Calvert School Viewbook

The

B IG G E R P IC T U R E

Looking beyond the here and now

TO WHAT WILL BE.

At Calvert School, we look at the bigger picture.

fundamentals – writing, reading, and arithmetic. These

When a student walks through our doors in the

science, history, geography, music, fine arts, foreign

morning and shakes hands with the Head Master, we see

not just a child, but the person he or she will become.

We know with certainty that this person will be an

excellent communicator and a well-rounded individual

with a broad range of interests and knowledge. We are

core subjects are supplemented with a rich exposure to language, rhetoric, and mythology. More importantly, we instill a moral code in our students that will guide them their entire lives.

It is a formula for success that begins at ages four and

confident that the child before us will grow into a life-

five with our Fifth Age and continues through Eighth

backgrounds. Most of all, we know this student will be

percent of our graduates are accepted into their first-

long learner who is respectful of diverse ideas and prepared for what comes next.

These qualities do not happen by chance. Calvert’s

time-tested approach to education stresses mastery of the

Grade. It is also a key reason why more than ninety choice high schools.

Calvert School has been looking at a bigger picture

since our founding in 1897. We invite you to do the same.

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From curious minds come students

WITH PURPOSE.

At Calvert School, we foster curiosity. By allowing our students to wonder and explore, we begin a process that encourages them to develop an exciting sense of purpose.

Indeed, we believe that curiosity, mastery, and purpose represent the developmental phases of a student’s education.

Curiosity leads to exploration and discovery.

The excitement of discovery leads to enjoyment.

Enjoyment leads to practice.

Practice leads to mastery.

Mastery leads to self-confidence.

Self-confidence leads to purpose.

Knowing who they are and what they are capable of achieving are qualities that will serve every student well at Calvert, and in high school, college, and beyond.

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LOWER SCHOOL

Success is born from

HIGH EXPECTATIONS. We ask a lot of our students, and they learn to ask a lot of themselves. Calvert students are driven by a desire to excel. It is a character trait that comes from knowing that everyone at the School expects them to succeed. There is a special joy in accomplishing what they never thought they could. We see it every day.

Calvert’s rigorous approach to mastering the fundamentals

of writing, reading, and mathematics involves learning

through practice until a subject is completely understood.

Our well-known writing program begins in the Sixth Age

application of math to real-life situations.

Each day our students master a tiny piece of a bigger

with penmanship. It continues through the Lower School

puzzle with every piece fitting into the next. Their work is

creative writing. Our multi-sensory approach to reading is

mistakes. Once a month, students in Seventh Age through

to include writing mechanics, grammar, and expository and designed to promote the development of critical thinking

skills, expand vocabulary, and introduce students to literature. Math concepts are learned through the use of

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manipulatives, the memorization of math facts, and the

complete when they proofread their papers and correct their

Tenth Age meet with the Head Master or Lower School

Head to review their work, discuss their progress, and set personal goals.

LOWER SCHOOL

How well-rounded kids

GET THAT WAY. Beyond reading, writing, and mathematics lies an entire world to explore. Lower School students are well-versed in social studies, history, geography, mythology, and art history. Each of these special subjects is designed to round out Calvert’s core curriculum and spark the students’ natural desires to discover and grow.

Children learn science through hands-on experiences

take part in at least one class production each year. Foreign

lab activities, and the Luetkemeyer Planetarium enhance

students are exposed to both French and Spanish. The

that teach them about our planet. Field trips, nature walks, the science curriculum. In art, children immerse themselves

in a variety of mediums, and they study the works and styles of artists from different time periods.

Calvert’s music program combines instrumental and

vocal experiences. Sixth Age through Tenth Age students

language instruction begins in our Lower School where program is designed to awaken children’s interest in language, as well as provide a solid foundation for Middle School.

Finally, physical education is paramount at Calvert.

Through games and active play, children learn skill sets for sports they will play in later years.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

They know where they’re going and are learning

HOW TO GET THERE.

By Middle School, Calvert students have mastered the fundamentals and are ready to start applying them in exciting ways. From Fifth Grade to Eighth Grade, our students face a new set of rigorous academic challenges that will prepare them for high school and college. They graduate with an astounding depth of knowledge, a desire to learn more, and the drive to pursue their goals.

