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More than a School
Why Key?
Key School is not just where students attend classes; it’s the formative experience that prepares them for success in college and beyond.
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Why Key?
Academic Mastery
Learning That Goes Deeper
Academic Mastery
Academic mastery at Key means more than earning strong grades. Through inquiry-driven coursework, discussion-based classes, and real-world connections, students develop a deep understanding, critical judgment, and the ability to apply their learning in new and complex situations, preparing them for college and a lifetime of intellectual curiosity.
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87%
of graduates earn merit scholarships to college
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38%
matriculate to Research 1 Universities
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College Prep
Purpose-Driven
College Prep
Key is one of Maryland’s most sought-after college preparatory programs, and for good reason. Students arrive at college confident, capable, and fully prepared for its academic demands. Key graduates matriculate to top colleges across the country and thrive when they get there.
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90+
hours of college advising, planning, test strategies, and support
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100+
colleges & universities visit Key each year
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Small is Big
Small By Design
Big Impact
Small is not just a number at Key. It is a philosophy. Intentionally small classes allow teachers to know their students deeply, tailor instruction, and respond to individual needs. The result is a learning experience that is personal, rigorous, and responsive, where every student is seen and supported.
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16
Average Class Size
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6:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
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Community That Cares
More Than a Campus
A Community That Cares
Key is a diverse community where every student is known and supported. Small classes and strong relationships create an environment where students feel safe taking intellectual risks and confident being themselves.
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118
Faculty
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665
Students
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Leadership in Action
Arts, Athletics, Outdoors
Leadership in Action
Students are encouraged to participate fully in every aspect of school life, from the classroom to the stage, the field, the outdoors, and the broader community. Through championship athletics, a robust arts program, outdoor education, and intentional leadership opportunities, students develop confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of purpose as they explore who they are and who they want to become.
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60+
Clubs and Activities for Leadership Opportunities
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80%
of Students Participate in Interscholastic Athletics
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One Community
Growing Together
Upper School
Grades 9 - 12
Challenging academics and meaningful relationships prepare students to lead with purpose beyond Key.
Middle School
Grades 5 - 8
A supportive community empowers students to think deeply, speak confidently, and grow as individuals.
Lower School
Grades 1-4
Students explore big ideas through active, creative learning that builds independence and empathy.
First School
2½ yrs - Kindergarten
Playful, hands-on experiences spark curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in our youngest students.
The Key Difference
Beyond the Classroom
Outdoor Education
Outdoor education is central to how every student learns and leads at Key. Through shared challenges and hands-on experiences on the Chesapeake Bay, along local trails, and in our own backyard, students build resilience, teamwork, and confidence while deepening their connection to the natural world.
College Advising
College advising is a defining strength of the Key experience. Through a highly personal and strategic process that begins early and evolves over time, students are guided toward colleges that are the right academic and personal fit. The result is confident, informed choices and strong outcomes that extend well beyond admission.
Athletics
With more than 80 percent of students participating, Key’s athletics program offers broad opportunities to compete, grow, and lead across 38 interscholastic teams. With 23 championship titles and opportunities to play multiple sports, students develop athletic skill, teamwork, and discipline. Just as important, they gain lessons that extend beyond the court or field, building confidence, resilience, and leadership that support success in every area of life.
Summer at Key
Summer at Key extends the school year's spirit into the summer months, offering engaging programs for our families and the wider community. Students have the opportunity to return to campus as counselors and mentors, gaining leadership experience and workplace skills in a familiar, supportive environment. For families, Summer at Key provides meaningful enrichment rooted in the same values of curiosity, connection, and care that define the Key experience year-round.
Theater
Key School’s theater program invites students to explore creativity, collaboration, and self-expression through every aspect of the theatrical process. From acting and playwriting to directing, design, and technical production, students learn by doing, taking thoughtful risks and discovering new ways to communicate. Along the way, they build confidence, teamwork, and a shared sense of creative joy that carries far beyond the stage.
Student Leadership
Student leadership is intentionally taught and practiced from Kee-Wee through senior year. From Lower School Student Ambassadors to Middle and Upper School Student Forum, peer outdoor leaders, admission ambassadors, and Upper School activity leaders, students develop leadership skills through both classroom interactions and formal roles.
In their own words
Voices of Key
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![Bowman Family]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785851717/keyschool/cssk0wuxconwjoyqes7v/Bowmans.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785851717/keyschool/cssk0wuxconwjoyqes7v/Bowmans.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785851717/keyschool/cssk0wuxconwjoyqes7v/Bowmans.jpg","width":735}])
Board Member Brooke Bowman & Jeff Bowman
We chose Key because of its outstanding academic reputation and the strong sense of community we saw from its families and alumni.
Parents Class of 2033, 2036, & 2037
- Parents
![Demo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778689511/keyschool/apobghntdpb5pxjagl7v/JarvisMahone.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778689511/keyschool/apobghntdpb5pxjagl7v/JarvisMahone.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778689511/keyschool/apobghntdpb5pxjagl7v/JarvisMahone.jpg","width":735}])
Jarvis Mahone
Current Student
Key has become more than just a school to me. It’s a community that encourages growth, individuality, and connection.
Class of 2027
- Student
![Demo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778169651/keyschool/vpboybbbg19fdsi2hvlf/JaneZangerTestimonial.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778169651/keyschool/vpboybbbg19fdsi2hvlf/JaneZangerTestimonial.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778169651/keyschool/vpboybbbg19fdsi2hvlf/JaneZangerTestimonial.jpg","width":735}])
Jane Zanger
Faculty
I strive to create a classroom that is a warm community of connected learners who take risks, learn from their mistakes, and feel safe enough to challenge their world views.
Middle School Humanities Department Head
- Faculty
![Demo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778169670/keyschool/zdey9mqtzas5dxfnble8/AndreaAlumniTestimonial.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778169670/keyschool/zdey9mqtzas5dxfnble8/AndreaAlumniTestimonial.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778169670/keyschool/zdey9mqtzas5dxfnble8/AndreaAlumniTestimonial.jpg","width":735}])
Andrea Kames Wood '98
Alum
Key taught me to think critically, take risks, and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. That mindset still shapes how I lead today.
General Manager of the Jordan Brand Kids business at Nike
- Alumni