C lower school of B the A s
welcome!
At Gilman, we embrace the great responsibility that comes with educating young boys during their most impressionable years. We hope you can enjoy exploring the A-B-Cs of Gilman and learning more about our mission to educate boys in mind, body, and spirit. We are thrilled you are interested in exploring Gilman, and we look forward to working with your family!
adventure
Being a student at Gilman is like going on an adventure. From traditional learning in the classroom to unique experiences on field trips; from engaging assemblies as a Lower School community to time spent on our sprawling campus, we make new discoveries every day!
boys
Celebrating boys is what we do best at Gilman. Our dynamic curriculum encourages boys at every age and stage of their educational, social, and emotional development to discover their own innate talents and interests.
concerts
In winter and spring, all boys in Lower School perform in vocal concerts, having worked on pitch, rhythm, form, and harmony. Beginning in third grade, students can audition for the Treble T’s choral ensemble.
diversity
Our diverse and inclusive community respects and values each individual as we celebrate our unique stories and collective experiences.
At Gilman, everyone finds a place where they belong.
exploration
Every square foot of Gilman’s 57-acre campus is a learning opportunity. Teachers enthusiastically lead the boys on outdoor adventures in all kinds of weather, exploring Stony Run stream and our campus ecosystem, as well as the Alpine Tower and Lower School garden, often referred to as the outdoor classrooms.
friends (including finney!)
Each boy’s Gilman journey begins with making friends and building relationships. Every classroom, grade, and division recognizes that the very best learning occurs collaboratively with the support of peers, teachers, and coaches. Gilman’s greyhound mascot, named Finney after legendary Headmaster Redmond C. S. Finney, is a friend to all!
gilman five
The Gilman Five —Honor, Integrity, Respect, Humility, and Excellence — are the values that are instilled in each student, shaping boys of promise into men of character.
house program
The Lower School House Program fosters a deep sense of belonging in an inclusive, supportive environment. Faculty, staff, and second through fourth grade students are sorted into five “houses,” all of which build their own unifying sense of identity and community. Students enjoy engaging in activities and character-development lessons while collaborating with peers.
I iditarod
Faculty members have the freedom to bring the curriculum to life through innovative teaching with hands-on learning. One example of this original curriculum is third grade’s study of the Iditarod, an annual long-distance sled dog race in Alaska, which incorporates math, writing, science, and geography.
With teachers who deliver engaging instruction, classmates who offer support and camaraderie, and an environment designed specifically for boys as they grow into the best versions of themselves, who wouldn’t be full of joy?
Kknown, loved, challenged
Known, loved, challenged is one of Gilman’s mantras.
Through academics, arts, and athletics, teachers and coaches get to know boys on a deeper level, resulting in authentic relationships that are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to each student’s personal growth and success.
learning to learn
We intentionally teach our Lower School boys habits of mind early so that they become strong scholars and develop a lifelong love of learning.
modern languages
Beginning in pre-k and kindergarten, boys are given exposure to both French and Spanish through activities that develop listening comprehension and conversational skills. Students continue with either French or Spanish depending on whether they enter prep-one or first grade the following year.
numbers
Through the use of manipulatives and interactive activities, boys develop a deep understanding of conceptual and abstract mathematical knowledge. They apply these skills individually and collaboratively to solve problems using reasoning, creativity, and communication.
opportunities
From visual arts and woodworking to musical and performing arts; from athletic skills development to swimming (and in fourth grade, water polo!); from modern languages to robotics; from a state-of-the-art library to dozens of after-school enrichment clubs, the opportunities at Gilman are endless!
play
At Gilman, play is essential to the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of students. It is an important learning tool that creatively stretches young minds to make meaningful connections.
questions
Boys are encouraged to ask questions and consider different points of view, a demonstration of how Gilman’s Lower School emphasizes curiosity as well as critical thinking and collaboration.
reading
From letter recognition to phonemic awareness and from comprehension to literature circles, Gilman takes boys on a journey from learning to read to reading to learn throughout their time in Lower School.
science
Whether in the classroom, lab, garden, or on off-campus field trips, science instruction focuses on increasing a boy’s thirst for knowledge, gathering data, and sharing the wonders of our Earth and all living things.
tradition
Starting with Engineering Day in pre-k and the Kindy 500 in kindergarten, all boys at Gilman enjoy activities steeped in tradition. Some traditions include all divisions — like convocations throughout the school year — and others are special for each grade level, like the prep-one play, third grade’s Day of Discovery, and the overnight trip to St. Mary’s City in fourth grade.
unique
Gilman understands how boys learn best and celebrates each one on his unique journey.
With unmatched academics, a strong athletic program that emphasizes both skill and sportsmanship, a myriad of artistic opportunities, and after-school enrichment options — including Chess Club — Gilman strives to unlock the greatness in each boy.
volunteer
Lower School boys actively volunteer to support Baltimore organizations that address food insecurity and assist those in need. Integrated into the curriculum for all Lower School grades, the service learning program fosters a deeper understanding of community contributions while promoting empathy, integrity, and respect.
woodworking
Beginning in prep-one, students enjoy Design & Woodworking class as part of the arts program, better known as D&W. Boys work safely with hammers, sanding tools, glue, saws, and other materials to create wooden cars, a key hook, a fish weathervane, and more.
Boys learn musical concepts through listening, singing, movement, or playing instruments, including xylophones. They lift their voices in song and truly feel the beat.
xylophone
youthful
At Gilman, we embrace the great responsibility that comes with educating boys during their most impressionable years. Our mission to develop every boy in mind, body, and spirit is a commitment that begins in the Lower School.
