A MESSAGE FROM MATTHEW NESPOLE MISSION
KEY BY THE NUMBERS THE INSIDE SCOOP OUR CAMPUS
ALL ABOUT KEY CALENDARS
KEY EVEN TS & ACTIVITIES
A MESSAGE FROM THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION (PA) PRESIDENT
ABOUT THE PA
PA LEADERSHIP 2025-2026
LIFE BEYOND KEY
FOLLOW KEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL TIMES
SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT…
ATHLETICS SCHEDULE
VITAL INFORMATION
SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS
KEY’S CULTURE OF GIVING
ABOUT THIS NOTEBOOK
Key School is delighted to provide this handy notebook highlighting important aspects of the Key experience.
A MESSAGE FROM MATTHEW NESPOLE
Dear Key Families,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you—whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another year— to the start of a new school year at Key.
This Family Notebook is designed to be a trusted source throughout the year, offering key information and helpful insights to keep you connected and informed.
As we begin this new chapter together, know that your partnership is central to the life of our school. Your presence matters, and your engagement makes us stronger. We're excited for the year ahead, and ready to get to work.
Best, Matthew Nespole Head of School
Key School was founded in 1958 by several tutors from nearby St. John's College who were interested in offering their children the finest possible academic foundation.
OUR MISSION
Key is founded upon the conviction that children are innately curious about themselves and the world; they want to learn, they want to discover, and they want to create.
Our mission is to nourish and guide this natural exuberance, energy, and delight in the search for meaning, so that each student embraces lifelong learning and develops into an informed, thoughtful, and constructive member of society.
THE KEY DIFFERENCE
Key's innovative approach to teaching and learning is what sets us apart from other independent schools. Key is renowned for our rigorous academic program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary studies and a global perspective, but Key students also experience meaningful connections, value and respect the differences of others, and have a positive outlook on learning and their future. A diverse, supportive, deliberately small community that values academic excellence and nurtures a love of learning is what makes Key School one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland.
(2023-2025 Avg.)
(2021-2025) 43% Students of Color
*2025-2026 Newly Enrolled Students
38% Graduates Attend Research 1 Universities
STUDENTS Key-Wee to Seniors 56% Acceptance
THE GAZEBO
The distinctive gazebos found on campus date back to the property’s earliest days as a farm and are the inspiration for the School’s symbol and mascot.
KEY WAS A FARM?
Learn more about Key’s history, including photos of campus when it was a working farm. WHY ARE WE THE OBEZAGS?
The name was suggested and adopted by students in the late 1960s who wanted the School’s sports team to have a name that not only captured Key’s unique spirit, but also had a meaning that wasn’t immediately apparent to people outside the community. What’s an Obezag? It’s gazebo spelled backwards (of course). It stuck and “Go ‘Zags” can be heard on the sidelines of fields, courts, tracks, and pools.
KEY SCHOOL BOOKSTORE
Key’s online Spirit Store is open 24/7, offering a wide selection of swag from top brands like Carhartt, Nike and lululemon. With dozens of designs featuring our sports teams, theater, robotics, and outdoor education, there’s something for everyone. Shop Here!
KEY’S MURALS
Key School murals are certainly one of the Key’s most unique campus traditions. Beginning as paintings both inside and outside of various buildings, the more recent murals are student-led endeavors, with seniors memorializing their time at Key as a gift to the youngest Obezags. The murals typically depict beloved characters from children's literature.
SUMMER
AT KEY
One of the premier day camps in the area, Key’s award-winning camp provides seven weeks of stimulating and engaging experiences. Summer at KEY offers over 125 different camps and attracts over 1,100 campers annually.
SCHOOL COLORS
Key’s official school colors are navy blue and white. Accent colors used are green, indicative of Key’s commitment to environmental stewardship and barn red as a nod to the property’s origins as a farm. Key athletics use a combination of navy blue, white and gray.
GRADUATION TRADITIONS
Commencement is a uniquely Key event. Seniors select an individual to speak on their behalf during the ceremony; these entertaining and often poignant speeches, given by teachers, classmates, coaches, and family members showcase the value Key places on each individual. In addition to a diploma, all Key graduates receive a keepsake medallion.
Carroll House
Katharine Hall
Maintenance Building
Dove Hall
Willow
Lee Curry Orchard
Obstacle Course
Beach Field
Fusco Athletic Park
OUR CAMPUS
OUR CAMPUS
FUSCO ATHLETIC PARK is a state-of-the-art facility that includes multi-purpose athletic fields, eight tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a 1.7 mile nature trail, a pavilion with locker rooms, and a fully equipped trainer's room. The Park hosts athletic and recreational activities for students in all divisions.
