Hannah, Katharine, & Elizabeth Shipley 1894-1916 Pioneers in education for women at a time when it was controversial, the Shipley sisters founded The Misses Shipley’s School for Girls Preparatory to Bryn Mawr College. Their fundamental philosophy embodied the whole student: academics, spirit, character, and health, including sports. The sisters’ focus on academic excellence, intellectual integrity, and character continue today.
Alice Howland & Eleanor Brownell 1916–1941 “The Hownells,” as they were known, guided Shipley through wars, epidemics, and economic depression, building a national reputation for the School. They hired strong and highly regarded teachers, a large number of whom stayed for many years. In 1932, they oversaw Shipley’s incorporation as a non-profit with a Board of Directors.
Russell & Mildred Akin ’28 Lynes 1937–1944 Hired in 1937 as Assistant Heads in anticipation of the Hownells’ retirement, the Lynes became principals in 1941. They guided students in a necessary transition from pre-war gentility to preparedness for the modern world, and were quite a contrast to the “austere” Hownells.
Margaret Bailey Speer 1944-1965 Overseeing significant campus growth, Miss Speer maintained high academic standards while emphasizing compassion, community, and civic responsibility. She encouraged the Board to accept Shipley’s first African-American students.
Isota Tucker Epes ’36 1965-1972 Gave firm guidance in a period of social turmoil with a sympathetic ear to the conflicting views of parents and children. In 1967, she established the endowment fund. She initiated the Episcopal Exchange in 1971–72 which led to coeducation.
Nancy Lauber 1972-1979 Managed Shipley’s transition to coeducation. Miss Lauber encouraged the broadening of Shipley’s curriculum and stressed the importance of relationships between students and teachers. She advocated for the addition of a health curriculum.
Frederic L. Chase III 1979-1985 Broke a longstanding Shipley tradition as the School’s first male head. Oversaw significant modernization of the curriculum, with the addition of computer courses and a Russian Studies program, as well as the end of the boarding department at Shipley.
Gary R. Gruber 1985-1992 Shipley’s mission is updated during Gruber’s tenure. Focused on integrating “goodness” with high academic standards, he also addressed the changing needs of the American family and the shifting role of independent schools, which was becoming increasingly complex.
Steve Piltch 1992-2019 Over the course of his 27-year tenure, Piltch has overseen significant growth in enrollment, the transformation of the campus, and the launch of Positive Education and other 21st century education initiatives, while ensuring financial stability at Shipley. Read more about him in this profile from the Spring 2019 issue of the Shipley Magazine.
Hannah, Katharine, and Elizabeth Shipley, 1894-1916: Pioneers in education for women at a time when it was controversial, the Shipley sisters founded The Misses Shipley’s School for Girls Preparatory to Bryn Mawr College. Their fundamental philosophy embodied the whole student: academics, spirit, character, and health, including sports. The sisters’ focus on academic excellence, intellectual integrity, and character continue today.
Alice Howland and Eleanor Brownell , 1916–1941: “The Hownells,” as they were known, guided Shipley through wars, epidemics, and economic depression, building a national reputation for the School. They hired strong and highly regarded teachers, a large number of whom stayed for many years. In 1932, they oversaw Shipley’s incorporation as a non-profit with a Board of Directors.
Russell and Mildred Akin ’28 Lynes, 1937–1944: Hired in 1937 as Assistant Heads in anticipation of the Hownells’ retirement, the Lynes became principals in 1941. They guided students in a necessary transition from pre-war gentility to preparedness for the modern world, and were quite a contrast to the “austere” Hownells.
Margaret Bailey Speer, 1944-1965: Overseeing significant campus growth, Miss Speer maintained high academic standards while emphasizing compassion, community, and civic responsibility. She encouraged the Board to accept Shipley’s first African-American students.
Isota Tucker Epes ’36, 1965-1972: Gave firm guidance in a period of social turmoil with a sympathetic ear to the conflicting views of parents and children. In 1967, she established the endowment fund. She initiated the Episcopal Exchange in 1971–72 which led to coeducation.
Nancy Lauber, 1972-1979: Managed Shipley’s transition to coeducation. Miss Lauber encouraged the broadening of Shipley’s curriculum and stressed the importance of relationships between students and teachers. She advocated for the addition of a health curriculum.
Frederic L. Chase III, 1979-1985: Broke a longstanding Shipley tradition as the School’s first male head. Oversaw significant modernization of the curriculum, with the addition of computer courses and a Russian Studies program, as well as the end of the boarding department at Shipley.
