mswomacknorriscsc"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_72536","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":733,"numTeachers":52,"percentFrplEligible":74,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":39,"percentWhite":1,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":57,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"6 - 12","studentTeacherRatio":"14.1:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":55.3,"schoolId":72536,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about National Academy Foundation School 421 on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"National Academy Foundation School 421","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/maryland/baltimore-city-public-school-district/national-academy-foundtn-school-421/72536"}
Join the 349 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
National Academy Foundation School 421 is
an urban public school
in Baltimore, Maryland that is part of Baltimore City Public School District.
It serves 733 students
in grades 6 - 12 with a student/teacher ratio of 14.1:1.
Its teachers have had 99 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades 6 - 12
733 Students
52 Teachers
540 N Caroline StContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
National Academy Foundation School 421 Demographics
74%
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
96%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
National Academy Foundation School 421 Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Nov 5, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
National Academy Foundation School 421
$61,076
raised using DonorsChoose
99
projects
funded
41
teachers
funded
349
donors
7
projects
for
basic supplies
12
projects for
technology
7
projects for
books
6
projects
for
art supplies
National Academy Foundation School 421 has received support from
193 individuals from Maryland and
156 individuals out-of-state.