The Bryn Mawr School

109 West Melrose Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21210

32 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 15, 2024

Wow. Where to even begin.Sent 2 daughters here and can not emphasize how awful the school is considering the yearly 40k tuition. Below is a summary of what I have gathered:- Teachers: Ok. 30% good 70% not good. The science teachers specifically have gotten worse with the new hirings. This last year, 5 upper school teachers left. Many students and parents came together to write a proposal advocating for more diverse teachers- and what did the school do? Hire 4 white teachers- 3 of them being male.- Very very clicky. If you want your daughter having constant drama, and questioning their socioeconomic status, I guess this is the school for you.- Food: You would think that the amount of tuition parents are paying that the food would be high grade and full of nutrition- this is far from true. A SMALL sandwich costs you 15 minutes wait in line and $7. The daily hot meals will cost you 20 minutes of your time to wait in line and anywhere upwards of $13. A fruit cup with about 7 slices of fruit will cost you $4.50 and a small lemonade will cost you $5.50 (more expensive than starbucks!!!)Academics: GRADE DEFLATION- Grade deflation at Bryn Mawr is very real my daughters have upwards of 3 hours of homework each night. I know this because they are constantly doing homework in our home office. My daughters had to quit their sports (tennis and lacrosse) just because of how much time and energy homework was taking.- Overall: NOT worth money or time at all. The amount of students getting in to the top colleges is very very little. You can see for yourself by looking on each classes instagram page acceptances and in the yearbook they give you for $50. No wonder that such a "wonderful, "top," and "enriching" school does not provide this information on their website. The new hires are terrible. My youngest daughter's senior science teacher taught we be absolutely nothing and ranted about his life. Her new AP Computer Science teacher made them stare at slides all class and expected them to understand the content for the next class with a 12 point quiz. Every single class!! - Gosh literally while she was applying for colleges!! That must have been exhausting. College counselors are mid. I would highly recommend getting an essay tutor outside of school. They were never in their offices when my daughters had questions when their whole job is to be there for students whether by meeting or just showing up!!!
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2024

Bryn Mawr is an exceptional institution for young women with high academic aspirations. Our experience with the school has been overwhelmingly positive, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to families seeking a robust and empowering educational environment. Bryn Mawr excels in fostering independence and resilience among its students, encouraging them to navigate challenges with minimal intervention. This approach not only cultivates self-reliance but also prepares students for the demands of higher education and beyond.The faculty at Bryn Mawr are dedicated and approachable, always available to provide support and guidance whenever needed. Their commitment to student success is evident in the personalized attention each student receives, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or unsupported. This level of engagement from the teachers is instrumental in helping students achieve their full potential.One of my favorite parts about Bryn Mawr is the vibrant and inclusive school community. There is a palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the students, which creates a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere. This strong sense of community is integral to the Bryn Mawr experience, as it fosters lasting friendships and a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom.My wife and I believe that Bryn Mawr is an outstanding choice for parents seeking an academically rigorous and supportive environment for their daughters. The school's balanced approach to student empowerment, coupled with its dedicated faculty and strong sense of community, makes it an ideal setting for young women to thrive both academically and personally. Highly recommended!!!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2023

Worst private school in Baltimore. Teachers are very passive, and they do not want to teach. Wasted my child's time by sending her to this awful school. You are better sending your student to the public schools do not send them here.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2023

i am dissatisfied by this school it is extremely trashy
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2021

New parent here (Asian) and feel that this school is top notch for the area. Yes, competitive. Yes, decent expectations. Yes, good community. Yes, like minded children and great parents. From the 3 months we've been here, coming from another area private school (where we loved the community), we believe this school is incredible. It will not solve the societal ills, nor make your child a brainiac or popular. What they do is provide a solid curriculum in math, reading, science, physical activity and success. What they do provide is a diverse background of children, ranging from all over the globe, NOT just from the 'county and city'. Other comments I've seen about 'racism' or 'nurturing' sound more about perceived slights than actual action. I find all the parents and kids to be fantastic, and we all want our kids to succeed. But, the truth is that for a variety of reasons, not all kids are ready for some aspects of this school (or any school). Doesn't mean the school isn't doing a good job. I think we can all see that this school does a great job in preparing girls for not just the next steps in life, but life itself.Just my two cents...maybe it will change. I have no idea whether they address bullying or learning differences (assuming they mean out of the ordinary, not just normal ones)...as it seems that isn't really much of an issue in my daughter's classes.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2021

Don’t bother applying unless you’re attaching a 20k “charitable donation” to your daughters application. We were rejected and I highly believe it’s because we didn’t pay our way into being accepted. I don’t think as though this school works with children with learning disabilities. They declined our daughter and stated that it was due to their academic standards “not being a match”. Thin line for discriminatory language.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2021

Worst private school in Baltimore. Teachers are very passive, and they do not want to teach. Wasted my child's time by sending her to this awful school. You are better sending your student to the public school and saving 30k a year.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2020