KEY WINS
18 League Championships (2021-2025), 147 All-Conference & All-County Athletes, and 5 Athletes of the Year.
ALL ABOUT KEY
KEY HAS FOUR DIVISIONS, EACH LED BY A DIVISION HEAD
Emphasis on cross-divisional connections is a hallmark of the Key Experience. From Senior Buddies, which connects our oldest students with our youngest, 8th grade story-tellers sharing their work with 2nd graders, and spirit events like the Zag Bowl and Basketball Spirit Nights, cross-divisional learning and fun are built into campus life.
FIRST SCHOOL Key-Wee - Kindergarten
ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR
Provides important school dates that affect all division levels, including the start of school, holiday breaks and planned school closures. Divisional closings are included in the Family Portal’s online calendar.
Friday, August 22 New Student Orientation–Students new-to-Key or a Division (1st, 5th, 9th grades)
Monday, August 25 School Opens for Grades 1-12
Tuesday, August 26 School Opens for First School Students
Monday, September 1 Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 23 Rosh Hashanah – NO SCHOOL
Thursday, October 2 Yom Kippur – NO SCHOOL
Monday, October 13 Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL (Indigenous Peoples Day)
Tuesday, November 25 Thanksgiving Holiday begins at end of the day
Monday, December 1 School Resumes
Friday, December 19 Winter Holiday begins at noon - no After School Program
Monday, January 5 Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 6 School Resumes
Monday, January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
Friday, February 13
Mid-Winter Break begins at end of the day
Monday, February 23 School Resumes
Friday, April 3 Spring Break begins at end of the day
Monday, April 13 Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, April 14 School Resumes
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, June 4 Last Day of School (Normal Dismissal TimeAfter School Program available)
Friday, June 5
Commencement 10:00 a.m.
Monday & Tuesday, June 8 & 9 Snow Contingency Days
Scan for the online calendar
ONLINE COMMUNITY CALENDAR - Provides a detailed view of daily life at Key including School-wide, PA, grade level, and division events, filtered by your interests. Sync the calendar to your computer or phone for easy access to information.
PA POTLUCKS
Each grade hosts gatherings in the fall for parents/guardians to meet and reconnect.
LOWER, MIDDLE & UPPER
SCHOOL BACK-TO-SCHOOL COFFEE, AUGUST 25
Meet new members of the Key community and catch up with other families on the Manse Field right after morning drop-off.
FIRST SCHOOL BACK-TOSCHOOL COFFEE, AUGUST 26
Meet new members of the Key community and catch up with other families on the Manse Field right after morning drop-off.
WELCOME BACK PICNIC, SEPTEMBER 6
Start the school year off right at this fun and free Key community event. Enjoy food, entertainment and fun family activities on the Manse Field.
ZAG BOWL, OCTOBER 3
All are invited to watch the seniors take on the juniors in this traditional, spirited flag football game on Manse Field.
FUN AT FUSCO:
OCTOBER 10 & APRIL 17
Mingle, relax and enjoy food and treats with lots of fun kids’ activities while supporting varsity games at beautiful Fusco Athletic Park.
46TH ANNUAL 5K/10K & FAMILY FUN RUN, OCTOBER 19
Join Key families and the greater community for this long-standing fall PA event and run or walk a USATF-certified course around the Hillsmere neighborhood.
KEY SCHOOL HALLOWEEN PARADE, OCTOBER 31
This long-standing tradition brings the entire school together to parade around the Manse Field in their Halloween costumes. The First & Lower School Halloween Sing-Along follows in the Amphitheater.
KEY SCHOOL 2025
AUCTION, NOVEMBER 8
Enjoy a lovely evening of delicious food and merriment with fellow Key parents/ guardians and bid on dozens of amazing items and experiences.
ALUMNI/AE/X TURKEY BOWL, NOVEMBER 28
Families are invited to join Key alumni/ae/x of all ages for the annual day-after-Thanksgiving soccer game.
JOHN STARR JR.
COFFEEHOUSE, MARCH 27
Enjoy an evening featuring a wide variety of student acts, musical performances and more. The event is open to all families.
PA PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT, MARCH 28
Join us for a day of fun, competition and community at Fusco Athletic Park. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, there’s a spot for you.
ANNAPOLIS BOOK FESTIVAL, MAY 2
Key’s premier annual event featuring over 50 authors, dozens of children’s activities, and a huge used book sale. Free and open to all.
FACULTY/STAFF
APPRECIATION LUNCHEON, MAY 8
Volunteers prepare and serve food to the Key School faculty and staff with a themed luncheon in the Activity Building.
LET’S GET TOGETHER: CRAFT BEER NIGHT, MAY 11
Gather with fellow Key parents/guardians and enjoy appetizers and libations.
CLASS OF 2026 COMMENCEMENT, JUNE 5
All are welcome to celebrate the graduating seniors on the Manse Field.
