After years working as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Fred Smith had learned much about the state of American youth through conversations with his young patients.
“Many of the high school and middle school students were intelligent but unaware of recent history, how the government works or how to change the course of the community or the law,” said Smith, who is nothing if not passionate about creating leaders.
So passionate, that Smith founded Gerstell Academy in Finksburg in 1996 with the motto “Leadership, Honor, Courage.”
Since opening its doors, Gerstell has grown every year, with an anticipated fall 2006 enrollment of 160 students in grades kindergarten through 7. Each new academic year will bring a new grade until the school sends its first batch of students to college. “It will be thrilling for us to see how our students stand out,” Smith said.
Smith is determined to produce students who have the practical knowledge and skills to make a difference, with critical thinking, analysis, confidence and character emphasized at every grade level. “In kindergarten, we work on mastering social skills, manners and public speaking,” Smith said. By sixth grade, Gerstell?s more than 150 pieces of artwork depicting “leaders of merit,” including Bea Gaddy, Winston Churchill and Rudolph Giuliani form the basis of an entire course on leadership and decision making.
“I think for the students to able to stand up and speak in front of people with such poise is impressive,” said Elizabeth Slifstein, whose fifth-grade son has attended Gerstell for three years.
“At Gerstell, my son has had the best three years of his life. Every time he goes somewhere, I get compliments about his firm handshake and manners,” she said.
The school has a rigorous 50 percent admissions rate, and parents must sign a contract promising to take an active part in their child?s education, including mandatory attendance at regular forums with faculty covering everything from proper nutrition to protecting students on the Internet, Smith said.
“It?s amazing they care so much about the children to hold these forums on issues that matter to parents,” Slifstein said.
Other parents share Slifstein?s praise. “My children are thriving. Gerstell teaches them how to live honestly and get along in the world with other people. These are the values we preach at home, and it was a natural transition from preschool,” said Lauren Kallins, whose two daughters attend Gerstell?s lower school after preschool at the Owings Mills Jewish Community Center.