Gary R. Gruber, 1985-1992: Shipley’s mission is updated during Gruber’s tenure. Focused on integrating “goodness” with high academic standards, he also addressed the changing needs of the American family and the shifting role of independent schools, which was becoming increasingly complex.
Steve Piltch, 1992-2019: Over the course of his 27-year tenure, Piltch has overseen significant growth in enrollment, the transformation of the campus, and the launch of Positive Education and other 21st century education initiatives, while ensuring financial stability at Shipley.
The Upper School Honors Jazz Combo, directed by saxophonist Chris Oatts, is Shipley's premier music ensemble and reflects Shipley's dedication to excellence in the arts. The group continually impresses audiences and serves as a pinnacle experience in Shipley's musical learning community.
Are people born leaders, or can leadership be taught? What role should educational institutions play in teaching leadership skills? Our Shipley Magazine roundtable feature explores the topic with four leaders in their own fields.
Shipley's Director of Libraries, Jennifer Phiambolis, collaborates with teachers to integrate library research into course projects, fostering students' critical thinking and information literacy skills. This approach empowers students to discern credible information and challenge online misinformation.
"Within this [Summer/Fall 2023] issue of Shipley Magazine, we highlight some of the work that has been done in recent years in support of the goals laid out in Vision 20/26. Our progress would be impressive in any light, but accomplishing what we have while navigating a pandemic is nothing short of remarkable."
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley's strategic plan focuses on equipping students with the essential skills needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world. This article delves into how the history curriculum embraces diverse perspectives, promotes global thinking, and offers experiential learning, ultimately fostering students' ability to engage compassionately and lead effectively.
In the pursuit of educational excellence, Shipley is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students to become global citizens and compassionate participants in the world. This article explores how Shipley's special programs and partnerships facilitate hands-on, impactful learning opportunities, fostering cross-cultural insights, and making a positive impact in local and global communities.
For over 30 years, Shipley has been at the forefront of nurturing students' social and emotional well-being through its pioneering SEED program. This article explores the program's origins, evolution, and its global influence, highlighting Shipley's commitment to fostering well-rounded, empathetic, and emotionally resilient students in pursuit of educational excellence.
Shipley's commitment to educational excellence extends to cultivating a sense of belonging within its diverse community. This article delves into how Shipley has embraced its DEI Strategic Plan, celebrating diversity, providing professional development, and creating affinity spaces to foster inclusivity and unity.
This exploration of Shipley's Strategic Plan Goal #1: Educational Excellence focuses on enhancing student engagement and leadership by investing in professional development for teachers. This article sheds light on how dedicated educators at Shipley continue to learn and evolve, emphasizing the importance of staying abreast of best practices to provide students with the highest quality education.
At Shipley, a thriving sense of community is central to the School's mission. This article highlights some of the initiatives and events that have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant culture of pride, engagement, and commitment among students, parents, alumni, and friends of the School, all in line with Goal 2 of Shipley's Strategic Plan.
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.
At the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, Shipley’s commitment to excellence was on full display through the prize-winning work of the Sprouts, Upper School Horticultural Ecology students, and the Middle School Gardening Club. Shipley alumni also made their mark, with Betsy Hastings Block ’83 and Laura Butera '08 contributing in big ways to the event's success.
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams competed in the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad State Tournament on April 22 at Penn State Altoona. Fourteen teams earned medals during the tournament.
Shipley’s Track and Field team made School history by participating for the first time in the historic Penn Relays at Franklin Fields on April 27-29, 2023. The Gators ran with courage and grace, making a memorable first impression at this year's Penn Relay Carnival. Before the races, the team and coaches made a promise to each other: "Focused teammates, committed to run for each other," and that is precisely how they competed.
Shipley's very own Director of Bands, Dr. Harley Givler was recognized as a finalist in the 10th Annual Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute Ovation Awards. He and the nine other finalists were nominated by current and former students who wrote essays on “How My Music Teacher Changed My Life.”
The Shipley Honors Combo won first place in the Small Ensemble Division 2 category at the National Jazz Festival, held April 22 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Trumpeter Aidan Peterson ‘24 won an Outstanding Musician Award and also earned the Judge’s Choice Award.
In an effort enrich Shipley’s Theater Arts Program, significant changes are underway, touching every aspect of the program—from personnel to scheduling. Learn more about the exciting changes underway in Shipley's Theater Arts.
Read reflections from Class of 2023 Shipley alumni, who are now thriving at various prestigious universities. They share how their Shipley experience has equipped them with resilience, adaptability, courage, and a passion for exploration and learning. Read all of the Class of 2023 reflections.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.