History

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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 activities. We believe in the dignity and worth of each person in our educational community and our values are an expression of this essential belief.

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Elinor Miller founded The Banner School, the first nonsectarian private school in Frederick County, in 1982. With years of experience in education, she sought to create a school that focused on student learning and engagement. Initially serving grades 1-5, Banner’s curriculum was designed to be dynamic and accommodate different learning styles. However, starting a school was no easy task—Elinor had to navigate permits, hire dedicated teachers, and overcome the rarity of women founding schools at that time. As the school expanded and relocated to Market Street, middle school grades were added, allowing students to continue their education at Banner through 8th grade. As the school grew, locations changed from Jefferson Street, to Carroll Avenue, to Market Street. Despite growth,  the school remained small and student-focused, a reflection of Elinor’s deep commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and growth.
Elinor established many traditions that shaped our culture. These included her vocabulary program, daily assemblies, integrated curricula, original plays, and community engagement. As our culture evolved, families, faculty, and students worked together to create a community that included all of the essential components of a student’s education and “The Banner Triangle” was born. Originally envisioned by a dedicated teacher and school leader, Jeff Esko, “The Banner Triangle” emphasized the partnership between students, teachers, and parents in education. Over the years, traditions evolved — today, students sing “The Banner School Song,” and our assemblies harken back to Elinor’s vocabulary program in our "Word of the Week." The school also introduced a house system, named after Banner’s past locations, fostering community and friendly competition.

Through the years, The Banner School has continued to grow and adapt while staying true to Elinor Miller’s original vision. From its early days in a small farmhouse on Jefferson Street to its current home on Dill Avenue, Banner has upheld its commitment to academic excellence and student-centered learning. The school’s move in the summer of 2023 marked a significant transition, supported by the dedication of families and staff. Banner remains a vibrant and evolving institution. Its motto, “Probe and Shed Light,” still guides the school as it fosters curiosity, creativity, and community in its students

The content for this webpage was written by the 24.25 Banner School 8th grade history class.

Elinor and Stauffer Miller

Elinor and Stauffer Miller pictured together in 1992.

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