Baltimore principal wins Heart of the School Award

Cheyanne Zahrt of City Neighbors High School recognized for creating a welcoming school environment

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:05am

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Cheyanne Zahrt, the principal of City Neighbors High School in Baltimore, has been awarded the Heart of the School Award by the Fund for Educational Excellence. The award recognizes Zahrt's efforts in creating a unique school environment that feels more like a home than a traditional high school, with features like home furniture, student photos, and a focus on making each student feel known and supported.

Why it matters

The Heart of the School Award highlights principals who are innovating to build strong school cultures and support student success. City Neighbors High School's approach, emphasizing a welcoming environment and personalized attention for students, has contributed to the school's high 94% graduation rate and improved test scores.

The details

City Neighbors High School has features like home furniture, student photos on the walls, and spaces resembling a college campus to create a comfortable, cozy atmosphere. Principal Cheyanne Zahrt greets each student by name and with a hug every morning, and the school offers a wide range of clubs and an internship program for juniors. These efforts have helped the school achieve a 94% graduation rate and 30% jumps in English language arts test scores.

  • City Neighbors High School principal Cheyanne Zahrt was awarded the Heart of the School Award on May 20, 2026.
  • The school has seen a 94% graduation rate and 30% jumps in English language arts test scores over the past few years.

The players

Cheyanne Zahrt

The principal of City Neighbors High School in Baltimore, who has been recognized for her efforts in creating a welcoming school environment that feels more like a home than a traditional high school.

Jeremiah Hunt

A senior at City Neighbors High School who feels more comfortable and connected to the principal due to her personalized approach.

Charles Thompson

The community schools director at City Neighbors High School, who believes Zahrt's dedication to knowing each student is what makes her different.

Kevin Leary

The senior program director for the Fund for Educational Excellence, which awarded Zahrt the Heart of the School Award.

Fund for Educational Excellence

The organization that awards the Heart of the School Award to five Baltimore City principals each year for their innovation, execution, and leadership in building strong school cultures.

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What they’re saying

“It makes me feel more comfortable, knowing that I have a better connection and relationship with the principal. Mrs. Zahrt actually knows my whole family.”

— Jeremiah Hunt, student

“I think that really is what makes her different. She really takes the time to make sure she knows every single student who walks through this door.”

— Charles Thompson, community schools director

“The second you step into this building, you know that it's a unique place. This feels much more like a home than a school… It is a really well-rounded school where kids are emotionally developing, academically developed. They have amazing arts programming. It really offers anything you would want for a student.”

— Kevin Leary, senior program director

What’s next

Cheyanne Zahrt and the other Heart of the School Award winners will be honored at a ceremony at the Hippodrome on May 20, 2026.

The takeaway

City Neighbors High School's welcoming environment and personalized approach to supporting students, led by Principal Cheyanne Zahrt, have contributed to the school's strong academic performance and graduation rates, demonstrating the positive impact that innovative school cultures can have on student success.