“We’ve long enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Chesapeake Academy, welcoming students into our Middle School and sharing a reciprocal faculty tuition remission,” reflected Severn School Head of School Doug Lagarde. “While the idea of joining forces with Chesapeake Academy is not new, the timing now is ideal.”

Mr. Lagarde refers to the fact that leadership at Chesapeake Academy is in transition, as the head of school, Mr. Jay Scheurle, announced his departure early last year. Mr. Scheurle has been the head of Chesapeake Academy since 2006. Further, as Severn School prepares to launch its Centennial celebration in the 2013-2014 school year, the institution recognizes the advantages of a preschool – grade 12 school for the future.

“Much thought, deliberation, and due diligence went into this strategic decision,” added John Bremer, chair of Severn School’s board of trustees. “The financial resources of each school will be combined, including physical plant and endowment, creating an enduring financial outlook for Severn School’s next 100 years.”

Jim Murphy, chair of the board of trustees at Chesapeake Academy, said, “We are excited about what this union means for our students: a vigorous, vibrant, independent school that offers continuous preschool, elementary, middle and high school programs; efficient and effective operations; and a strong commitment to offering the best quality independent education possible in Anne Arundel County.”

The merged institution will offer many compelling advantages:

Students in preschool (age 3) through fifth grade will be taught at the newly named Severn School Chesapeake Campus, in Arnold. Students in 6th through 12th grades will continue to be taught at the Severna Park campus.

Chesapeake Academy currently has more than 200 students from preschool through fifth grades, while Severn School has nearly 600 students. The combined Severn School will be the largest independent school in Anne Arundel County and will further the educational mission of Severn School, which challenges its students to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and scholarship. Students are encouraged to marshal the courage to lead, and to develop the lasting desire to serve and to achieve in an environment where each student is known and valued.

Chesapeake Academy was founded in 1980 by Louise Sivy, Helen Braun, Ethel Rew, and Patricia Troy, who saw a need for an independent early childhood and elementary program offering small classes and a challenging multi-faceted curriculum. They had been colleagues at Wroxeter-on-the-Severn School and opened Chesapeake Academy with just 36 students.

Severn School is the oldest independent school in Anne Arundel County. Founded in 1914, the School is deeply immersed in plans for its centennial celebration.Severn School and Chesapeake Academy are each still accepting applications for admission to the 2013-2014 school year.

Chesapeake Academy’s next Admissions Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13 at 9:00a at the Arnold campus. Severn School Head of School Doug Lagarde will be on hand to answer questions for interested families.

CONTACT

Kristyn Kuhn

Severn School

410.647.7701 ext 2264

k.kuhn@severnschool.com