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

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Climate Club Advocates for Energy Conservation

In an effort to promote energy conservation and to raise awareness, Sunrise Trischools — a climate action club coordinated between Gilman, Bryn Mawr, and RPCS with 25 student members — encouraged faculty to choose one class period in which they intentionally stop or limit the use of electricity over the week of May 16.

Gilman Celebrates Awards Day 2022

A number of students were recognized for achieving excellence in various pursuits at Gilman Upper School's 2022 Awards Day Ceremony.

Congratulations to Penn Fellows Kate Bradley and Jaakirah Reid

Congratulations to our Penn fellows, Kate Bradley and Jaakirah Reid, who will soon complete their masters in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Read on to learn about their journeys to Gilman through the Penn Fellows Independent School Teaching Residency (ISTR) program.

Students Get Down to Business in Entrepreneurship Class

Boys in Entrepreneurship class presented their business plans at Demo Day, a Shark-Tank-style competition judged by three Gilman alumni. Congratulations to both teams!

Mountcastle Lecture 2022: Tania James

Author Tania James was the 2022 speaker of the Mountcastle Lecture. She read a personal essay entitled, "Guilt and Hope and Fruit and Cake" to Upper School students during assembly.

First page of the PDF file: APIDA2022Poster

Join Gilman Libraries in Celebrating APIDA Heritage Month (opens in new window/tab)

Check out the recommended reading list from the Gilman Libraries as we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month.

Beekeeping Club Creates a Buzz on Campus

Most people run away — sometimes frantically — when they see a bee. Others have admiration and respect for the species that are an important part of our ecosystem, but may still prefer to keep their distance. And then, there are those who suit up and invite themselves to the colony. Enter: Gilman’s beekeeping club.

Twelve Students Inducted in The Cum Laude Society

Founded in 1906 in Maryland, the society aims to recognize scholastic achievement in secondary schools, focusing on areté (excellence), diké (justice), and timé (dignity, true worth, and honor).