A MESSAGE FROM PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT
REGINA SPRUILL
Dear Key Families,
On behalf of the Key School Parents’ Association (PA), I welcome you to the 2025-2026 school year. I would like to extend a special welcome to all the new families and a warm welcome back to all the returning families.
Our motto this year is to promote “A thriving Key community.” You are automatically a member of the PA as the parent/guardian of a Key student. It is with your active participation that the PA supports and promotes the many activities and events that bring us together as the Key School community. We rely on parent volunteers to lead and support these events, so your involvement is central to their success.
I look forward to serving as your PA President again this year and to our shared focus of promoting our thriving Key community.
Best,
Regina Spruill
2025-2026 Parents’ Association President papresident@keyschool.org
Key Parent - Class of 2027
ABOUT THE PA
The Parents’ Association offers monthly meetings with keynote speakers. The first meeting, September 3 in the Barn Commons, features, features Head of School Matthew Nespole. All are welcome.
The Key School Parents’ Association seeks to promote the Mission of the School by providing opportunities for service and communication. The PA is committed to sustaining goodwill and unity throughout the School community and believes the active involvement of all families is vital to supporting, understanding and enriching the educational experience for Key’s students.
PA LEADERSHIP 2025-2026
The PA is led by a group of officers who are guided by the PA bylaws:
Officers
President
Regina Spruill
Vice President
Nicole Mainor
Secretary
Robin Goebel
Treasurer
Shannon Benil
Nominating & Volunteer Coordinator
Jade Charles
PA Representatives
Athletics Liaison
Chelsea Chaney ‘07 & Bethany King
Community Building
Funmi Adeyosoye
DEIB Liaison
India Rogers-Perez
Division Representatives
Upper School
Shirin Sahandy ‘95
Middle School
Taryn Dorsey
Lower School
Lauren Ridzon
First School
Hilarey Leonard
You are the PA! All Key School community members are automatically members; there are no dues or applications to complete. Get to know and reconnect with other Key families by attending the potlucks that each grade schedules in the fall. Attend the PA monthly meetings, which are open to all and provide community information and feature speakers on a variety of School-related topics. It is an opportunity to learn about ways to take an active role in planning PA events or participate in whatever volunteer capacity works for each family.
The PA organizes fun, rewarding and convenient opportunities to keep every community member involved in the life of the School. The PA emails communications about events and other activities through Grade Liaisons, the PA President's monthly letter, the Key Connection, and the Thursday Reminder.
Grade Liaisons
12th Grade Kirsten Chapman & Hilary Raftovich
11th Grade Tina Jones-Johnson
10th Grade Christine Thompson
9th Grade Maria Lochner
8th Grade Kristy Miller
7th Grade Jenna Billard
6th Grade Kate McQuade
5th Grade Elizabeth Perry
4th Grade Lorna Ditze
3rd Grade Ross Smith
2nd Grade Wayne Pinkney
1st Grade India Rogers-Perez
Kindergarten Claire Bowdren ‘08
Pre-Kindergarten Candace Price
Pre-School Lizzie Allsopp
Key-Wee Michelle Whitehead
Event Chairs
5k/10k & Family Fun Run
Megan Anderson ‘01 & Bethany King
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Jenna Billard & Lauren Stockum
PA Pickleball Tournament
Chelsea Chaney ‘07
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know studies show children of parents/guardians who take an active role in their student’s education improve in academic achievement?
So let’s get started; scan the code with your phone’s camera to find out how you can support events sponsored by the Parents’ Association and help students and teachers in classrooms, offices and libraries. volunteer today!
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PA?
CONTACT: Regina Spruill, papresident@keyschool.org
LIFE BEYOND KEY
With its first graduating class in 1971, Key is proud to have more than 1,750 graduates living in more than 40 states and 30 countries. Key alumni/ae/x work in a wide variety of professions, including architecture, arts, computer science/information technology, education, engineering, film and television, finance, government/public policy, law marketing/non-profit, medicine, and general science.
KEY’S
NEWEST ALUMS ARE GOING PLACES!
The Class of 2025 successfully and enthusiastically completed a thorough, intense and reflective process to choose their colleges. They will be attending schools all over the country, running the gamut from large public universities, small liberal arts colleges, Research 1 universities, HBCUs, and more.
ACCEPTANCES & MATRICULATIONS
Scan the code with your phone’s camera for a full list of college acceptances and matriculations.
