On Friday, August 30th, Gerstell Academy Upper School students and faculty traveled to First Fruits Farm in Freeland, Maryland to spend the day harvesting corn and potatoes to share with local food banks and homeless shelters. Community service is an integral part of the Gerstell mission, and students, faculty and staff participate in this annual service opportunity. 

This summer’s lower school “One School, One Book” reading selection was Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr.  Upon completion of the book, students were asked to create a project based on the book.  On Friday, August 30th, the Lower School students celebrated First Friday with the day’s events centered around the general themes of the book and a showcase of the projects created. 

The summer of 2024 may be remembered for long stretches of hot and humid days; however, on an idyllic fall-like day, Gerstell welcomed teachers back to campus!  As preparations for the new academic year are complete, faculty welcome new and returning students into their classrooms

On June 24, students, parents, and an alum from Gerstell Academy traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, on an eleven-day trip to experience the culture, religion, history, and food of the region. They were accompanied by history teacher David Greenspoon, who led the trip, and science department head Elaine Shea, who chaperoned.

Fourteen middle school students traveled to the Florida Keys on June 12th for a 4-day trip to explore some of our nation’s most diverse marine ecosystems and to gain a new appreciation for science. 

On Thursday, June 6th, the Gerstell community gathered in the Paterakis Athletic Center to celebrate the 8th grade graduates. Members of the class of 2028 performed the National Anthem, and graduate Jalen Blackwell addressed the students. Jacob Betz, class of 2015 returned to deliver the 8th grade graduation address.