In the early 1990s, the school was marred by reports of high drop out rates, average test scores, fires and fights.

Under Bundley's direction, the school reported record numbers of attendance (95%) and an increase in state test scores.

In summer 2004, Bundley was accused of graduating almost 1/3 of Walbrook seniors in 2003 who did not meet Maryland state requirements.

This led to Bundley's transfer to another school and an unsuccessful run for Mayor of Baltimore against Martin O'Malley.

In October 2004, Shirley Cathorne became principal and oversaw the restructuring of Walbrook into smaller learning environments.

Eugene Fields Jr, teachers in the Criminal Justice Academy, sued the school system and the police department, saying they were victims of retaliation resulting in their removal and the disbanding of the debate team.

The suit accused Maisha Washington, who was principal of the Homeland Security Academy, of "conspiracy ... to destroy the debate program."

The defendants in the lawsuit include former mayor Martin O'Malley, Police Commissioner Leonard D. Hamm and former schools Chief Executive Officer Bonnie S. Copeland.

435 Institute of Business & Entrepreneurship is an academy located on the second floor of the Walbrook High School campus.