ABOUT THE BOYS’ LATIN SCHOOL OF MARYLAND

Boys’ Latin is Maryland’s oldest independent, non-sectarian K-12 school for boys. Since 1844, Lakers have embodied our Latin motto, Esse Quam Videri (to be, rather than to seem). For each of us, that means pushing beyond what seems sufficient to others. We seek true excellence in ways measured by deeper insights, extra steps, harder decisions, and ultimately, greater impact.

Educational Philosophy

BL’s approach to education is purposefully single-sex. Extensive research shows that boys learn differently from girls, and we know that boys learn best when their unique interests and distinctive talents are taken into account.

We honor how boys think and learn by leveraging what motivates them and prioritizing developmentally-appropriate, hands-on experiential learning that appeals to different senses, involves action and movement, and produces tangible outcomes.

Our educational programs are tailored to help boys gain confidence in their ability to learn and grow at their own pace in becoming men of character and values. They are taught, advised and coached by faculty hired because they want to work with boys. With a student-faculty ratio of 7:1 and small class sizes, our school creates myriad opportunities for personal attention and individual interactions. Here, every boy is cherished and loved.

Boys’ Latin is committed to providing a stimulating, supportive and safe learning environment that encourages self-expression, a respect for a wide range of interests and talents, and active participation in academics, the arts, athletics and community service. Our students feel secure to take challenges and realize their boundless possibilities

Unique School Characteristics

What makes BL unique is a culture and community defined by brothers for life. With an average class size of 14 students and a faculty adept at creating learning experiences that are viewed as shared endeavors between teacher and student, no student ever feels like he’s on his own.

Boys are not just accepted by their peers at school; they’re supported, even protected by them. Boys from all backgrounds, with wide-ranging abilities, talents and interests, describe their classmates as having their backs. We understand that, for each boy, there is an abiding desire to be known and loved for who he is. Our Laker Buddy programs help ensure this, along with the development of personal integrity, and responsibility and compassion for others. While the results of this “brothers for life” spirit are evident in the genuine hellos shared between students, teachers and staff, far less obvious is what it takes to build this uniquely Boys’ Latin sense of community and connection.

BL has worked hard to create and maintain a scholastic climate and school community in which a wide variety of boys can succeed. We don’t take it for granted that students are remarkably happy at our school as we’ve worked hard to put into place programs to create a school environment where boys feel at home, safe to pursue their academic curiosities, develop their talents and challenge themselves over and over again.

School Traditions

On the first day of school, the entire Boys’ Latin community comes together for convocation. Opening convocation begins with every senior walking hand-in-hand with one of our youngest lower-school students. We welcome those new to Boys’ Latin as the Headmaster kicks off the school year. It’s a tradition that underscores the seamless connections between classes and among BL generations.

In the spring of every year, each division comes together for its own Maroon & White Day – a spirited field day, full of friendly competition. From the egg toss to tug-of-war to the classic dodgeball game, it is a day for the boys to compete with one another in the tradition of winning the day for your team. As everyone participates, it’s no surprise that Maroon & White Days are among the most cherished memories for all our boys.

Every school year ends much like it begins, with seniors entering Closing Convocation holding the hands of one of our youngest lower school students as they did during Opening Convocation. Our seniors remain with the lower schoolers as students celebrate the accomplishments of one another and our faculty at this all-school awards assembly. Then, the seniors change into their new college gear as they come together for Senior Farewell, where each senior says their final emotional farewell one-by-one to every freshman, sophomore, junior, administrator, teacher and coach in the upper school. Parents take up any available wall space and patiently wait their turn to tell each boy what he means to them.

Campus and Facilities

Boys’ Latin believes that where you learn makes a difference. We have called our beautiful 41-acre Lake Avenue campus in Roland Park home since 1960. Ten buildings feature state-of-the-art classrooms, quiet spaces for independent study, a library per division, dedicated fine arts and performing arts centers and athletic facilities.

In the last two years, Boys’ Latin has added new facilities to help further our ideal of forging brothers for life. In the Student Commons, our community comes together for meals, conversation and assemblies. The new Student Center offers a space for upper school students to engage and collaborate in a comfortable, casual space of their own. Lastly, our Center for Military History is a teaching space used across disciplines and divisions to honor Boys’ Latin alumni who served their country, while exposing students to important periods in history.

