GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE
Admissions

Admissions Process

Application to Gerstell should begin during the fall preceding the year of expected enrollment. The application may be completed and submitted online. We begin accepting applications on September 15th, and applications are due on or before January 30th. After January 30th, we accept applications on a rolling basis, and admissions is based on classroom availability.

Prospective Student Shadow Visit

  • Upon receipt of the application, the Admissions Office will contact the applicant's parent or guardian to schedule a shadow visit. 
  • Students applying for grades 1st through 12th are invited for a shadow visit.  Shadow visits provide prospective students the opportunity to attend classes, meet faculty and students and experience a "day in the life" of a Gerstell student. 
  • Applicants for 1st through 4th grades are invited for a morning visit.
  • Middle/upper school applicants may select a full day, morning or afternoon to visit classes with current students.  

    "Shadow Visit" (complete permission form here)

    All Gerstell applicants should submit Common Referral Forms and Transcript Release Forms to their current school for completion by their current Mathematics and English teachers (if applicable).

Interview with the President of Gerstell Academy

As part of the admissions process, parents/guardians of students applying to Gerstell Academy will have the opportunity to meet with our President.

List of 3 items.

  • Pre-K & Kindergarten

    Prospective Pre-K/Kindergarten students participate in a primary admissions review in January and February preceding the fall of expected enrollment. For students who apply after February, the review is conducted on an individual basis. Students entering Pre-Kindergarten should be four years of age by September 1. Kindergarten applicants should be five years of age by September 1. However, it is important to note that Gerstell has a written policy for early admittance to Kindergarten. Please contact Ms. Ann Graham, Director of Lower School admissions, with any questions.

  • Grades 1st - 4th

    Prospective students are invited to spend the morning (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) as a guest in one of our current classes. During the visit, applicants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of subject areas. As part of the admissions process, a reading and mathematics assessment will take place during the visit. Please contact Ms. Ann Graham, Director of Lower School admissions with any questions.

  • Grades 5th - 12th

    Upon receipt of the application for admission, middle and upper school applicants are invited to spend the day, or a morning or afternoon session shadowing with designated Gerstell students. These designated students serve as guides and provide a window into the life of a Gerstell student.

    The full day session begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. The morning session begins at 7:45 a.m., and ends at 11:00 a.m. The afternoon visit begins at 12:00 p.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. During the visit, prospective students meet with the respective Heads of Middle/Upper Schools as well as the Director of Admissions.




    ISEE Test
    Students applying to middle/upper school should register to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as it is required for admission. The ISEE may be taken at any school listed on the ISEE website. The ISEE is also offered at local Prometrics Center locations. You may register for Prometrics Center testing  at https://ISEEonline.erblearn.org Please be certain to have the results sent to Gerstell Academy-code 211213.. Online testing at home is now available through the ISEE website.

Non-Discriminatory Policy

Gerstell Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and financial aid programs and athletic and other school administered programs.
2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300