Academics │ Shipley School │ Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Academics

ACADEMICS

At Shipley, academic excellence goes beyond the books. Our student-centered approach challenges students to think critically, connect ideas across disciplines, and take ownership of their learning—all within a community that knows and nurtures each child as an individual. From foundational skills to complex inquiry, Shipley prepares students for a lifetime of curiosity, purpose, and impact..

LEARNING THROUGH
CREATIVITY COLLABORATION LEADERSHIP COURAGE COMPASSION CONNECTION

At Shipley, learning is an active, personal, and meaningful endeavor. Students develop the confidence to take risks, explore boldly, and push beyond what feels comfortable — supported by a community that knows, challenges, and believes in each one of them. Rigorous academics and genuine care for the whole child are inseparable here. The result? Students who are prepared, curious, compassionate, and confident in their own voice and abilities.

See Our Portrait of a Graduate

THREE DIVISIONS ONE SCHOOL

Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey in Pre-K, discovering who they are in Middle School, or stepping into their own in Upper School, each chapter at Shipley is shaped to meet them where they are—and take them further than they imagined.

Alex

“My favorite class was Newtonian Mechanics Physics. Although the class was challenging and I had to put in a lot of work, it felt much more rewarding to do well in the class.”

- Alex, Upper School Student
Ronan

“I have a very curious mindset, and I felt I wasn’t being challenged at my previous school. At Shipley, I can be in the honors math class and try new things.”

- Ronan, Middle School Student
Ethan

“My hardest subject is writing. Sometimes it’s hard for me to think up stories or what to write. But Shipley has great teachers who helped me a lot, and I worked through it.”

- Ethan, Lower School Student

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

At Shipley, opportunity isn't something students wait for — it's built into every stage of their journey. From hands-on, experiential learning and STEM to performing arts, global citizenship, and beyond, our students are encouraged to explore broadly, act courageously, and pursue passionately.

SHIPLEY BY THE NUMBERS

At Shipley, we nurture student potential at every stage — from sparking a love of learning in our youngest students to empowering high schoolers to achieve their most aspirational goals. Small by design and intentional in our philosophy, our academic program is fueled by critical thinking, creative exploration, and the kind of meaningful relationships that only happen when teachers truly know their students.

7:1Student to Teacher Ratio
15Average Class Size
130+Years of Educational Excellence
65+Honors Courses in Upper School