ABOUT THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL

At Bryn Mawr, girls always come first. They lead, question, achieve, succeed, and are passionate about lifelong learning. In the classroom, on the fields and playground, across the stage and in the studio, Bryn Mawr raises the bar for girls and supports them as they achieve more than they ever thought possible

Situated on nearly 30 wooded acres of the historic Roland Park neighborhood, The Bryn Mawr School is an independent all-girls school for grades PK-12, with a coed preschool. For more than a century, students and faculty at The Bryn Mawr School have engaged in learning and growth by forging a path that balances innovative thinking within the critical context of the school’s founding traditions. Bryn Mawr is known for its inquisitive girls, excellent teaching, strong student-teacher relationships and clear mission. Striking the balance between superior academics and a nurturing environment, students are supported by a spirited sisterhood where lifelong friendships are formed.

Educational Philosophy

In a joyous and supportive community, The Bryn Mawr School fosters critical thinking, creative expression, a sense of discovery, and honorable character. Through collaborative relationships among faculty, students, families, and alumnae, Bryn Mawr students and graduates feel safe to grow intellectually, to take risks, to communicate clearly, and to engage productively with their community.

Each student is known as an individual and celebrated for her contribution to the larger community. The school values the whole child, fosters the bold voices of students, and encourages intentional, compassionate use of those voices to make meaningful contributions to the world. Bryn Mawr teaches young women to face an increasingly complex world, to make informed choices, and to act responsibly in positive and ethical ways.

Unique School Characteristics

An all-girls’ environment provides a wonderful opportunity for girls to explore who they are as young women and scholars without social pressure. It’s good to be smart at Bryn Mawr! Our students are academically engaged, inquisitive and not afraid to speak their minds. Enthusiasm for all subjects – including math, science, public speaking and technology – is nurtured from the youngest age; no discipline is “off limits” for girls.

School Traditions

For more than a century, Bryn Mawr has held the annual Gym Drill, an exhibition of cultural dances by girls in grades 6 through 12. This much-anticipated rite of passage is a tradition beloved by students, parents and alumnae alike. Other favorite traditions Founders Day, the annual Thanksgiving Convocation, and school spirit days in the fall, winter and spring.

Campus and Facilities

The Bryn Mawr School is located on nearly 30 wooded acres in the heart of the Roland Park. A new Student Center built in 2019 expanded Bryn Mawr’s dining, athletics and arts facilities and provides a place for the community to gather and connect. Other facilities include the Lower School Science Center, which incorporates a greenhouse, animal habitats, an aquarium and a “DNA molecule” playground; and increasingly sophisticated Maker Spaces in each division, including the 3,100 square foot Innovation Lab in the Upper School, where girls can create, build, and share their ideas. In addition, Bryn Mawr has an award-winning dance studio, theater, and art gallery. The campus also features buildings employing green construction, and many outdoor learning areas, including a learning deck that supports environmental studies.

Class Offerings

Academics at The Bryn Mawr School take many different forms. From the joyful, play-based curriculum used in the Little School to the challenging, supportive academics in the Upper School, Bryn Mawr students experience the many delights and demands of education.
The Upper School’s coordinated tri-school program allows juniors and seniors to take coed classes at Bryn Mawr, Gilman School, and Roland Park Country School, which are within walking distance and connected by pedestrian bridges. The shared coordinate program allows students to select from nearly 200 courses over four years, a curriculum equivalent to that of a small liberal arts college. Ninth grade students can also opt in to Personalized Pathways, a program designed to let students pursue their interests and deepen their understanding and experience in one of three areas: Arts, Global Studies, or STEM/Entrepreneurship.

The Middle School program supports and stretches our students at this crucial stage of their academic, physical, and social development. Students tackle topics as diverse as sustainable development, Shakespeare, and algebraic functions, and teachers emphasize student skills—showing girls not only how to learn, but also how to be their own best advocates. Our intellectual traditions honor the importance of the arts, languages, and physical education as part of the core curriculum.

The Lower School program captures our girls’ enthusiasm and excitement. Lower School teachers encourage independence and risk-taking, and, with age-appropriate pedagogy, provide opportunities for girls to develop strong academic skills and discover answers to their questions. Taking an imaginary trip to France, enjoying a pioneer picnic, organizing an international bazaar, or performing a Greek myth play are just some of the fun and motivating activities that have our girls looking forward to each day.

