Overview
The Shipley School is a highly-regarded independent, coeducational day institution located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1894, the school emphasizes not only strong academic programs but also holistic development, fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, moral integrity, and compassionate participation in the world. The school is committed to providing a nurturing educational environment, with an average class size of 14 and a favorable 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Seventy-five percent of the faculty hold advanced degrees, underscoring the school’s dedication to educational excellence through advanced instruction and personalized student support.
Leadership
Steve Lisk serves as the Interim Head of School for the 2024-2025 academic year. With extensive experience in independent school leadership, including his previous role as the 10th Head of School at Lancaster Country Day School, Lisk has been instrumental in strategic enrollment growth and restructuring efforts that support increased enrollment and significant fundraising capabilities.
Academic Excellence
Shipley offers 52 honors courses, indicative of its commitment to developing strong academic foundations. The institution supports diverse learning needs with robust DEI initiatives and a college-preparatory curriculum that fosters curiosity and respect for intellectual effort.
Arts and Athletics
Shipley places significant emphasis on the arts, highlighted by its Upper School Honors Jazz Combo. The institution is also notable for its athletic excellence, having achieved 29 FSL Championships, with a comprehensive sports program that mandates athletic participation for students in grades 6 to 8.
Community Engagement
A cornerstone of Shipley’s philosophy is its commitment to community and empathetic engagement. Initiatives such as Lower School greeters and Upper School Admissions Ambassadors exemplify the school’s focus on developing student voice and creating a culture of kindness and collaboration with active student participation.
Alumni and Advancement
Alumni engagement is led by Aly Mason '07 as Director of Alumni Engagement and Ali Schwartz '10 as Associate Director, with John Rebstock managing advancement services. Prominent alumni include Prashant Bhuyan '96, Peter Makela '04, and novelist Roxana Barry Robinson '64. The alumni community supports the school’s mission through events like the annual Alumni Artist Exhibition, fostering a vibrant connection between the school and its graduates.
Contact Information
The Shipley School is situated at 814 Yarrow Street, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. The main contact number is 610-525-4300. Shipley actively communicates with its community through its website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Financial Performance
The Shipley School reports an estimated annual revenue of $137.5 million, with revenue per employee averaging $225,000. The institution employs approximately 611 individuals and underscores its substantial financial commitment to maintaining its educational standards and offerings.
Competitors and Market Position
The school operates in a competitive educational landscape, with primary competitors such as Halifax Area School District, Vista Autism Services, and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. Lock Haven University leads with a higher revenue of $372 million from 1,476 employees. In contrast, Halifax Area School District and Vista Autism Services report revenues of $16.2 million and $39 million, respectively, establishing Shipley’s competitive edge in terms of revenue production.
Programs and Extracurricular Activities
In addition to a strong academic program, Shipley offers a DECA program where students have successfully qualified for international competitions, illustrating Shipley’s commitment to holistic educational experiences and leadership development.
Reputation and Community Involvement
Publicly regarded for educational excellence, Shipley earns a commendable rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 104 reviews, reflecting positive community perception and its mission to inspire a passion for learning. The school’s strategic approach focuses on maintaining distinctive educational paths through integrated academics and extracurricular engagement, preparing students to become well-rounded, environment-conscious leaders.
