Academics

Lower School

Welcome to Gerstell Academy's Lower School! Intellectual curiosity and a love for learning are developed through in-class activities and through our rich co-curricular offerings. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing and mentoring environment steeped in leadership development.
What makes our Lower School a place where your child can grow is summarized in the words of Gerstell's Mission Statement. Below, you will find the hallmarks of the Lower School experience at Gerstell Academy:

1. Your child will thrive at this school and be known at this school.
2. Your child will grow and mature and fulfill potential at this school.
3. Your child will develop emotionally and socially in a healthy environment at this school.
4. Your child will cultivate natural and developed talents at this school.

Our Leadership Model is integrated into all academic areas. Leadership Circle provides students with opportunities to practice public speaking and social skills and model, practice, and learn about the Gerstell Motto, Leadership Principles and Attributes, and our Portrait Leaders so essential to our mission. Our students are well prepared to delve further into the Five Areas of Academic Leadership.
At Gerstell, we believe education should meet the needs of young students at their developmental stages. We provide many experiential learning opportunities for them to grow and develop wholly. Early education is important for continued success in learning throughout the Lower School. As students move through the primary grades and beyond, they are challenged to demonstrate mastery of the Gerstell Leadership Principles and Attributes, and to accept responsibility for their actions. Students are given the tools necessary to reach their full potential academically as our gifted faculty help students master the language arts, including basic Spanish communication, and develop mathematical prowess while encouraging individual creative expression and critical thinking skills.

Through our leadership instruction we are confident that students will become independent thinkers who are well prepared to excel in middle school and beyond.
"Our family will miss living in Maryland very much. Our oldest son, Sam, was lucky enough to attend Gerstell Academy for one year. He gained so much confidence in himself this year. Our biggest regret is having to leave Gerstell Academy knowing that they do such a wonderful job of helping their students reach their full potential. Thank you for providing such a solid foundation on which Sam will be able to build his education."
 
2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300