Garrison Forest School
Tel:
(410) 559-3111
- A Baltimore area independent Day and Boarding college preparatory school for girls with a coeducational two-year-old through Pre-Kindergarten program, Garrison Forest School is dedicated to the intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, moral, physical and spiritual growth of its students.
- The school seeks to develop within each student a strong sense of integrity, identity and self-esteem, reflecting its motto Esse Quam Videri: "To be and not to seem." The school's primary commitment is to develop and maintain a strong academic program designed to foster a spirit of inquiry, intellectual independence and enthusiasm for learning. Students are expected and encouraged to achieve their potential through a traditional program enhanced by innovative approaches. They are challenged, in and out of the classroom, to lead, to serve, to make decisions and to accept responsibilities for consequences.
- Respect, trust, warmth and joy combine to create an atmosphere in which all members of the School community can grow.
- Ultimately, the goal of Garrison Forest School is for each student to become confident and prepared to contribute to a complex and challenging world.
Quick Stats (2021)
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Students: 456 students
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
Top Placements
Garrison Forest School places among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Body Largest student body
- Sports offered Most sports offered
- Extracurriculars Most extracurriculars offered
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
| School Membership(s)School Assoc. | National Coalition of Girls National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools AIMSMDDC (Assoc. of independent Maryland and DC Schools) |
| Religious Affiliation | Nonsectarian |
| Grades Offered | Grades Nursery/Preschool-12 |
| ADD/ADHD Support | Yes |
| Year Founded | 1910 |
Student Body
| Total Students | 456 students |
| Student Body Type | All-girls |
| % Students of Color | 36% State avg.: 32% |
| Students by Grade |
|
Academics and Faculty
| Total Classroom Teachers | 50 teachers |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 9:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
| % Faculty w/Advanced Degree | 78% |
| Average Class Size | 15 students |
| Number of AP Courses | 15 courses |
| List of Courses Offered | Link to List of Courses |
| Advanced Courses | Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Computer Science, English Language and Composition, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language and Culture, Latin, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, U.S. History |
| Matriculation DataMatric. Data | Link to Matriculation Data |
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal |
Finances and Admission
| Admission Deadline | Jan. 15 / rolling |
| Tuition Notes | Tuition ranges from $5,900 for three-day 3's to $66,810 for international boarding |
| % on Financial Aid | 40% |
| Admissions Director | Catie Gibbons |
| Endowment Size | $44 million |
Sports
| Total Sports Offered | 18 sports |
| Sports | Badminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Polo, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter TrackBadminton, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Polo, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track, |
Extracurriculars
| Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric. | 23 extracurriculars |
| ExtracurricularsExtra-curric. | Club or Organization: Anime Club, Asian Students Association, Black Students Association, Book Club, Christian Club, Debate Club, Fashion Collective, First Aid, Games Club, GREEN Club, International Club, JSA, Literary Magazine, Model UN, Multicultural Student Alliance Club, Politics Club, Riding Club, Robotics Club, Spanish and Latin Clubs Arts and Music Programs: Acapella Group, Chorus, Dance, Musical Theater |
School Notes
- Empowering students to achieve their fullest potential and live lives of purpose-this has been the core of Garrison Forest School since its founding in 1910. What was an innovative educational mission for girls at the turn of the 20th century remains so in the 21st century. Throughout our history, our mission has been to prepare young women for a rewarding college experience and for a purposeful life well beyond. Guided by our motto, Esse Quam Videri - To Be Rather Than To Seem - Garrison Forest's curricular and co-curricular program balances exceedingly high standards within a welcoming, spirited atmosphere.
- Located outside of Baltimore, the school's park-like campus offers collegiate-quality academic, athletic, arts and residential facilities. Our innovative partnership with The Johns Hopkins University, the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program, matches students with a Hopkins professor and lab to conduct research in science and engineering. Students may apply to be a Jenkins Fellow for an in-depth service learning project of their choice. Our new Equine and Veterinary Science program, expanded Robotics program, arts offerings, competitive interscholastic athletics (including riding and Polo at the national levels) and many clubs meet every interest, broaden horizons and provide leadership development.
- With Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New York City and other Mid-Atlantic cities and states nearby, students enjoy a variety of weekend activities. Here, students flourish intellectually and individually, find their voice, discover their passions and embrace their potential.
Profile last updated:
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School Reviews
| 5 We only have experience with the Preschool and I cannot recommend it enough. Our son was introduced to "school" through the Two's program and it was a phenomenal way for him to discover and explore his independence. He just finished the Three's program and we've continued to be impressed with teachers and curriculum, including the "specials" of science, gym, music and library. He's happy to go to school and, at this age, I think his enthusiasm for school is more important than academic progress (though he has learned a great deal).
The head of the preschool, Zibby, stresses that GFS is a place for families and we've found that to be true. It feels like a home away from home, with wonderful classmates, parents and friends. Our son was admitted to one of the more selective preschools in DC, but we declined the invitation and chose Garrison Forest for this reason. We've never regretted that decision.
We're looking forward to our youngest starting the Two's program next fall. She's already so comfortable there, and her first stop during drop-off is always Mrs. Isenhour's office to say hello. It's just a wonderful, nurturing place. We feel so lucky that our kids' first taste of formal education is with people who genuinely care about them. - Posted by Parent - je279 |
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