Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Preschool to 8th Grade Arts & Sciences Education in Barnesville, MD
Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences has been dedicated to providing innovative preschool through 8th grade education since 1969. Our small class settings and personalized teaching foster a culture of joy, support, and excellence. Through an integrated cross-curricular approach, we help students understand key relationships between subjects, strengthening critical thinking and comprehension of real-world concepts. Our skilled teachers tailor instruction to individual learning styles, using creativity to bring lessons to life while emphasizing community and responsibility. We greet each student daily with mutual respect, shaking hands to start the day, and value every individual's perspective to maintain an inclusive, challenging learning environment.Our unique educational philosophy, known as The Barnesville Way, combines academic rigor with character development. We offer a wide range of programs including preschool learning through play, nurturing lifelong learners in our lower school, and preparing students for success in our middle school. Our campus in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve provides an ideal setting for academic learning combined with daily outdoor experiences. With a 6:1 student-teacher ratio and 29% of families receiving financial aid, we ensure accessibility to our distinctive educational approach. Our accreditation by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools demonstrates our commitment to educational excellence.
Services
Preschool
Lower School
Middle School
Cross-Curricular Learning
Arts Education
Science Programs
Library Services
Athletics
Character Education
Summer Camp
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We offer a 6:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our cross-curricular approach integrates arts and sciences with humanities
- 29% of families receive financial aid for accessible quality education
- We emphasize character development through our unique 'Barnesville Way'
- Daily outdoor learning experiences in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve
Associations and certifications
- Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS)
What people say
Joyful learning environment
Small class sizes
Dedicated teachers
Character development
Inclusive community
Services
Preschool
Our preschool program focuses on learning through play, developing foundational skills in a nurturing environment. Children engage in sensory activities, social skill development, and early literacy and numeracy. The curriculum emphasizes exploration, creativity, and building confidence through hands-on experiences that prepare them for future academic success.
Lower School
The lower school nurtures lifelong learners through a balanced curriculum of academics, arts, and character development. Students receive personalized instruction in core subjects while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills. Our program emphasizes reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and creative expression in a supportive classroom community.
Middle School
Our middle school prepares students for high school with rigorous academic preparation and leadership development. The program includes advanced coursework in all core subjects, project-based learning, and opportunities for student-led initiatives. We focus on building analytical skills, independent thinking, and responsible citizenship in a supportive environment.
Summer Camp
The summer camp offers themed weekly programs combining educational activities with recreational experiences. Children participate in creative projects, outdoor adventures, and field trips while maintaining learning continuity. The program emphasizes fun, friendship, and exploration through structured activities that develop new skills and interests in a joyful setting.
Character Education
Character education is integrated throughout our curriculum with monthly core value focus. Students learn and practice values like kindness, honesty, and responsibility through classroom discussions, service projects, and community building activities. Our 'Buddy Program' pairs older and younger students to foster mentorship and social-emotional development across grade levels.
People
Susanne Johnson
Head of School
Susanne Johnson leads Barnesville School with a commitment to personalized education and character development. With extensive experience in independent school leadership, she champions the school's mission of joyful learning and community responsibility. She actively engages with students daily, greeting them by name and fostering the inclusive environment that defines The Barnesville Way.
Justin Shay
Board Chair
Justin Shay serves as Board Chair, providing governance leadership for Barnesville School. As an active member of the school community, he works with the board to ensure strategic direction aligns with educational excellence and financial sustainability. His leadership helps maintain the school's commitment to small class sizes and innovative programming.
Frances Saez
Summer Camp Director
Frances Saez directs the summer camp program, creating engaging themed weeks that combine learning with recreation. She ensures each camper experiences joy, creativity, and personal growth through carefully designed activities. Her leadership makes the summer program an extension of Barnesville's educational philosophy beyond the traditional school year.
Questions
What educational approach does Barnesville use?
We use an integrated cross-curricular approach combining humanities, arts, math, and science with personalized instruction in small classes.
What grade levels do you offer?
We provide education from preschool through 8th grade with developmentally appropriate programs for each stage.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, 29% of families receive financial aid to ensure accessibility to our educational programs.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
We offer athletics, arts programs, character education initiatives, and a summer camp with weekly themed activities.
What makes Barnesville unique?
Our unique combination of small class sizes, cross-curricular learning, and character development creates The Barnesville Way approach.
How can I visit the campus?
Schedule a tour through our website to experience our joyful learning environment and meet teachers and students.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Debra DeRuyver
Jan 15, 2018
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Weve been at Barnesville for a year, but it only took a few weeks for it to feel like family. Caring, amazing teachers AND administrative staff. A curriculum that recognizes the importance of arts AND sciences and how they work together hand in hand to nurture inquisitive, creative, critical thinkers. Lots of outdoors time and after school activities, and the school bus to and from the Kentlands is super convenient. This is an amazing community of kids, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni families. Were so glad we chose Barnesville!
Tamara Lyons
Sep 03, 2016
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It is not often that I feel compelled to write a POSITIVE review about something, but Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences is a VERY special place. The school's supportive environment is exceptional and it excels at personalized teaching. Barnesville equips students to succeed in life, and graduates leave for the BEST high schools in Maryland and DC.
Barnesville School:
- has a great ratio of students to teachers (12:1 in my son's 2nd grade and 10:1 in his third grade classes.)
- understands how cross-curriculum teaching makes subject matter comprehensible to kids,
- instills a love of learning
Barnesville School:
- has a great ratio of students to teachers (12:1 in my son's 2nd grade and 10:1 in his third grade classes.)
- understands how cross-curriculum teaching makes subject matter comprehensible to kids,
- instills a love of learning
Eric Cho
Sep 03, 2016
Report
The Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences encourages its students to take risks and challenge themselves in a safe and encouraging environment. It does this through academic investments made by tailoring subjects such as arts & humanities, nature & science, technology & team sports. The graduating classes continue their legacy through acceptance and success in the most rigorous public and private high schools programs.
