History of
Baltimore Lutheran School

In 1965, Baltimore Lutheran School opened its doors to fill the need for a Lutheran secondary school in Baltimore’s educational community. For over 45 years, the school has remained in operation at its original 25-acre campus in the heart of Towson, on the corner of Concordia Drive and Cowpens Avenue.

The school originally opened with 90 students in grades 7, 8, and 9. By 1969, the enrollment was 335 and included grades 7-12. On that first day in 1965, BLS opened with essentially one building, the one that now houses the upper school. The middle school building was added in 1967 to accommodate the growing number of students. In the fall of 1974, the William Rach Lutheran Activity Center, which includes a gymnasium, cafeteria, and space for choral and instrumental music, opened. By 1986, the need for additional facilities was apparent and the next year, the school dedicated the media center/library, additional classrooms and office space as well as the four tennis courts. In 2005, BLS dedicated Saints Field, a multi-use turf field that set the standard for athletic playing surfaces in Baltimore. In 2007, Baltimore Lutheran School opened its Field House, once again setting the standard for multi-use facilities within the Baltimore educational community.

Today, Baltimore Lutheran’s co-ed community consists of approximately 350 students. Baltimore Lutheran School offers a full college- preparatory education which includes a variety of honors, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and college level courses taught onsite by BLS faculty through various colleges and universities, earning students college credits before they graduate from high school. Additionally, several classes are offered online during the school year and in the summer for students who wish to expand and challenge themselves through additional curricular offerings.

BLS is intentionally a small school, and students know that opportunity is the key word to describe the Baltimore Lutheran experience. With so many offerings and a relatively small student body, our students can get as involved in the BLS community as they desire! Over 90% of the student body participates in one or more extracurricular activities such as: athletics, music, drama, clubs, and other scholastic organizations. Our athletes compete interscholastically in the MIAA and IAAM. Our band and choir tour each year, within the region and across the country, performing in a variety of venues. Our Forensics team competes in Maryland, and recently in a national Forensics competition! Christian values are emphasized in all areas of the curriculum, including local and international service trips each academic year.

Baltimore Lutheran School has grown immensely since its humble beginnings in 1965, and we do not rest on our laurels now. BLS continues to welcome and educate young people through the teachings of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Ours is an exciting journey, made all the more so because it is “ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD!”