News

After completing a rigorous set of academic, leadership and social requirements, 34 Middle School students who completed the Dr. Smith’s Summer Founder’s Leadership Challenge enjoyed lunch with Dr. Smith and the Middle School administration at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse in Westminster.

On Friday, October 30th, the Gerstell community came together for our annual Trunk or Treat event. Students and parents arrived in costume, decorated their trunks with festive Halloween displays, and handed out candy to excited trick-or-treaters. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate the season while enjoying time together as a school community.

Gerstell Academy is proud to announce that fifth-grade student Jaxsyn Blackwell has been named the Visual Arts Winner in the Maryland Foreign Language Association (MFLA) Visual Arts Contest.

After more than a few weather-related hurdles, Gerstell Academy's Alumni Pickleball Tournament finally had its day in the sun.

The 5^th Annual Alumni golf Tournament was held on Monday, October 5, 2026, and served as the culminating event for Homecoming weekend.  Beautiful sunshine and cool breezes, accompanied the golfers on the Piney Branch Golf Course.

As part of National Fire Prevention Week, Pre-K and Kindergarten students enjoyed a special visit from the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Department. The visit gave students an opportunity to learn fire safety skills while meeting the firefighters who serve our community. 

On Tuesday, October 6, several Gerstell Academy Middle and Upper School students attended the annual Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting held at Piney Branch Golf Club in Upperco, Maryland. Students had the opportunity to hear economist Anirban Basu's highly anticipated annual economic update and observe Chamber members as they elected incoming representatives to serve on the Chamber's Board of Directors. Throughout the morning, students enjoyed breakfast while networking with local business leaders and community members who play an important role in supporting the economic vitality of Westminster, Carroll County, and the greater Maryland region. 

Gerstell Academy alumnus Tyrin Hawkins ’18 takes us behind the scenes at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, reflects on the experiences that helped launch his career in professional sports, and shares what is next in his journey.

On Thursday, September 24th, Gerstell Academy celebrated its Oaks and Seedlings Program, a mentoring tradition that connects older students with younger students to build meaningful and lasting relationships throughout their years at Gerstell Academy. The program reflects Gerstell Academy’s commitment to leadership by encouraging students to mentor one another, build community, and positively influence those around them. 

On Friday, September 18th, fourth-grade students spent the day on the Chesapeake Bay aboard the Sigsbee with Living Classrooms. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of investigations that helped them understand the Bay and the important role it plays in our region. 

Gerstell Academy students, faculty and staff gathered on September 11 to commemorate Patriot Day and honor the lives lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The school community observed a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. making the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 

The start of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, excitement, and opportunities for growth. At Gerstell Academy, Upper School students and faculty kicked off the year by stepping beyond the classroom and into experiences designed to strengthen relationships, build leadership skills, and establish a positive foundation for the months ahead. Through opening week field trips to Camp Puh’tok, First Fruits Farm, and Hershey Park, students embraced the values of service, teamwork, and community that are central to the Gerstell experience.

This summer's Lower School One School, One Book reading selection was The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Students celebrated the first Friday of the school year by sharing their summer projects and bringing their bikes and scooters to ride in the South Lot, on the courts, and around the Quadrangle.

As we begin an exciting new school year, Gerstell Academy wishes to welcome our newly appointed faculty and staff to our school community. Their passion for teaching, commitment to the Gerstell leadership mission, and wealth of experience will enrich our community and strengthen our school culture.

This summer, a group of Gerstell students embarked on an unforgettable 11 - day journey through Greece and Italy experiencing firsthand the history, culture, and traditions that have shaped Western civilization for thousands of years. Led by Gerstell faculty member Dr. David Greenspoon, and faculty chaperones Dra. Teresa Greppi, Dr. Elaine Shea, and Mrs. Janice Stencil.  The trip combined academic learning with cultural immersion, providing 24 students, faculty and parents the opportunity to connect classroom studies with real-world experiences. 

Summer at Gerstell Academy was filled with creativity, discovery, and plenty of fun as campers enjoyed a wide variety of engaging programs designed to spark their interests and build new skills. 

On August 15th, alumni and their families gathered on the patio for the Alumni Association's annual Summer Social. Planned by the Alumni Association Board, the event brought together graduates from a variety of class years, as well as faculty, staff, administrators, and friends of the school. The relaxed evening provided the perfect opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections, and celebrate the strong bonds that unite the alumni community. It was a wonderful way to close out the summer before the excitement and commitments of the fall semester began. 

Gerstell Academy marked a major milestone recently as the community gathered for its 30th Anniversary Gala, an evening filled with celebration, connection, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, sponsored by the Gerstell Academy Alumni Association, brought together an extraordinary mix of guests—Board members, alumni, alumni families, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the school—each united in honoring three decades of leadership, growth, and shared purpose.

On Thursday, April 16, members of the Geo Bee Club participated in a spirited competition in the Carolyn B. Smith Library. Sponsored by Lower School faculty members Mrs. Patty Lutton and Ms. Tina Culbertson, the Geo Bee Club consists of volunteer students from the third and fourth grades and meets every other week throughout the school year with the goal of building a broad base of global knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and helping students reach their full potential.