The Barnesville School

Posted: March 27, 2026

My family has deep roots at Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences.

My now 33-year-old son attended from 2nd through 8th grade, and today my 12-year-old grandson is a student there. We also enrolled three additional children just last year. Having experienced the school across generations, I can say with confidence that Barnesville has remained true to something very special.

I have been so impressed with Barnesville’s ability to preserve its unique character while continuing to grow and evolve. In a time when so many schools feel increasingly standardized, Barnesville still feels deeply personal, intentional, and rooted in a genuine love of learning and childhood.

There is a warmth to the community that is hard to describe but immediately felt. The teachers truly know and care about each child—not just academically, but as whole individuals. That kind of attention creates confident, curious, and kind students.

What stands out most to me is the balance the school achieves: strong academics paired with creativity, structure alongside freedom, and a respect for tradition without feeling outdated. It is rare to find a place that nurtures both the intellect and the spirit of a child so thoughtfully.

For our family, Barnesville is more than a school—it’s part of our story. We are incredibly grateful to be back and to see the same values and magic still alive for the next generation.

Posted: March 27, 2026

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Posted: August 31, 2025

I have serious concerns about this school’s decision to introduce LGBT and sexuality-related curriculum to children as young as three years old. At this developmental stage, children are just beginning to learn the basics of communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Introducing topics of sexuality at this age is not only inappropriate, but also ethically questionable.

Education for toddlers should focus on foundational skills such as language, motor development, creativity, and kindness toward others, not complex social and sexual concepts that they are far too young to understand. Presenting such material risks creating confusion and undermines parents’ right to introduce sensitive topics in a way and at a time that aligns with their family’s values and their child’s maturity level.

I strongly believe this school is misaligned with what early childhood education should be about, and I cannot recommend it to parents who value age-appropriate learning and respect for parental involvement in these matters.

Posted: June 26, 2020

Posted: June 26, 2020

Our granddaughter has loved all of her teachers and they have been so kind to our family.

Posted: June 26, 2020

The school teaches students to be upstanders instead of bystanders. We love that our granddaughter can show compassion and respect in this way, and learn how to be a kind member of a community.

Posted: June 26, 2020

We trust leadership and they organize wonderful family/community events throughout the year.

Posted: June 26, 2020

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Posted: June 26, 2020

About five years ago, our granddaughter was attending her second preschool. It was time to look at other schools. One day we were talking to a neighbor about our problem. He said “I know the perfect school, two of my children attended it from preschool to graduation at the 8th grade level, they and we loved it!“ So we tried it. Our granddaughter has been going to the Barnesville School for five years. She loves it as do we and her mom and dad.

Posted: June 22, 2020

As a teacher who has taught 12 years in a public school setting, I would have never imagined choosing private school for my sons. After a tough year in kindergarten, my oldest son struggled and didn’t show much academic progress due to large class size. After much thought, I realized that a smaller class size is what he needed to cultivate the best learning environment.

After researching all the available private schools here in Southern Frederick County, I was dismayed by the few options nearby. After thoughtful consideration, Barnesville fulfilled all of my expectations as a teacher parent. It provided small class sizes, a great amount of time spent outside, many cross-curricular learning opportunities, and a strong community. The teachers are extra caring and it was evident during our time distance learning. If you are looking for a school that offers meaningful relationships where your child is given many opportunities to grow and learn, Barnesville is for you!

Posted: June 22, 2020

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Posted: August 2, 2017

If you are looking for a small school that will help your child grow, then this is the place. The teachers are amazing and really get to know your kids and help them develop. Kids get to be kids at this school. They get to actually play outside A LOT and burn their energy. The teachers don't just shove worksheet after worksheet in front of the kids. They put the kids in a real world environment and teach! One of the biggest attributes is kids learn about public speaking and how to take a chance on trying something new.

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Posted: March 21, 2016

My son was so bored at Montgomery County public schools that he used to beg me to home school him! Then I found Barnesville and it would be an understatement to say he enjoys going to school. He LOVES it, and I love how they teach him critical thinking, how to speak in public, work as a team, and challenge him! The student teacher ratio is outstanding (10-1 in his current class), the one-to-one attention is remarkable, and the children are intellectually curious and polite. The fact that they are in the middle of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve is an added bonus, as they go outside daily, for recess, PE, Wilderness Explorers, and for science. After 18 months at the school, I feel like I have a new family, the Barnesville parents are that welcoming. Check it out, you have nothing to lose and a world of outstanding education to gain.

Posted: March 21, 2016

My son's current teacher has been doing this for 27 years and has a mastery of her subject matter that is incredible. She knows how to focus students, and how to challenge them.

Posted: March 21, 2016

Barnesville develops honesty and integrity in its students by encouraging them to give back to the community by volunteering to help out local charities.

