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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.
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
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.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
Elizabeth Littlefield '78 - President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
Lara Schwartz '85 - Vice President of External Affairs for The American Association of People with Disabilities
Helen Whitney '61 - Oscar nominated producer, director, and documentary writer
Nicole Hansen '12 - Nationally ranked climber
Rachel Pohl '74 - Help found ArtCorps, a health and human rights nonprofit
Tiffany Thomas '85 - Set Director for HBO's Game Change
Learic Cramer '96 - Northrup Grumman engineer and race car driver
Julie Bowen '87 - Emmy Award-winning actress
Beth Botsford '99 - Olympic Gold Medalist
Adele Smith Simmons '59 - President of the Global Philanthropy Partnership, senior advisor to the World Economic Forum, first female dean at Princeton
Who are famous alumni from Garrison Forest School?
Garrison Forest School famous alumni include: Elizabeth Littlefield '78, Lara Schwartz '85, Helen Whitney '61, Nicole Hansen '12, Rachel Pohl '74, Tiffany Thomas '85, Learic Cramer '96, Julie Bowen '87, Beth Botsford '99 and Adele Smith Simmons '59.
What sports does Garrison Forest School offer?
Garrison Forest School offers 18 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Polo, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Garrison Forest School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Garrison Forest School?
The application deadline for Garrison Forest School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Grades: PK-12 | 788 students11.4 miles 109 W Melrose Ave Baltimore, MD 21210 (410) 323-8800
11.4
PK-12
788
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(2 reviews)
512/22/2022
Our daughter has been here since kindergarten. She is now in 12th grade. It has been an excellent experience for her. While the school's focus is academics, they also focus on developing the students to be the best they can be. They have instilled confidence in our daughter and she feels confident and prepared to excel in any academic environment. She has several colleges offers to choose from.
- Posted by Parent - Jeff Pugh
56/29/2016
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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