Bryn Mawr School’s highly academic reputation is questionable. If you are consideringto spend $33,000.- in tuition plus all additional expenses - - think it twice! A small percentage of students who graduate from BMS are accepted to top colleges and the few who make it have to struggle because of inadequate preparation. The school does not instill a spirit of community nor diversity but ratherencourages a sense of “click” groups which do not include international or minority students. “Click” groups operate based on social and financial statusand admissions are based on generous donations and not academic achievement. In short the school breeds self-centered and arrogant young women who willnot be prepared to succeed or interact in today’s world.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2020

Poor, and I wish I should have closely listened to the current students. STAY AWAY from this school.
Submitted by other on May 14, 2019

This schools lacks academic rigor. Very disappointed with what our child is actually learning here.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2019

I have been a parent for seven years and couldn't be more pleased with the education my daughtger is receiving at Bryn Mawr. My daughter is currently in the Middle School and every step along the way has been a pleasure for our family. The school helps foster independence in my daughter while also nurturing her in a warm and friendly environment. In the Middle School she is learning to take ownership of her education, finding her voice, take healthy risks and learning from her mistakes as well. I think what I am most impressed with is that she thinking critically and independently. She asks questions, listens to her peers and has an open-mind about the world. I also love that the school partners directly with the parents and helps them along every stage of development. We are very pleased with our experience!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2019

Simply no better place in Baltimore for girls-- to learn, grow, discover and develop confidence that will help them soar in life.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2019

Terrible school, you will find out after paying quarter million dollars and wasting 12 years of your child's life.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2019

Fantastic experience K-12. Exceptional education in an academically competitive yet nurturing and supportive environment.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2018

As a parent of Bryn Mawr alums I am so pleased with my daughters’ experiences and with the lasting impact the school has had on their lives as they continue through college and beyond. They have developed excellent critical thinking and communications skills, they are so seedlings advocates for themselves and others and they have confidence in themselves. Also as importantly they have made wonderful lifelong friendships.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2018

Our experience was deplorable and so glad we got out of there.
Submitted by principal on September 19, 2017

My child has had an amazing experience at Bryn Mawr. The teachers are caring and concerned and the development I've witnessed if off the charts. Bryn Mawr is a warm and welcoming community with superior academics.
Submitted by student on May 04, 2017

After going back and forth whether or not I should leave a review, I decided it was important enough to share. Bryn Mawr does a great job of presenting how amazing, diverse, and accepting they are of everyone. It's actually quite ironic though. Yes, they are supportive and accepting of difference races, sexualities, and economic status, however, when it comes to diversity of thought, not only is it not supported, it is suppressed, discouraged, and silenced. They are so focused on being open minded, that they're minds are closed. Not only is diversity of thought, and discussion the key to solutions and innovation, but learning how to listen, discuss, and tolerate different ideas than your own, is a key part to being successful as an adult. If you are looking into this school, I urge to take this into consideration. Another conflict that follows very closely with the previous issue, is their disapproval of any learning style other than the "Bryn Mawr inside the box" learning type. If a student has any sort of learning disability, learning difference, or even just thinks/learns outside the box, is neither supported nor accepted. This is not mention the unbelievable pressure put on students by incessant peer competition and lack of teacher support. It is very telling about the school environment when 12 seniors give there convocation about they're time at Sheppard Pratt (eating disorders, depression, anxiety, etc.). After transferring to a public high school from Bryn Mawr, there isn't a day that I regret or even question my decision to leave Bryn Mawr. I am now thriving, I am now happy, I'm now growing into my own person with individuality, and I am now learning how to learn and succeed, which in the end is the goal of school isn't it? The largest takeaway for me, was that I finally learned, after leaving Bryn Mawr, that success is not a destination; it is the distance you travel. Traveling far is difficult when you are beaten down and discouraged with every step you take.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2017

My daughter attended this school. Things were not always easy for her but she thrived with the help of her instructors and advisors. As parents, we need to realize that it is OUR job to raise our children the "right" way. Yes, the schools has a major role to play but it all starts at home, with the school there to back us up and make sure our kids face the consequences of their actions. No school is perfect, Bryn Mawr could use some improvement in all areas but from what I see out there, it is one of the best schools around.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2016

As an alumna, and parent of one daughter in the middle school, I can say that the academics at Bryn Mawr are second to none. I never experienced the bullying mentioned by several posters, nor has my daughter, but I can't say that it hasn't happened - it happens EVERYWHERE sadly. I believe the school is making great strides to keep the behavior at bay, and has advisors, counselors and staff that nip it in the bud if it does start. Bryn Mawr is not the right school for everyone, but for a driven, intelligent girl, who wants to get a top-notch education, there is not a better school around. PS - the people who post about Bryn Mawr and have numerous typos, grammatical errors, etc... have clearly NOT gone to the school. The small class size and extensive writing that is required provide an unparalleled preparation for the rigors of college.