Posted: March 20, 2015

Our child has been at Barnesville since pre-K. The school truly nurtures a love of learning in each student. This entire 8th grade class has wonderful options for high school next year, and they are ready for the challenges ahead of them. Following is a list of High School acceptances for Barnesville Class of 2015. Competitive Public Magnet Programs: Poolesville High School o Global Ecology o Humanities o Science, Math, and Computer Studies Independent Schools: Academy of the Holy Cross Bullis School Episcopal High School Flint Hill School Georgetown Day School Georgetown Preparatory School Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School Gonzaga College High School Holton-Arms School The Madeira School Maret School Mercersburg Academy Our Lady of Good Counsel High School St. Anselm's Abbey School Saint Andrew s Episcopal School Sandy Spring Friends School St. John s Catholic Preparatory School St. Maria Goretti High School Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Several students are choosing public school honors programs, as many local high schools are also excellent. http://www.barnesvilleschool.org/page.cfm?p=558

Posted: April 15, 2014

It's funny because I never knew much about Independent Schools before enrolling my son at Barnesville School. My son was sold the second he found out that when there is snow the kids can bring their sleds(!) to the hill on the playground, For my husband and me, there was more to it. We valued the critical thinking which is taught in all subjects, public speaking, ethics, mutual respect and encouragement. We love the openness and communication with teachers and the fun and family oriented community. It's great the way teachers have the flexibility to take their lessons and expand on them because the students have curiosity about the subject. There is also so much hands on learning - as you can see by the muddy boots each child has in their second grade cubby. So, If you're looking for something more than a standard one-size-fits-all school experience please come and take a look at the Barnesville School. It has been five years since we first enrolled our son and we've never looked back.

Posted: April 9, 2014

The Barnesville School is a very family-friendly school which deeply cares about the students education, character and growth. We LOVE it !

Posted: April 9, 2014

In an age where parents often worry almost as much about school safety and student-on student bullying as academic progress, Barnesville is the oasis in the desert. Schools talk a lot about zero tolerance, but few institutions truly TEACH acceptance, compassion, mutual support and active partnering as integral to the curriculum at every level. The school is equally concerned with turning out caring human beings who choose to actively contribute to their communities as it is with turning out bright scholars who will go on to prestigious high schools and colleges in the future. Kids are engaged not only in hands-on academics but in hands-on community service, peace building, and intercultural perspective building in every grade.

Posted: April 9, 2014

The Barnesville School is in a beautiful rural setting on the northern tip of Montgomery county. Barnesville students are treated every day to a joyful, supportive and excellent academic education. The 'whole child' approach is considered important to foster the best in each of our students. Small class sizes and attention to varied learning styles also help our students thrive, A tight knit community of educators and families want the very best for their children. Learn at a school where the childhood experience is still idyllic, yet is balanced with 21st century technology and the arts and sciences are blended together to foster creativity and problem solving.

Posted: April 8, 2014

The warm and cozy feeling we used to get isn't there anymore. We are current parents. Our child has been attending Barnesville for 4 years. We were happy the first 2 years because we could see that Barnesville was a community-oriented school. Our child was immediately welcomed into this tight-nitched community of people . We formed lots of bonds with all kinds of people in this community, and we certainly fell in love with many of the teachers. Alot of the teachers are passionate and patient with the children. Some are innovative in their approach to teaching. However, something's going on with the leadership there. There has been high staff turnover in the past couple of years; teachers are being let go or voluntarily leaving (I doubt this is the case). Communication is just bad all around. No matter how hard they try to fix the communication issue, it just isn't working. The headmaster and others in power don't seem to know what they're doing. Families are leaving for many valid reasons. Besides it being a small enviroment, it's not worth the $20,000 tuition. You can get the same education (or better) for less $. Our child won't return next school year.

Posted: April 8, 2014

I am a Barnesville grandparent and continually impressed by this wonderful school. I live with my grandchild, so I get to see the projects she works on, the artwork she creates, and the extracurricular activities that round out her experience. The enthusiasm she has for school has remained strong through the middle school years. I wish my other grandchild could find a school that suits them as well as Barnesville suits her.

Posted: April 8, 2014

Barnesville School is beautiful ,not only the grounds and the flowers but the people are beautiful .Children who come to this school are placed in the hands of kind,caring educated people who give them encouragement and love .I have never seen a place that is nondenominational that has so much Christian character ,there is real love ,patience and joy within the people who work here ,it is a place where I have learned so many important lessons and witnessed so much care between parents children and staff .I remember when my children started school ,I cried because the went into the hands of people I did not know ,they were so tiny and unable to take up for themselves and I hated sending them off on a school bus to be away from me all day ,I wondered if they would be cared for and if they were going to be able to speak up for themselves ,and if anyone would really care about what they had to say or here their concerns . Well all that anxiety and worry need not be present if a parent sends their children to Barnesville School because every one who works here genuinely loves children and would want to here there opinions concerns and ideas and make sure they had a wonderful year .

Posted: April 8, 2014

There are many reasons that I love The Barnesville School, here are four: 1) Tremendous faculty | the teachers are fine educators and truly care about the well-being of my children 2) Small class sizes | this allows my child the attention she needs to excel 3) Fairytale-like community | the families are incredibly generous, kind and helpful. We are fortunate to have these people in our lives. 4) Safety | I never have to worry about my child's safety at school in the agriculture reserve or on a "play date" with a Barnesville family. That is peace of mind.