Our English curriculum allows students to explore their

Laboratory investigation is a key part of this learning.

includes classic as well as modern works. In mathematics,

civilizations, the Enlightenment, the founding of our

talents through structured and creative writing. Literature students are grouped by ability. All students complete

Algebra I by the end of Eighth Grade, and some complete Algebra II with an exposure to geometry.

In science, students learn to apply the scientific method

to a variety of life, earth, and physical science questions.

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History and geography include the study of ancient nation, and more.

Every student completes an annual research assignment,

culminating in the cross-curricular Castalia Project in Eighth Grade. Students choose their topics and spend months researching and preparing for presentations.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The real world begins in

OUR WORLD. Middle School provides an opportunity for students to broaden their experiences beyond the Calvert campus. Community service activities allow students to get involved and make a difference. Our special subjects, such as foreign language, technology, music, fine arts, physical education, and health, are designed to be relevant to the world in which we live.

In technology, students study digital photography and

digital arts, including the taking and editing of photographs,

typography, graphic design, and webpage development.

The fine arts program inspires creativity and encourages

self-expression with an immersive studio art experience

just on language but on the cultures of each country. In addition to their French or Spanish class, all Eighth Grade students study Latin.

Physical education classes promote cooperation within

that includes sculpture, painting, collage, and more. Calvert

the framework of exercise and games. Almost all of our

and art history. The music program enriches students with

at least one season of an interscholastic sport. Fifth Grade

also provides thorough classes in drama, rhetoric, music, experience in keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, drums, and vocals.

The study of Spanish or French is a component of the

Middle School experience, as well. Emphasis is placed not

Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade students participate in students take part in intramural sports. Health education

brings real-world issues to bear, such as the impact of alcohol and drugs on the body, nutrition, cardiovascular health, and first aid training.

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CLAIRE FRANKEL ’10 Phillips Academy, Andover Calvert Graduate

I loved the atmosphere at Calvert. It’s such a positive place. I made great friendships with the students in my class, as well as many in other grades. The teachers are incredibly supportive and willing to offer extra help, too. While the course work is definitely rigorous, I always felt that my teachers were rooting for me. It’s this kind of learning environment that made it possible for me to attend a school like Phillips Academy.

ONCE A CALVERT STUDENT

REUEL “RU” BELT ’96 Assistant to the Maryland Attorney General Calvert Graduate

I will always remember an assignment from Ms. Moore’s composition class. Each student tasted pieces of various apples, and then we discussed not just the taste of each apple, but the texture, mass, and color. This folder paper helped me develop the ability to be descriptive when expressing my thoughts through writing – about any subject. Lessons like this showed me a different approach to learning, which remains with me today, as I continue to be intrigued, curious, and enjoy new discoveries.

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SOPHIA SOURLIS ’06 Duke University Calvert Graduate

The transition to high school can sometimes be difficult, both socially and academically. However, because of the discipline and commitment Calvert instilled in me, I was able to hit the ground running. I participated in a lot of activities, and still did well academically. Calvert gave me the confidence I needed to succeed, in high school, and now at Duke.

ALWAYS A CALVERT STUDENT.

STEVEN THOMAS ’59 CEO and Managing Director, Thomas & Libowtiz, P.A. Calvert Graduate

Most successes I have achieved can be traced to my exposure to the Calvert curriculum. It defines the fundamentals of learning, and teaches service and responsibility. I (and my children, who also attended Calvert) can attest to the benefits of an education that comprises digital-age technology, and a strongly rooted curriculum.

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We’d like to get

A BIGGER PICTURE OF YOUR CHILD. Our Admission team is eager to get to know your child and welcome you to our campus. Please read through the enclosed information and call our Admission Office at the number below to arrange a visit.

We also encourage you to spend time exploring our website to gain a greater perspective on Calvert School and our unique approach to education.

Admission Office 410-243-6054

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Website www.calvertschoolmd.org

105 Tuscany Road ¡ Baltimore, MD 21210

CALVERT SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT Calvert School is dedicated to educating boys and girls through its timetested method of teaching and its rigorous curriculum. Particular emphasis is given to mastering essential skills, inspiring a lifelong love of learning, and instilling enthusiasm, responsibility, and self-discipline. Calvert seeks to develop students of high academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and strong moral character within a supportive and diverse community.