Our Mission
The Banner School provides a nurturing yet challenging environment that motivates students to become self-aware, independent, responsible citizens who lead by example within an ever-changing global environment.
Our Vision
To be a cornerstone of independent education by cultivating a generation of empowered, motivated, and globally-minded students who lead with integrity, act with compassion, and turn knowledge into meaningful action.
Culture and Emphases
The Banner School is a community built on values that inform every component of our educational approach. These values form the foundation of who we are, what we believe, and how we educate our students. They can be observed in practice in our classroom spaces, on field trips, during assemblies, on the playground, and in our extracurricular activites. We believe in the dignity and worth of each person in our educational communtiy and our values are an expression of this essential belief.
Academic Engagement
At The Banner School, students cultivate critical thinking and skill development through flexible, high-quality educational experiences. Within our disciplined and challenging learning environment, their curiosity thrives as they learn problem-solving through hands-on experiences tailored to their developmental stage.
Structured support fosters independence, self-awareness, and self-advocacy. This hands-on approach naturally cultivates student engagement.
Global Awareness
Banner School students actively participate in a global community, receiving an education that embraces a worldwide outlook by exploring diverse cultures, societies, and global populations. Through learning experiences aimed at cultivating leadership skills in an evolving global context, students envision themselves as contributors to a world that meets the needs of all life forms.
They grasp the impact of their choices on the plant's future and embrace global citizenship by investigating the world, acknowledging various global viewpoints, expressing ideas, and taking proactive steps toward global improvement.
Culture of Empathy
Our students cherish diverse perspectives, honoring others' viewpoints while fostering inclusivity in educational and community initiatives. Our ethos resolves around cultivating a welcoming atmosphere where students actively participate in a culture marked by empathy and respect. Recognizing the individuality of each student- including their distinct talents, interests, and creativity- we offer an environment conductive to learning and mutual growth.
During conflicts, our intentional support process acknowledges the humanity of all involved, providing opportunities for personal development and enhancing learning from such experiences.
Meaningful Relationships
Banner School students develop meaningful connections with their teachers, administrators, and peers, through interactions that reinforce a sense of belonging. Teachers acknowledge individual strengths and establish routines that embrace each student's unique qualities. Students also engage in ongoing relationship-building activities across various grade levels, notably through our house system, where students, faculty, and families are sorted into four houses.
These houses engage in service, team building, and spirit activities, earning points in the process. Guided collaborative activities encourage cross-grade bonds, which become an integral part of the students' school journey.
Community Involvement
Our students actively engage within the community, contributing through diverse service activities in classrooms, within the school, and local settings. These community spaces serve as platforms for students to showcase their work while learning in action. For example, in the 8th grade Capstone Projects, students utilize their research to create educational activities benefiting the extended school community. In addition, students participate in partnerships with local nonprofits, gaining insights and actively serving others.
School assemblies provide opportunities for students to educate peers by sharing their year-long learning experiences. Through these varied community engagements, students apply classroom knowledge, offering substantial contributions both on and off campus.
Our Educational Approach
Academically Rigorous
- Curriculum meets and exceeds Maryland State Standards.
- Thematic, cross grade global studies, classroom alignment with global themes.
- Hands-on, experiential learning.
- Field Studies.
Fosters Community Engagement, On and Off Campus
- Community Service.
- Community connected events.
- House System.
Supports The Whole Student
- Individualized learning experiences.
- Responsive to individual student needs.
- Applications of learning that respond to students' interest.
- Opportunities that target social emotional growth.
Diversity Statement
The Banner School, established in 1982 as Frederick County's first non-sectarian and non-profit independent school, maintains an unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community. Embracing a rich tapestry of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds among our students, staff, and families, we endeavor to mirror the vibrant diversity of the greater Frederick area.
Our commitment extends beyond fostering an inclusive and equitable environment; it is a celebration of the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities each individual brings to our educational community. This dedication is embedded throughout our curriculum, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated and valued, empowering all voices within our learning environment.
Inclusivity is the cornerstone of our admissions process, guaranteeing equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of their background. In our hiring practices, we seek talented individuals from varied backgrounds to enrich our faculty and staff. We firmly denounce all forms of discrimination and steadfastly strive to nurture a safe, respectful, and supportive space where differences are not only accepted but treasured.
As our school exists in an ever-changing world, we recognize that our understanding and support of diversity, equity, and inclusion must continually evolve to adapt and respond to the dynamic global landscape. Our commitment remains resolute: to ensure every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered within our educational community, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected global society.