Upper School
Grades Nine - Twelve
Fostering Independence
The Gilman Upper School prepares young men to build the world of tomorrow. Students engage in a timeless and challenging college-preparatory program that emphasizes strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, effective oral and written communication, and lifelong enjoyment of intellectual pursuits.
Students must take five major courses each semester (English, mathematics, foreign language, lab science, history). They must also complete courses in art, music, and religion, participate in either interscholastic or intramural athletics, and complete 50 hours of community service during their Upper School careers. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in numerous disciplines, and a coordinate program allows students to take courses at Bryn Mawr School (BMS) and Roland Park Country School (RPCS).
Educating the whole boy reaches beyond classroom learning. A robust leadership development program and special lectures, along with daily assemblies, bring real-world situations and applications to life. Our Device of Choice (D.O.C.) program enables boys to best utilize the skills necessary to learn in the 21st century. Various extra curricular activities give boys the chance to try almost anything in a comfortable and collegial environment.
Upper School Stories
Brian Ledyard will serve as the next Head of Upper School, beginning in July 2023. Read the complete announcement from Head of School Henry P. A. Smyth.
After a two-year hiatus, the Shakespeare Festival made a comeback on Friday, December 9 in Centennial Hall. Upper School English teacher Patrick Hastings introduced the event, and what followed were dramatic — and often humorous — performances of scenes from Shakespeare’s [name of play] by small groups of 10th grade students.
Danny Gallagher ’23 and James Mackrell ’23 are currently ranked fifth in the country in high school policy debate.
A group of Upper-School-students-turned-budding-entrepreneurs participated in the Startup Experience on Thursday and Friday, December 1 and 2. A group of business-minded alumni joined in throughout the experience to offer mentorship and advice.
Upper School English teacher Beth Knapp talked with Education Week about how she routinely seizes on opportunities in the popular culture to build rapport with her students while also growing their vocabulary — and hers.
Professional baseball players and Gilman alumni Gavin Sheets ’14 and Peter Heubeck ’21 returned to Roland Avenue on Wednesday, November 30. The pair shared about how their time at Gilman prepared them for life as a pro athlete.
Writer/editor/music critic/professor Katie Moulton visited the Upper School on October 27. The guest speaker was part of the A.J. Downs Writers at Work series, which brings professional writers to Gilman to speak at assembly, visit classes, and meet with faculty.
Upper School students from Gilman and Bryn Mawr gathered together at the Bryn Mawr quad on Wednesday, October 26 in honor of Diwali.