Why McDonogh - Admissions - McDonogh School

Why McDonogh

Why McDonogh?

LifeReady

McDonogh is a welcoming and inclusive community where students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade become “LifeReady” under the guidance of talented and caring teachers. Our students learn to think deeply, ask questions, solve problems, innovate, and help others. They also learn to work collaboratively and to appreciate and respect different backgrounds and perspectives

Joy in Learning

Joy is central to our mission and is visible across our campus each and every day, inside and outside of classrooms. Our teachers are committed to educational approaches that generate curiosity, excitement, and a desire to know more. We truly believe that when students experience joy in learning, the knowledge they gain is authentic and everlasting. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

McDonogh’s  commitment to diversity is reflected in our student body, which represents a wide range of racial, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. Equally important as the representation within our community, is McDonogh’s responsibility to create a community and space where students and families feel valued for who they are and the ways that their voice, unique perspectives, and individual experiences contribute to the strength of the school. A community committed to truth telling, listening, and dialogue is where this begins.

CHARACTER MATTERS

At every grade level, our students grow from purposeful character education that is rooted in teaching them our founder’s mission “to do the greatest possible amount of good.” In all endeavors, our students are guided by the virtues on McDonogh’s Character Compass: honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, and service.

800 ACRES OF OPPORTUNITY 

In addition to top-notch academic, arts, and athletic facilities, our campus includes streams, woods, and ponds that provide countless opportunities for exploration. Whether twirling beneath falling leaves during creative movement classes, conducting stream studies in science, paddling across the pond in our annual cardboard boat race, or riding horses in physical education, our students learn to love and appreciate the great outdoors.

BOYS AND GIRLS LEARN TOGETHER

Our supportive coeducational environment readies students for a diverse world in which men and women work side-by-side in every field of endeavor. We believe that boys and girls who work, play, and grow together acquire a genuine understanding and respect for one another.

STATE-OF-THE-ART INNOVATION CENTERS

Students think creatively, collaborate, and develop innovative solutions to real-life challenges in the Rao and Fader Innovation Centers. Whether building a robot, taking elective courses in engineering, writing code to solve complex problems, or designing on 3-D printers, the tangible and intangible lessons this space allows prepares our students for life after McDonogh.

ROOTS FARM ENHANCES LEARNING 

Our 10-acre, on-campus farm provides unique educational and service opportunities for the entire McDonogh community. As part of the academic program, students of all ages spend time at the farm  learning where their food comes from, planting and tending crops, caring for our chickens, and harvesting produce for the dining hall and local food pantries. Our students are proud that their farm is a member of the Maryland Food Bank’s Farm to Food Bank Network.

ATHLETICS GROUNDED IN VALUES

Our robust athletics program provides students many opportunities to discover passions and reach their personal potential in a healthy and competitive environment. Equally important, they learn valuable life lessons such as teamwork, selflessness, perseverance, and how to be gracious winners and losers.

ARTS THAT INSPIRE

Experiencing the joy of artistic creation and expression is an important part of every student’s education at McDonogh. Our dynamic visual and performing arts programs provide an array of opportunities that inspire confidence and help our students discover their unique creative abilities.

BOARDING PROGRAM EXPERIENCE

Nearly twenty percent of Upper School students take part in our Boarding Program that offers five-day boarding. Living at school during the week allows students to delve more deeply into school life and further develop independence, self-discipline, and responsibility that will be needed in college and beyond.

GETTING HERE IS EASY

With our fleet of 20 buses that make stops in five counties (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard) and Baltimore City, McDonogh is right around the corner! Bus service is included in tuition.

Get to Know McDonogh

To learn more about visiting options please click "Ways to Visit" or call 443-544-7020.