Join us in celebrating 80 years of Excellence on the anniversary of Maryvale Preparatory School.
Since its founding on September 9, 1945, by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Maryvale has been dedicated to fostering leaders through academic excellence and personal growth. Throughout this year of celebration, we invite our entire community to reflect on our history and honor the achievements that have shaped Maryvale Preparatory School.
The Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Hallmarks are the essential characteristics, values and actions that differentiate a Notre Dame de Namur learning community. The Hallmarks emerged in response to the question:
"What distinguishes a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community?”
The Sisters and the learning communities began to explore this question in 2003 and seven Hallmarks were developed that concisely and beautifully express the values of a Notre Dame Learning Community. In 2024, Hallmark #3 was revised to add “care for all creation” as a response to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical.
History Timeline
1945
Maryvale Preparatory School was founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
1947
Maryvale received accreditation from the Middle Atlantic States Commission on Secondary Schools.
1948
Maryvale received accreditation from the Maryland State Board of Education.
1957
The last boarding student graduated from Maryvale.
1967
The Learning Center, now Maguire Hall, opened.
1972
The Lower School closes and the remaining male students graduate, now referred to as the Men of Maryvale.
1976
Sister Marie Neuberth SND, a change agent, created the first formal Maryvale Board of Trustees and laid the groundwork for the Middle School model, adding 6th grade. The first Board meeting was held this year and the Maryvale bylaws were created.
1981
Sister Shawn Maguire, SND was appointed as the headmistress and became the longest serving SND, dedicating 31 years to Maryvale.
1995
The first capital campaign, Excel, launched to prepare young women for 21st century.
1996
Patricia J. Mitchell ’65 became the first woman and alum to chair the Board of Trustees.
2006
The Board of Trustees, led by Chair Marci Prosser Reihart ’73, purchased Maryvale from the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
2008
The In Her Name campaign launched in memory of Erinn McCarthy '10. The campaign raised $10 million.
2012
Tracey Ford became Maryvale’s first lay president.
2014
The Mitchell Leadership Institute started with the Upper School Foundations of Leadership course and a full Middle School curriculum, making it the first signature all girls’ leadership program of its kind in the Baltimore area. This was the beginning of a focused curriculum aimed at teaching leadership academically and practically.
2016
The expansion and permanency of the Mitchell Leadership Institute was established through the strategic planning process.
2018
The Leadership Certificate Program began, which includes leadership specific course work, service, and a Capstone independent study.
2019
The first Leadership Scholars graduated.
2020
Mary Ellen Gallagher Barthelme '72 led Maryvale through Covid-19 as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
2021
Patricia M.C. Brown '78 was named Chair of the Maryvale Board of Trustees.
2022
The Because of Maryvale campaign ended after launching in 2018, raising $11.5 million.
2023
Malika DeLancey became Maryvale’s first black president and Patricia J. Mitchell ’65 named Maryvale’s signature leadership program.
2024
Maryvale celebrates 10 years of the Patricia J. Mitchell ’65 Leadership Institute.
2025
Maryvale celebrates 80 years since opening its doors on September 9, 1945.