Barbara Nazelrod

Listen to this article

President
The Catholic High School of Baltimore Inc.

Dr. Barbara D. Nazelrod Ph.D., president and CEO of The Catholic High School of Baltimore, has been a driving force in education for over two decades. Since 2001, Nazelrod has led the all-girls Catholic institution, navigating challenges to keep it viable and innovative in a changing educational landscape.

Under Nazelrod’s leadership, Catholic High became a pioneer in STEM education for young women. In 2007, it launched a groundbreaking engineering program, making it the first private all-girls high school in Maryland to offer such curriculum. This initiative has expanded to include biomedicine and sports medicine, with over 50% of students now pursuing STEM-related studies.

Nazelrod’s vision extends beyond academics. She spearheaded the creation of the school’s all-female marching band, a unique ensemble on the East Coast complete with drum line and color guard. This blend of arts and sciences reflects her holistic approach to education.

“Stretching and growing through tough economic times also prepares us to embrace successful and fulfilling lives, for it is through challenging situations that we are the most creative and resourceful and learn what we are truly capable of achieving,” Nazelrod said.

A lifelong educator, Nazelrod’s career spans from teaching English at Perry Hall Middle School to serving as assistant principal at Eastern Technical High School and Towson High School. Her dedication to Catholic High, her alma mater, has helped maintain it as an affordable private school option for girls from diverse backgrounds.