THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL

The Bryn Mawr School for Girls of Baltimore City Inc., commonly known as The Bryn Mawr School, has dedicated 141 years to providing rigorous college-preparatory education and inspiring girls to lead lives of consequence and impact. Under the leadership of Head of School Sue Sadler, the school employs 210 faculty and staff members.

Founded in 1885 by five pioneering women known as the “Bryn Mawr Five,” the school was established to provide girls with an education as rigorous as that offered to boys. Its original mission was to prepare students for the newly founded Bryn Mawr College, setting a revolutionary standard for women’s intellectual development and independence.

Throughout its history, the school has evolved while maintaining its core values of integrity, respect and intellectual curiosity. The institution moved to its Melrose Avenue campus in 1931, and in 1963, Katharine Van Bibber led integration efforts. The 1973 formalization of the tri-school coordinate program enriched the social landscape while maintaining single-sex status. In 1977, the school pioneered on-site childcare with the Little School.

The 2022 launch of Bryn Mawr Online marked a transformative milestone, creating the first diploma-awarding school of its kind and extending the institution’s legacy beyond Baltimore. This adaptability, combined with investments in state-of-the-art facilities and a robust STEM curriculum, ensures the school remains at the forefront of independent education.

The secret to the school’s longevity lies in its culture of deep mentorship and lifelong sisterhood. By prioritizing a “girls-first” environment where students are treated as “CEOs” of their own learning, the school fosters confidence and leadership. Community engagement is woven throughout the curriculum through experiential and service-learning programs, from local Baltimore partnerships to global citizenship initiatives.

The Bryn Mawr School stays competitive by blending rich traditions with forward-thinking pedagogy. Its strong alumnae network and reputation for academic excellence continue to attract families seeking a transformative education that prepares girls for future challenges.

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This profile is part of The Daily Record’s In the Lead: Best Legacy Businesses list for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at origintdrdev.wpengine.com.