It is based on the National Academy Foundation educational design to have "small learning communities."

The school was launched in 2002 and was housed in the Port Discovery building in Downtown Baltimore.

At graduation, students receive a Maryland state diploma with a certification of the academy they chose.

In 2010 National Academy Foundation adopted a middle school, National Academy Foundation prep; which is housed in the former Thomas G. Hayes elementary school building.

The football team went through the regular season undefeated but lost in the city championships to Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.