A private, independent and coeducational day school for Middle School (grades 6-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12) students, Morristown Beard School (MBS) is a place where students develop individual pathways to academic success and personal fulfillment while becoming enlightened, morally responsible citizens of the world.
The school’s small class sizes and dynamic curriculum allow students to engage in deep learning and explore their passions. Students are supported on their journey of self-discovery while being challenged to explore their unique ideas, find their distinct voice and cultivate a love of learning.
“We believe the marriage of rigorous academics and social-emotional learning combined with all of our offerings here at MBS creates a balanced educational experience for our students,” says Head of Middle School Alonda Casselle.
BALANCING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WITH PERSONAL GROWTH
MBS offers an independent study program, a range of advanced course offerings, competitive athletic programs, and 40 student-led clubs and community service opportunities, including student government, Model UN and coding. Although academic rigor is prioritized at MBS, it’s never at the expense of personal growth—class schedules are designed so that students can successfully balance their academics with the pursuit of their passions, whether in athletics, the arts or other activities.
“Our coaches meet the needs of both high-achieving athletes as well as those who just want to try something new, and we create our schedules so students can engage in multiple areas of interest—we’ve had students setting school records in sports like swimming while at the same time performing as the lead in the school musical,” says Head of Upper School Ryan Liese. “We strive for a balance between rigorous academics and enriching extracurricular activities.”
To assist students on their journey towards becoming responsible and active global citizens, the school requires community service of all students in grades 6-12. From local to international outlets, MBS students and faculty contribute their time and talent to support the needs of surrounding communities. The school supports organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and InterFaith Food Pantry, hosts two yearly blood drives, and coordinates annual international service trips in addition to providing an array of other opportunities for students and their families to give back.
INNOVATIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
MBS is a place for experiential, hands-on learning, with signature academic programs that include Learning Outside the Classroom Walls and Social Emotional Competencies in Middle School. In the Upper School’s Interdisciplinary Concentrations Program (ICP), students apply for one of four concentration pathways at the end of their freshman year: Arts and Innovation; Global Citizenship; Ethics, Leadership, Justice; or Data Analysis and Research Methods.
The 22-acre campus boasts state-ofthe- art spaces that reflect its commitment to innovative teaching and learning, highlighted by the 8,000-square-foot Center for Innovation & Design (CID), 25,000-square-foot Math & Science Center and Science on a Sphere®, a six-foot diameter sphere that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data. The CID offers cutting-edge technology and dedicated studio spaces where students are empowered to explore emerging fields and make a positive impact in their community. The school’s Centers for Learning provide an unparalleled network of academic support services for students as well as opportunities to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration.
A CLOSE-KNIT, SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
“One thing people always point out to us is how happy our students are. There’s a lot of pressure on kids today, but our students know that going to school can be fun—and they genuinely want to be here,” Liese says. “They know they’re going to be challenged but that they’re in a supportive environment where they can feel free to make mistakes or experiment with something new to see if it’s a good fit.”
At MBS, all students are known and seen, and the school strives to create a close-knit sense of community and belonging for both students and their families. “From hosting events for families to get to know each other before school starts to creating opportunities for students in all grades to gather regularly, it’s our goal to bring our students and families together,” Casselle says. “We take the time to get to know each student on a personal level. We truly care about our students, and they know it.”
70 Whippany Rd., Morristown
973-539-3032
mbs.net
