Business Details
30 Years
experience
Leadership-Focused College Preparatory Education for Grades Pre-K to 12
Founded in 1996 by Dr. Frederick G. Smith, Gerstell Academy has pioneered a unique educational model that integrates leadership development with rigorous college preparatory academics. Our mission focuses on cultivating moral values, social skills, and critical thinking while maintaining a commitment to physical fitness and modern language proficiency. With over 415 students across 250 acres, we provide a nurturing environment where students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 develop the character and academic foundation needed for success in higher education and beyond.Our leadership-based curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, as evidenced by recent student achievements in arts, sciences, and ethical discourse. As Maryland's first leadership-focused school, we maintain strong community partnerships and offer programs like summer camps, after-school care, and athletic development. Our graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and return as confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for life's challenges.
Services
Leadership Development
College Preparatory Academics
Physical Training
Modern Language Proficiency
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique leadership development program integrated with college preparatory academics
- Our curriculum emphasizes physical fitness and modern language proficiency alongside core subjects
- We maintain a 7:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities
- We provide experiential learning opportunities through field studies and community projects
Services
Leadership Development
Our leadership program teaches students to positively influence others while developing moral courage and decision-making skills. Through classroom instruction and practical applications, students learn to unite peers toward common goals while maintaining integrity. The program emphasizes both physical and moral courage in everyday situations.
College Preparatory Academics
We offer a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 with emphasis on STEM subjects and language arts. Our program consistently prepares students for success at top-tier universities while maintaining Maryland's first leadership-focused educational model.
Physical Training
Our physical education program develops lifelong fitness habits through structured exercise, team sports, and wellness education. Students participate in daily physical activities that build strength, coordination, and teamwork skills while promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Modern Language Proficiency
We emphasize language acquisition through immersive instruction in Spanish and other modern languages. Our program develops communication skills while fostering cultural awareness and global perspectives through classroom activities and international exchange opportunities.
Summer Camps
Our summer programs provide educational enrichment through STEM activities, arts, and leadership workshops. Camps combine learning with recreation on our 250-acre campus, offering students opportunities to develop new skills while maintaining academic progress during summer months.
People
Dr. Frederick G. Smith
President Emeritus
Founder of Gerstell Academy in 1996, Dr. Smith established Maryland's first leadership-focused school. With decades of educational experience, he developed the institution's unique curriculum combining academics, leadership, and physical training for student success.
Questions
What grade levels does Gerstell Academy serve?
Gerstell Academy serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 in a co-educational environment.
What makes Gerstell Academy's educational approach unique?
Our unique approach combines college preparatory academics with leadership development, physical training, and modern language proficiency.
Are there extracurricular activities available?
Yes, we offer athletics, summer camps, after-school programs, and community service opportunities for all grade levels.
How does Gerstell Academy support college preparation?
Our college guidance program begins in middle school and includes personalized counseling, college visits, and application support.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
Gerstell Academy maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio to ensure personalized attention and academic support.
Reviews (5)
Cal R.
Jul 31, 2020
Report
Forcing Gerstell Academy teachers and students back to school right now that there are so many coronavirus cases already and so many more coming - is downright dangerous! No matter how much we want them back in school or how great the Academy's curriculum is, Gerstell students are NOT experiments! Young children don't USUALLY get COVID-19 - but some HAVE gotten it and some DIED!
NO child should have to get sick or die because Gerstell opens before they can guarantee the nstudents' safety! We trust the teachers of Gerstell Academy more to judge whether and when classrooms
NO child should have to get sick or die because Gerstell opens before they can guarantee the nstudents' safety! We trust the teachers of Gerstell Academy more to judge whether and when classrooms
Sumar Yetta
Jul 18, 2020
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8 years of Leadership and wonderful academics. The teacher's are amazing, My daughter is graduating this year and has had a wonderful experience. My son is going into High school next year and I am very happy to know he will have all the support and tools to grow academically and with sports. His Soccer Coach is a wonderful Leader and we are so excited to continue to have him as another positive role model for our son.
Meech Man
Jun 20, 2020
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School was not prepared at all for on line learning, although its a school its ran like a business, parents beware when dealing with Gerstell Acadamy. I would NOT recommend attending this institution.
John Doe
Jun 26, 2018
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Have had our girl enrolled since 2nd grad. We are now in 9th grade. Love the leadership, the teachers, the facilities. The school keeps investing to take it to another level. Top school.
Fordhonda
Nov 01, 2017
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This school was bought to my attention by my sons coach. At first my son was very hesitant because he wanted to follow his friends to high school. Upon touring the school the faculty make you feel very welcome. I loved the structure of the school and there over all goals for the kids. Its not all politics like some of the other schools. They are very attentive to any concerns you may have. My son is now in the 11th grade and loves it. I want to think them for everything.
