Severn School

Posted: August 8, 2026

There were a few great teachers, and our child was academically successful. Unfortunately, none of that mattered once he became a target.

We repeatedly reported name-calling, social isolation, being tackled to the ground, and being punched in the head. Severn Administrator’s acknowledged he had been on the receiving end of repeated negative behaviors but dismissed it as normal childhood behavior. Meanwhile, our child began having nightmares, crying, and becoming afraid to go to school. A child psychologist evaluated him as extremely bright and developmentally typical and believed he had developed school-related anxiety related to these experiences.

The most disturbing part came when we advocated for him. Instead of asking what was happening to our child, the school seemed determined to find something wrong with him. In our experience, there is no meaningful due process when your child is bullied, but only an institution protecting its reputation.

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 8, 2026

Posted: August 3, 2026

Despite a few rare faculty members who showed genuine care, we did not feel included, respected, or treated as meaningful partners in our child’s education.

In our experience, Severn School prioritized conformity, appearances, and reputation over individualized education and student well-being.

The culture felt rigid, cold, and one-size-fits-all, with little meaningful differentiation for gifted students or children who learn, communicate, or behave differently. Its military roots and admiral mascot seemed reflective of a broader culture emphasizing order, obedience, and compliance.

Our concerns, along with recommendations from outside professionals, were repeatedly minimized. We were told by the head of school that they did not believe in giftedness and did not believe the goal should be for children to feel happy at school.

We also experienced disciplinary practices that we found unnecessarily harsh and, at times, humiliating. Children could lose their chairs and be required to stand for rocking. They were publicly corrected, embarrassed, or made examples of in front of their peers, including when asking clarifying questions. At times, children who did not conform were made to feel ostracized or excluded by teachers, which we found especially troubling. Many times children came home not wanting to go back and scared to make mistakes.

Too many teachers appeared more focused on obedience and conformity than on connection, creativity, emotional safety, or understanding the individual child. Discipline often seemed designed to enforce compliance rather than teach, support, or help children grow.

Parents considering Severn should look beyond the facade and ask real questions about social-emotional well-being, differentiation, disciplinary practices, and how individualized educational needs are actually addressed.

Walking around the campus, we also felt a noticeable lack of diversity…not only culturally, but in perspective, educational philosophy, and thought. In our experience, children were not encouraged to think outside the box; they were expected to fit into the Severn box.

Do not be persuaded by image, or implied prestige alone. This is not a nationally recognized school, nor a feeder school… nor a healthy environment.

Posted: August 3, 2026

Posted: August 3, 2026

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Posted: August 3, 2026

Posted: October 11, 2018

My daughter is new to the Severn School (6th grade). She came from the public school system so was new on all levels. However, she, so far, has enjoyed being a part of the school. I think having a personal iPad was an incentive for her. I do wish that Severn would recruit more minorities to their school. My daughter is African American and although does not get treated different, it does help to have others in your culture. I am impressed with the academics and curriculum preparing her for her future in college. I like their variety of sports too.

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2018

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Posted: October 11, 2018

Posted: July 6, 2015

Posted: July 6, 2015

Posted: July 6, 2015

Posted: July 6, 2015

Great school where I met friends that will be firneds for life. Everyone there strives to be successful and the school builds that drive to do so everyday.

Posted: June 24, 2014

Severn School has offered my children (in elementary school) a wonderful academic experience and rich character development. Many of the reviews (some almost 10 years old) below talk about preparedness for college, but it's important to note that this school is for preschool (age 3) through grade 12 now. Students are helpful and respectful. Teachers are beloved and some have been teaching at the school for several for decades. Severn has created innovative ways to cultivate young readers and creators, and they work with each child on their specific needs. There are high expectations for being "leaders of good choices" and working toward each child's best self through character development. A program for 4th and 5th graders layers on arts, drama, and technology and culminates in a dramatic production performed in the school's beautiful theater. The gym is bright and large and there is a large playground and playing fields for pickup soccer games at recess. The teachers and facilities are really incredible for an elementary school, and there are so many parents involved. Can't say enough great things!

Posted: September 20, 2013

Severn is a great school. Both of my daughters have attended the school since the sixth grade. They are now in the 9th and 11th grades. The school is nurturing, challenging, and rigorous. They are always busy doing homework and projects. Homework averages about 4-5 hours per night. They both are also on the sailing team. As a parent and educator, I am very stubborn when it comes to the education of my children. However, Severn exceeds my expectations. Both of my daughters have traveled to Europe. We have also hosted an Italian student. My daughters attend school with a diverse group of students. The teachers are all so caring and involved. The administration is amazing. There are a variety of social and academic events for the students and parents. I highly recommend Severn.

Posted: April 26, 2013

My daughter is a current middle school student at Severn. She loves school and her instructors. The teachers and administration are outstanding, supportive, and nurturing. The academics are rigorous with an average of 3 hours of homework nightly. My daughter has taken advantage of the many leadership opportunities offered at Severn. I would highly recommend Severn School.

Posted: November 2, 2012

There is no doubt that Severn has a fabulous academic track record, but there are some things to remember before applying. As a student myself, I can tell you that if your child is not interested in sports or is an athletic person do not consider Severn. In 6th grade P.E. occurs everyday, and for every other grade, a sport is required! I, personally, hate sports and being made to do sports has been TERRIBLE! Practice occurs everyday after school, which can lead to getting behind on the extreme amount of homework. A student in the middle school has an average of 2 to 3 hours of homework. A student in the high school will have anywhere from 3 to 5 hours of homework (depending on Honors courses etc.). On the social side of things, Severn is a school filled with some wonderful kids. However, prepare your kid(s) for the realization that many of the kids will already know each other! As a student coming in from a school other than Chesapeake Bay Academy was very difficult. The cliques and groups were already created. I would estimate that 75% of the kids are from Chesapeake. I hope this helped!

Posted: June 3, 2011

I'm a current 8th grade student at Severn (until Wednesday!!!). My middle school experience was pretty good...academically. I feel that since my 6th grade year the school has become too strict with its rules and my nonacademic experience has gotten progressively worse. I feel like the faculty does N O T H I N G to prevent cliques and have no idea how much exclusion there is. The amount foul language used in and out of the classroom is outrageous. Academically Severn is great. I love my school but one of their goals for next year should be to control the cliques, gossip, and social exclusion.

Posted: June 1, 2011

I am a student at Severn right now in the 10th grade. It is a very good school and all the teachers are very nice and helpful. If you ask them to stay after school with you that day, about 95% of the teachers will be able to stay and give you extra help. Evne though the high school is hard, I am very well prepared to go to college in a few years!

Posted: February 8, 2011

my two college students - both graduates of Severn - have each reported that they feel very well prepared fro college and, in the majority of cases, are much better equipped to handle school than most of their peers. My first semester freshmen got a 4.0! Thank you, Severn!

Posted: September 12, 2010

Teachers seem very good, administration seems to want to use Severn as a springboard to something better.

Posted: July 23, 2010

I've been going to Severn since 6th grad =e and I just graduated the 12th grade. My overall experience was great. The small classes, teacher/ parent involvment, and excellent leadership makes Severn School one of the best schools in the county.

Posted: February 16, 2010

Posted: July 29, 2007

Posted: May 1, 2007