Class Offerings

BL’s lower school curriculum is focused on hands-on, experiential learning. Boys may embark on culinary adventures to understand metrics, take scooter tours to measure speed or raise trout to learn about ecosystems. Science and PE are always part of the daily academic schedule. In the middle school, our faculty guides students through a challenging, but carefully calibrated curriculum that emphasizes self-discovery. In doing so, our boys have myriad opportunities to strengthen their confidence and pursue true excellence on their own terms. All seventh graders take Latin, study guitar and participate in the Innovation Program. The curriculum also features opportunities for advanced study in math.

In the upper school, each student is taught to think critically, push his creativity, and demonstrate good character in preparing him for life and leadership within a dynamic, ever-changing world. We offer 42 honors and AP courses in all disciplines. More than half of BL seniors are enrolled in calculus or higher, and multi-variable calculus is a permanent offering in the math department. Students also have the opportunity to explore their interests and passions through a wide range of elective courses. Options abound, from creative writing, poetry and genre studies to literary journalism, museum curatorship and African-American history to name a few.

Extracurriculars

BL encourages students to explore an incredibly wide range of pursuits on the journey to become his truest self. We offer more than 70 different club and co-curricular offerings and make a concerted effort to provide a wide range of activities and programs so students can test their skills, learn new perspectives, explore new communities and gain confidence to lead. Opportunities range from debate, drama, mock trial and Model UN to the Inkwell student newspaper, robotics, digital media club and more.

Boys’ Latin also has a proud tradition in athletics. Our middle and upper school students compete on 44 teams in 12 different interscholastic sports, including football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, squash, wrestling, lacrosse, baseball, golf and tennis. Sports and athletics at Boys’ Latin are an extension of the academic day. The character building and development that are demanded and expected in all divisions of the school are also reinforced and demanded on the athletic field.

In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of community service endeavors throughout their BL experience, with each graduate providing an average of 80 hours of community service.

What would prospective parents and students be surprised to know about your school?

1) Our robotics team has competed in the world championships three times. BL graduates all over the world are working on innovations like Imagineering robotics at Disney and robotically controlled medical braces.

2) Boys’ Latin has the largest contingent of boys in the Maryland State Boys Choir than any other school in the state.

3) Founded in 1844 by Princeton Classics Professor Evert Marsh Topping, Boys’ Latin is Maryland’s oldest, nonsectarian college preparatory school for boys. The school is celebrating its 175th Anniversary this year.

ADMISSIONS INFO

How can families find out more about your school?

To schedule a tour, prospective families can either call 410-377-5192, ext. 1137, email admissions@boyslatinmd.com or fill out our online inquiry form. Prospective families are also welcome to attend our Open House on Sunday, October 14 from 10 am-noon or come to one of our Parent Visiting Days. Our Visiting Days will take place on December 4, April 4, and May 23rd at 8:30 am. Information about all events is available on our website at www.boyslatinmd.com.

Admissions Process

The first step is to complete an online application. The second step is to arrange a parent interview/tour. If applying for grades 6-11, you will also need to schedule a student tour. The third step is to schedule student testing by contacting the admissions office at 410-377-5192 or admissions@boyslatinmd.com. Please note that I.S.E.E. (Independent School Entrance Exam) scores are acceptable. The final step is to submit report cards/transcripts and referral forms. For more information or to access copies of these forms, visit our website.

Important Dates

Our application deadline is December 15. Applications received after December 15 will be processed on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Carrington S

At Boys’ Latin, everyone knows my name. BL is a small school, allowing the faculty and your fellow students to quickly create a bond with you. Through groups such as Laker Buddy and Laker Corps, every division, whether it be lower, middle, or upper school, interacts with each other creating a family atmosphere.

Carrington S., Student

Holly McAslan

Boys Latin has been a wonderful place for my son to learn and grow. At BL they foster curiosity, creative thinking and introduce boys to a world of positivity. My son is an athlete, a scholar, musician, and above all a gentleman….thanks to Boys Latin!!

Holly McAslan, Parent

CONTACT INFORMATION

Hunt Heffner
Director of Enrollment Management
hheffner@boyslatinmd.com
410-377-5192, ext. 1137

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The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

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