Gerstell Academy, founded in 1996 by Dr. Frederick G. Smith, is an independent, non-profit, co-educational, non-sectarian, college preparatory school offering students an educational program of excellence in a community focused on Gerstell's mission, motto, Leadership, Honor, Courage, and Gerstell's Leadership Principles. The core curriculum supports the development of leadership abilities and provides the foundation for values, knowledge and social skills essential to a Gerstell education.
Gerstell Academy is a diverse educational community dedicated to providing a nurturing and mentoring environment where each student's potential to become a leader, to learn, to grow morally, to be physically fit, and to compete is maximized.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 403 students
- Yearly Tuition: $27,600
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Mar. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Gerstell Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1996
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
403 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
14 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP English, AP History, AP Science, AP Spanish language
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Lower School:plaid jumpers/khaki pants, navy sweaters,middle school,plaid skorts/khaki pants/Upper School Navy blazer,button down shirts, khaki skirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Mar. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$27,600
Tuition Notes
Tuition depends upon school division. Above is the annual tuition for Upper School.
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Mary Louque
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Music Ensemble
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Diversity Club, Lower School Running Club, STEM Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Upper School Theatre Club
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Diversity Club, Lower School Running Club, STEM Club, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Upper School Theatre Club
School Notes
- All prospective parents interview with the President as a part of the admissions process.Students applying for Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten are tested in January.Students applying for admission for Grades 1-Grade 4 are tested during their shadow day.Students applying for admission for Grades 5-12 are required to submit ISEE scores. Students are invited for a shadow day.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gerstell Academy cost?
Gerstell Academy's tuition is approximately $27,600 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Gerstell Academy?
The acceptance rate of Gerstell Academy is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. Gerstell Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Gerstell Academy offer?
Gerstell Academy offers 7 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Gerstell Academy's ranking?
Gerstell Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Gerstell Academy?
The application deadline for Gerstell Academy is Mar. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Mar. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Gerstell Academy also viewed these schools: Carroll Christian Schools, Friends Meeting School, Sacred Heart Elementary School, St. John Catholic School and Montessori School Of Westminster.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Gerstell Academy is Carroll Christian Schools (5.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Right Start (4.0 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 342 students 5.3 miles 550 Baltimore Blvd
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 876-3838
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 876-3838
5.3
PK-12
342
Grades: K-12 | 110 students 24.1 miles 3232 Green Valley Road
Ijamsville, MD 21754
(301) 798-0288
Ijamsville, MD 21754
(301) 798-0288
24.1
K-12
110
Grades: PK-8 | 452 students 5.6 miles 63 Sacred Heart Lane
Glyndon, MD 21071
(410) 833-0857
Glyndon, MD 21071
(410) 833-0857
5.6
PK-8
452
Grades: PK-8 | 285 students 6.7 miles 45 Monroe Street
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 848-7455
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 848-7455
6.7
PK-8
285
Grades: PK-9 | 165 students 9.5 miles 1055 Montessori Drive
Westminster, MD 21158
(410) 848-6283
Westminster, MD 21158
(410) 848-6283
9.5
PK-9
165
School Reviews
5 4/6/2019
My husband and I appreciate the leadership and values that Gerstell strives to model and teach. We also appreciate the emphasis on foreign language proficiency, college prep, extra curricular activities, academics, and athletics. For a motivated student who wants to learn to become a strong leader, Gerstell is an excellent choice.
5 7/24/2015
Gerstell Academy is an amazing school, and I would highly recommend it. The focus on values creates an atmosphere of high academic expectations along with positive peer support. Nice kids, lots of activities a and sports.
5 7/24/2015
Gerstell is a good school. The concentration on leadership, including public speaking and social psychology is helpful for the students. There is a good athletics program that concentrates on teamwork and leadership on the athletic field. The addition of a baseball team has given the students more opportunities for physical fitness. Started as a great school, but it still actively works to improve itself and through this leads by example.
5 7/24/2015
We love our school and look forward to many upcoming fruitful years at Gerstell. It was a very easy transition for us. Best decision we ever made.
5 5/20/2013
I would highly recommend Gerstell Academy . The faculty and administration care deeply about their students and families, and the leadership and academic curriculum is excellent. The athletic programs are great: MIAA Champions in soccer and lacrosse.
Endorse Gerstell Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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