The Key School

Independent School

Situated in Annapolis on a 15-acre campus that was once a gentleman’s farm, Key School is an independent day school serving students of diverse backgrounds. The tone of the campus is egalitarian, informal and caring with an academic focus that is both rigorous and innovative, for the School seeks to develop in its students an interest in learning and a sustaining degree of intellectual curiosity.

Small classes enable the School to meet student needs and foster active learning. Expectations are high and the curriculum is designed to challenge students while promoting individual success. The School has four divisions—Pre-School, Lower School, Middle School and Upper School—that together comprise a community and share many common experiences.

Key School is recognized for emphasizing the intellectual process—for valuing probing questions as highly as thoughtful answers.

Key School was founded in 1958 by tutors from St. John's College. These college professors, convinced that children possess inherent intellectual vitality that schools generally do not reach, brought discerning teachers and promising students together in small classes. From the outset, Key School worked to forge an identity that coupled innovative learning with a rigorous curriculum.

Key School is recognized for emphasizing the intellectual process—for valuing probing questions as highly as thoughtful answers. Hence, the School focuses on the importance of critical thinking, careful analytical reading and writing, problem solving, and discussions that encourage openness to differing ideas and perspectives. Equally important, Key’s culture promotes student leadership in all arenas. Not only does the School encourage students to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities, but also it offers them countless opportunities to become actively involved in the life of the School.

Since its inception, Key School differentiated itself not only in terms of academics, but also in terms of its emphasis on respect for human differences. Historical documents convey a consistent message. A 1961 newspaper article in The Baltimore Sun titled “New School Designed to Turn Out Reasoning Man” quoted the president of the Board of Trustees: “The School’s job is to help children become able to meet adult responsibilities, not just as wage earners, or as parents, or as citizens of a particular nation…but as members of the human community.”

Under the guidance of eight school heads, Key School has seen dramatic change. Renovations and new construction throughout its five decades have allowed the campus to meet the demands of a growing student population and an expanding educational program. The School continues, however, to look to the past with great admiration for the wisdom and vision of its founders. As envisioned, the program has evolved, yet the basic tenets of experiential discovery, serious academic rigor and delight in learning have remained constant.

The largest nonsectarian independent school in Anne Arundel County, Key School enrolls 700 students and has a faculty/staff roster of 150. Of the 112 faculty members, 58 hold advanced degrees, including eight with doctoral degrees. Forty-four members of the faculty and staff have been at the School for more than 15 years.

Accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools and approved by the State of Maryland, Key is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

The Key School
534 Hillsmere Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403
410-263-9231

www.keyschool.org

Pictured: Outdoor education teacher Brian Michaels with Key students
Photography: Matthew Borkoski