Posted: April 8, 2014

Barnesville is a school that walks the talk. If you ever have a concern or want to add or change something, you can comfortably meet with the Head of School to have your feelings heard. We feel as if the cost of tuition has enabled our entire family to share in the benefits that the school has to offer. Volunteer options are abundant. If you are a parent of a Middle Schooler and you are not quite ready to totally let go (which was our experience in public Middle school where we were told "we should not expect to be involved in our childrens' activities" ) then the Barnesville School is the place for you! However, your children will learn to grow to be independent. If you're a working parent, you still feel included and in the loop. They have a great user friendly web site and current media communication tools at this school! that make your lie easy. The words I would use to describe the Barnesville School would be nurturing, happy, creative, state of the art, caring and personal.

Posted: April 2, 2014

I can not image my children without the influence of the Barnesville school. They have both attended since pre-k and now my sweet shy son is a middle schooler running for student goverment and my flamboyant 4th grade daughter is perfecting her musical routine to perform in the school variety show. Barnesville has helped them both thrive and become the best they can be. In addition to a strong basic education, they brim with self confidence and joy. What I love is that two so different children have been completely embraced for just who they are and both thrive and grow daily.

Posted: January 3, 2014

Barnesville has proved to be our dream school. The academic instruction is terrific, and the teachers are especially wonderful, really going the extra mile to discover how each child learns best. The administration is flexible and responsive to every need that comes up. The kids are marvelously happy, and the parents very involved. Teachers and parents alike know what is going on with the students, so supportive social behavior is fostered and you feel like your child is constantly being watched over by people you know and trust. The arts opportunities are great (love the semi-annual shows the kids put on). The setting is lovely and the kids spend a lot time outside, including a lot of outdoor PE classes and sledding on the playground in the wintertime. It's everything we hoped to find in a school.

Posted: July 24, 2013

Our son has been at Barnesville for the past 4 years. He started in the Early Childhood Program for 3 year olds and has thrived! Barnesville's supportive learning environment is unmatched. The teachers love the school and that is evident in the classroom atmosphere. Barnesville has a strong sense of community and parents are encouraged to be involved. The class size is very small and allows for individual attention. We love the school!

Posted: June 1, 2013

This year's graduating class (most of whom have been here since Kindergarten) had a 100% acceptance rate at private schools, including places like Stone Ridge, Georgetown Visitation, Georgetown Prep, and Good Counsel. The kids choosing to go on to public high schools placed into honors programs, advanced math, foreign language, etc. Barnesville also has a great track record for prepping kids for the Poolesville Magnet programs -- more than half of our applicants are accepted, compared to an average rate of just 12%. Graduates who come back to visit say Barnesville gave them the foundation they needed to do well in high school. Amazing teachers have the time and flexibility to really engage kids in hands-on learning. My daughter has thrived. She continues to love to learn and explore new ideas. She has two more years at Barnesville and then a world of opportunity ahead.

Posted: November 5, 2012

Our daughter was diagnosed with ADHD combined with excellent verbal skills, reading skills and math comprehension. Before the beginning of the 2012 school year, the school set up a 90 minute conference with all of her teachers, the lower school administrator as well as the psychiatrist and parents to go over the doctor s evaluation and suggested courses of action for the school year. The school as a whole was very interested in providing our daughter the best environment to thrive and she has done so. While my wife and I were impressed with the school, the psychiatrist was more so as he had never been proactively invited to provide his findings and suggested courses of action to any school in the 10+ years of working in the county.

Posted: September 8, 2012

I have two children at Barnesville. We've been there for seven GREAT years! It is a truly joyful place. I cannot say enough good things about the faculty who share their love of learning with their students. My children are flourishing both academically and socially at Barnesville. I have been especially pleased with the open lines of communication at the school.

Posted: August 27, 2012

I was very suprised to see some of the recent reviews for The Barnesville School. My children have been at Barnesville for 5 years and have received a wonderful education. The teachers are spectacular and the curriculum is incredible starting even in the Pre-K years. The Spanish program is great and includes all grades. The most special thing about Barnesville IS the small class size that allows for individual instruction in a safe and supportive environment. I think declines in the enrollment in the past few years are now improving and were economy driven, not related to the quality of the education which is wonderful. There are so many special things about Barnesville-if you are looking for an independent school in Upper Montgomery County you should really come for a visit!

Posted: June 16, 2012

Losing many families. This years graduating 8th grade class had a small amount of students. Not enough to run two classes of 15 and the grades coming up are no bigger. Schools has had many issues recently, staff turnover and the Principal has no repore with students. While Barnesville touts all it's graduating seniors got into the Highs of their first choice I would look at those high schools. If you are striving for a limited mediocore education for your child this is the place. College choices for Barnesville graduates recently have not been anywhere near where they should be when paying that much much in tuition and small class size.

Posted: April 28, 2012

Class sizes are too small denoting loss of families/students especially in upper grades. Long term students do not end up at great colleges later. Many students struggle in high school.

Posted: January 13, 2012

its horrible, i went there for 3 years i am in 8th grade now, education in montgomery county pub schools is way better than this junk