rated Baltimore Freedom Academy the second safest school in Baltimore, after the New Era Academy. Plans to phase out the troubled Lombard Middle began in 2007, eventually leaving Baltimore Freedom Academy the sole occupant of the building. Starting in 2008, BFA was converted into a charter school. The school had desired to convert in 2007, but filed its application too late. Also in 2008, it was allowed to expand from a pure high school, adding grades sixth through eight. By this time, the school had 280 students. In 2009, BFA's founding head of school Edwards left to become chief of staff to BCPSS CEO Andres Alonso (who she would replace as interim CEO four years later). Closure In January 2013, a district panel recommended that Baltimore Freedom Academy's charter contract with Baltimore City Schools not be renewed. At a public panel later in the month, BFA representatives argued the review process had been unfair, and that it did not capture all the areas of growth the school had made with its students. Nevertheless, the board voted to revoke the BFA's charter in February and close it at the end of the 2013 school year. Academics BFA had partnerships with the University of Maryland Law School to help the students become advocates through what the school called leadership learning. References External links Freedom's Official Website Baltimore Freedom Academy - Maryland Report Card Public high schools in Maryland Public schools in Baltimore Public middle schools in Maryland Charter schools in Maryland Defunct schools in Maryland Southeast Baltimore