Why Families Choose Calvert

Academics rank high for parents choosing the right independent school for their family, but finding a place where children will grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally can be just as meaningful. This group of Calvert parents describes a school that challenges students academically while also nurturing curiosity, building character, and creating a genuine sense of belonging for students and families alike.

 

Here are their answers to prospective parents’ frequently asked questions.

 

For many families, Calvert’s appeal begins with the feeling they experience the moment they walk through the doors. Calvert parents describe a warm, welcoming environment where students are genuinely known by their teachers and administrators.

 

Ashley M. immediately noticed the strong relationships between faculty and students when her two daughters began attending Calvert three years ago.

 

“There just seems to be this closeness and camaraderie between the staff and the students. The staff is really dedicated to these children,” she shared. “They engage with them, and there's this closeness and warmth. That’s a main reason why my kids want to come to school. They enjoy interacting not only with the students, but with their teachers and the administrators."

 

Parents also appreciate that Calvert develops the whole child rather than focusing solely on academics. Calvert alumnus Paul W. believes that balance sets the school apart.

 

“It’s not just the best students coming out of Calvert, but really good people. They leave with a great set of values, strong people skills, and a lot of soft skills,” Paul said. “That balance of EQ and IQ prepared me for life.”

Families also value the breadth of opportunities available to every student. Stephanie and Sal R. have watched their older daughter thrive across disciplines. They’re excited to see what is in store for their younger daughter, a Fifth Ager, and later their 2-year-old son.

 

Stephanie says, “Calvert is very good at math, science, and languages while adjusting the curriculum to where your child is. At the same time, seeing our older daughter’s development in art has been amazing. She has learned to play chess, learned to ride a two-wheeler at camp, and has reached some pretty big milestones as part of her Calvert experience.”

 

 

For Tiffany P., seeing her son excited about school confirms that her family made the right decision when choosing a private K–8  school in Baltimore.

 

“My experience at Calvert has been extraordinary because my son is happy. He's learning new things. He's blossoming academically and in his relationships, and he’s shown remarkable leadership.”

 

Parents also point to the ways in which teachers invest in children beyond the classroom. Liz and Chris A. have seen faculty members attend weekend sporting events to cheer on their students, including their two sons — a Seventh Ager and a Tenth Ager.

 

“Teachers and administrators will show up on a weekend just to support the kids. It's nice to see them invested not only in what happens in the classroom, but in the kids’ outside interests too.”

 

Ashley M. says those types of connections fuel her daughters’ enthusiasm for learning.

 

“They're excited to go to school every single morning. Calvert creates an atmosphere the kids want to be part of. Because they want to be here, they learn better.”

 

Rather than measuring success only by grades, parents see Calvert helping children become confident, engaged learners who genuinely enjoy coming to school.

 

Parents consistently praise Calvert's ability to combine high academic standards with a personalized approach to learning. For Tiffany P., she appreciates that her son is challenged while still learning at a rate that allows him to succeed.

 

“I've been pleased with the level of rigor, but also the pace at which information is given to my son, so he can absorb it in a way that’s perfect for him.”

 

Families also notice that teachers intentionally help students develop communication skills, collaboration, and confidence alongside academic skills. Stephanie and Sal R. believe those daily interactions prepare children for life well beyond the classroom.

 

“It’s great to see the engagement between teachers and students. It helps develop skills you’ll need to be successful as an adult,” Sal says.

 

 

While parents expect academic growth, many say the personal growth they witness is just as remarkable.

 

Stephanie and Sal R. watched their shy daughter become increasingly confident through one simple daily routine and a time-honored Calvert tradition: the daily handshake.

 

“Coming in every morning, shaking an administrator’s hand, making eye contact, and saying good morning has had such a huge positive impact on her social skills.”

 

Parents also see their children becoming more curious and eager to explore new interests. Liz and Chris A. enjoy hearing their sons enthusiastically share ideas and subjects they never encountered at home.

 

“They get to be curious and ask questions. If a lesson goes on a tangent, they’re welcome to explore it. They’ve developed interests we never expected.”

 

These moments reinforce what many Calvert parents believe: Calvert helps children develop the confidence to communicate, ask questions, and embrace lifelong learning.

 

Calvert School community parents often say that attending Calvert means becoming part of something larger — not just enrolling at a school. Stephanie and Sal R. especially appreciate the diversity of families they have met, the friendships that have grown naturally over time, and the opportunity to meet parents who share similar values.

 

Chris A. shares a similar perspective about the Baltimore private school parent experience at Calvert.

 

“The Calvert community is something Liz and I both underappreciated at first. Liz is from New York. I'm from outside Philadelphia. Not only has it been a great place for the boys to learn and grow, but now some of our closest friends are Calvert parents. It truly is a community, and the school does a lot to nurture that, with events here and outside of school.”

 

Several parents say the school's intentional focus on childhood exceeded their expectations.

 

Ashley M. remembers being struck by the confidence of the middle school students who greeted her family during their first visit.

 

“They shook our hands, looked us in the eye, walked us to the auditorium, and carried on a natural conversation. We couldn't believe 12- and 13-year-olds had that much poise.”

 

She was equally impressed that students continue to have recess through middle school.

 

“They want Calvert to be an environment where kids can be kids as long as possible. And the hallmark of childhood is running and playing and being carefree. So for me, the fact that they have recess all the way through middle school really shows me that it is an actual priority for the school. By allowing them to go outside to get that energy out and take a mental break, they will be more focused when they come back in, better learners and more engaged.

 

Sal R. was surprised by how successfully the school balances academics with happiness.

 

“It’s a traditional academic approach, but the amount of fun the kids are having while they’re learning really stood out. Because Calvert focuses only on younger students, all of its energy is devoted to this important stage of childhood.”

 

 

Calvert School parent reviews frequently cite Calvert's K–8 model as one of its greatest strengths. For example, Liz and Chris A. appreciate that their sons can mature before making an important high school decision.

 

“You’re picking an elementary school when they’re 4 or 5 years old, and that's not who they’ll be when they leave Calvert. Giving them the freedom to choose the right high school later is important to us.”

 

Paul W. agrees that Calvert’s exclusive focus on younger learners benefits every student.

 

“All of the talent and brainpower in the building is focused on this incredibly important stage of these kids’ lives. Letting students choose their high school gives them a real sense of agency.”

 

Families often note Calvert's coeducational environment as a differentiator they seek when considering Calvert versus other Baltimore private schools.

 

Ashley M. says, “When we first started looking for schools, one of our priorities was coed education. Having two daughters, we felt like it was important for them to grow up in an environment that more closely resembles real life.”

 

Liz and Chris A. felt the same was true for their sons.

 

“I would say one thing that stuck out to us when looking at different schools in the area for our sons was the coed education at Calvert. We wanted a scenario that really was reflective of the world that they're going to ultimately work in one day,” says Chris A.

 

Together, these qualities create a school experience intentionally designed around children's formative years.

 

The Calvert parents we interviewed were unanimous: Absolutely.

 

"When we walked in the door, we felt the love,” Tiffany P. says. “My son felt the love, and he reported back that this was his school. It feels like home.”

 

Stephanie and Sal R. describe their experience as “a ten-out-of-ten,” praising the school’s ability to combine strong academics with meaningful character development.

 

Why choose Calvert? Across every conversation, parents remain remarkably consistent in their Calvert School testimonials. They value Calvert not only because their children receive an outstanding education, but also because their children leave as lifelong learners, compassionate classmates, and effective communicators. With character and maturity, they are prepared for whatever comes next. Register here for the next step in your Baltimore private school decision.