FOLLOW KEY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/keyschool facebook.com/annapolisbookfestival
INSTAGRAM:
@theKeySchool
@KeySchoolUpper
@KeySchoolMiddle
@KeySchoolLower
@KeySchoolFirst
@Obezags
@annapolisbookfestival
FLICKR: flickr.com/keyschoolannapolis
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL TIMES
FIRST SCHOOL
Key-Wee, Pre-Kindergarten
8:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Kindergarten 8:20 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
Key-Wee Class of 2041
Pre-School Class of 2040
Pre-Kindergarten Cla ss of 2039
Kindergarten Class of 2038
1st Grade Class of 2037
2nd Grade Class of 2036
3rd Grade Class of 2035
4th Grade Class of 2034
5th Grade Class of 2033
6th Grade Class of 2032
7th Grade Class of 2031
8th Grade Class of 2030
9th Grade Class of 2029 10th Grade Class of 2028 11th Grade Class of 202 7 12th Grade Class of 202 6
8:15 a.m. – 3:25 p.m. LOWER SCHOOL 8:20 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
8:15 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
Key School strives to communicate effectively with families and manage the volume of email. Below is a sample of the types of regular communication families can receive:
• A monthly e-bulletin, The Key Connection
• A weekly email reminder, Thursday Reminder
• Division Head/teacher/All-School email
• Email and text notifications of weather-related closings, delayed openings or other necessary changes in School schedules or operating protocols
• Family Notebook
FAMILY PORTAL
Go to the password-protected Family Portal, which is found by clicking on Login at the top of Key’s homepage for the most up-to-date School information.
• See reports, keep household information up-to-date, and add money to the Osprey’s Nest account in Family Center.
• Access the online/printable Student/Family Directory
• Get forms and other resources
• Access Magnus Health
• Find information about the PA and PA events
CLASS OF 2025 STUDENT OUTCOMES
QUESTIONS ABOUT...
YOUR STUDENT’S ABSENCE, LATE ARRIVAL OR EARLY PICK-UP
First School - fsattendance@keyschool.org
Lower School - lsattendance@keyschool.org
Middle School - msattendance@keyschool.org
Upper School - usattendance@keyschool.org
YOUR STUDENT’S MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL OR OTHER HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUES
School Nurse Katie Anderson: kanderson@keyschool.org; 410.263.9231, ext. 1204
First & Lower School Counselor: Nicole Banks - nbanks@keyschool.org
Middle School Counselor: Kristen Caminiti - kcaminiti@keyschool.org
Upper School Counselor: Ali Kullman - akullman@keyschool.org
YOUR STUDENT’S FOOD SERVICE
LunchLink (Formerly Wholesome Foods) (Key-Wee-Grade 4) www.wholesomefoodservices.com
Osprey’s Nest Account (Grades 5-12)
Caroline Ewing - cewing@keyschool.org; 443.321.7833
YOUR FACTS ACCOUNT OR OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
Sue Clayton - sclay ton@keyschool.org; 443.321.7832
YOUR STUDENT’S ATHLETIC PRACTICE OR GAME SCHEDULE www.keyschool.org /program/athletics
KEY’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & BELONGING PROGRAM
Vanessa Gutierrez - vgutierrez@keyschool.org; 410.263.9231, ext 1303
YOU KNOW?
KEY’S CARPOOL MODULE
Did you know Key has a Carpool Module on the Family Portal, which is a Google-based map that allows current parents to view other Key School families who live in close proximity?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS
Head of School
Matthew Nespole
410.263.9231, ext 1222 mnespole@keyschool.org
First School Division Head
Becky Fetters
443.321.7865 bfetters@keyschool.org
Lower School Division Head
Kristen Addison 443.321.7870 kaddison@keyschool.org
Middle School Division Head
Dave Magnus 443.321.7875 dmagnus@keyschool.org
Upper School Division Head
ATHLETICS SCHEDULE
Provides information of each team’s practice and game schedules as well as a button to view that day’s events.
VITAL INFORMATION
CALLING KEY Main Campus 410.2 63.9231 First School
CALLING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM First
63.9231 x 1270
FINDING FACULTY & STAFF
CONTACT INFORMATION www.keyschool.org/facultyandstaff
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
(Middle & Upper Schools)
Sarah Judd
410.263.9231, ext 1257 sjudd@keyschool.org
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Brian Michaels
443.321.7880 bmichaels@keyschool.org
Director of Academic Technology
Nina Austin 443.321.7804 naustin@keyschool.org
Director of Advancement
Anissa Kossakowski 443.321.7825 akossakowski@keyschool.org
Director of Communication
Kate Austin 443.321.7811 kaustin@keyschool.org
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
(First & Lower Schools)
Jennifer Ramsey 410.263.9231, ext 1280 jramsey@keyschool.org
Vanessa Gutierrez 443.321.7809 vgutierrez@keyschool.org
Director of Enrollment & Outreach
Shamika Thompson 410.263.9231, ext 1226 sthompson@keyschool.org
Director of Facilities
Noel Gasparin
410.263.9231, ext 1267 ngasparin@keyschool.org
Director of Finance & Operations
Caroline Ewing 443.321.7833 cewing@keyschool.org
Director of Human Resources, People and Culture
Natalie Hood 443.321.7808 nhood@keyschool.org