Extracurriculars

In the Middle School, students can choose from more than 15 different clubs and activities, in addition to participating in two seasons of athletics. Performance opportunities include an annual Middle School musical. In the Upper School, students have the option of more than 50 student-led clubs and activities and 16 different sports; performance opportunities include an annual musical in the fall and a play in the spring. Middle and Upper School divisions also boast a Dance Company. Lower School students love to take ballet, jazz, and tap through The Dance School at Bryn Mawr; enroll in private or group lessons through The Music School at Bryn Mawr, or participate in a range of enrichment activities like robotics, ceramics, tennis, beading, chess, and more through Bryn Mawr’s Gateways program. Extended Day is available for Lower School students until 6 p.m.

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

Under Bryn Mawr’s Flexible Tuition Program, the amount a Bryn Mawr family pays in tuition varies and is based on each family’s unique financial picture. Approximately one third of our students receive some sort of assistance and a family’s tuition responsibility can range from $5,000 to $33,350.

ADMISSIONS INFO

How can families find out more about your school?

Bryn Mawr’s Fall Visiting Days are a great opportunity to see Bryn Mawr students in action during a real school day and to meet and speak with the director of the academic division to which your daughter will apply. Enjoy a campus tour, classroom visits, hearing from our students, and seeing firsthand the value and power of a girls’ education. After receipt of an application, all applicants to grades 2-12 will also have an opportunity to attend classes with a Bryn Mawr hostess on their “shadow day.” A complete schedule of Fall Visiting Days and other visit opportunities is available at http://www.brynmawrschool.org/visit.

Admissions Process

We seek to enroll students of academic promise with the potential to make positive contributions to our school. Our admissions process is highly personalized. We thoroughly consider the unique qualities of each girl and endeavor to create a healthy, balanced school community. The process begins with a completed online application. Upon receipt of an application, we will schedule a parent meeting, student shadow day (grades 2-12), and/or individual testing (grades PK-1). In addition to these in person meetings, we use transcripts and referrals from the child’s current school, admission testing, and writing samples (grades 6-12) to assess fit for Bryn Mawr.

Important Dates

The application deadline is December 15 for Grades PK-12.
The deadline for applying for our Flexible Tuition program is Jan. 10.
Applicants are notified of their admission decision on Feb. 21.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Sybil Mead

Parent Testimonial: When we began our search, we were looking for a school that had strong academic credentials that would foster our girls’ intellectual growth, but also allow them to feel like they can have fun trying out various activities in music, art, sports, dancing, computers, in a nurturing environment and to feel confident enough to be leaders in any of the activities they choose. We were so impressed with how Bryn Mawr clearly instills in all of its girls a strong sense of self and individuality as women leaders within a community that values responsibility and commitment to others. Having no experience with an exclusively girls school, we did not prioritize it in our school assessment criteria, but are so thrilled the girls can stretch themselves in a safe environment, be the leaders in any aspect of school activities and know that they or their girlfriends can be the best and smartest in everything they explore at school. This became an integral factor in our decision to choose Bryn Mawr.

Our girls adore their classes and teachers each year, have participated in student council, taken instrumental lessons, practiced in music groups, and enjoy learning new sports and games with their friends. Sending our girls to Bryn Mawr was the first, easiest and best decision we made when we moved here. We are so pleased about the experiences we have had at Bryn Mawr so far and plan to have in the many more years we plan to enjoy here.

Sybil Mead, Parent

Rebekah R.

Bryn Mawr is a great environment to develop different parts of your identity and find a passion. They offer access to extensive study abroad programs and internships. I’ve had the privilege to go on two study abroad trips through Bryn Mawr– to France and to Cuba. Teachers go above and beyond to help and get to know you in and outside of the classroom. I love meeting with my teachers during lunch or my other free time to discuss plans for an upcoming club meeting or talk about something exciting that’s happening.

We have some cool traditions too, including our very own band made up of faculty that perform popular songs during the year. We also have a great arts event three times per year, called Coffeehouse, where students perform songs, poetry, and skits in an open mic night fashion. Bryn Mawr also offers so many opportunities to forge your path as a leader, whether you want to start a club (we have more than 50!) or run for a position in one of our six school-wide organizations that focus on athletics, arts, environment and sustainability, community service, diversity, and student government. There’s endless fun ways to get involved in the community.

Rebekah R., Student

CONTACT INFORMATION

Rebekah Jackson
Director of Enrollment Management
jacksonr@brynmawrschool.org
410-323-8800

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The Bryn Mawr School

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