McDonogh School
2025–2026 Impact Report

THANK YOU

Thanks to the generous support of our community, the 2025-2026 academic year was filled with inspiring achievements across academics, arts, athletics, and student life. Your gifts empower us to continue shaping a vibrant and enriching educational environment for all.

ACADEMICS

Philanthropy helps to deliver transformative educational experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning. Building on our strong academic foundation, our faculty brings joy into every classroom while preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing world.

HIGHLIGHT
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION

This spring, seventh graders took their learning beyond the classroom to make a tangible impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay. In celebration of Earth Day, students partnered with the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland to build oyster reef balls — concrete structures that will provide habitat for young oysters and help restore local waterways.

Grounded in the School's signature programs, Greatest Good McDonogh and 800-Acre Labs, this hands-on experience gave students the chance to learn directly from conservation experts, collaborate with peers and Upper School engineering students, and see firsthand how science, service, and environmental stewardship can create lasting change.

FACULTY SUPPORT

Investing in our faculty is critical to our vision. Community support helps to attract, retain, and support exceptional educators who deliver our rigorous liberal arts curriculum to students while staying current on research and best practices.

HIGHLIGHT
AI LITERACY

Professional development this year focused on advancing McDonogh's strategic approach to artificial intelligence by building AI literacy and expanding faculty and staff expertise. Through ongoing training, educators explored the responsible and effective use of emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning. This work also guided the development of a thoughtful, school-wide AI policy aligned with McDonogh's mission and LifeReady competencies.

By collaborating with peer schools and sharing our work in national media, McDonogh has emerged as a leader in preparing our community to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI and emerging technologies.

ARTS

The Visual and Performing Arts at McDonogh celebrate artistic expression and illuminate connections across disciplines. Our community makes it possible for students to think creatively, solve problems, and push the boundaries of what they thought possible.

HIGHLIGHT
MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOW

In April, the arts wing of the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School building was transformed into a gallery celebrating the creativity of artists in grades 5-8.

From colorful compositions and detailed pencil sketches to imaginative wire pieces, hand-built sculptures, and unique CD cover designs, the show highlighted the incredible range of student talent.

Families, faculty, and students were invited to admire the work, enjoy refreshments, and connect. This first-ever Middle School art show proved to be a wonderful display of art, community, and inspiration.

ATHLETICS

Gifts to McDonogh’s athletics program empower student-athletes to grow socially, mentally, and physically while embracing the enduring values of teamwork, resilience, humility, and sportsmanship.

HIGHLIGHT
BOSTON EQUESTRIAN CENTER

This year, the completion and dedication of the Boston Equestrian Center was a defining moment for one of McDonogh's most celebrated programs. Made possible by a lead gift from the Boston Family, it represents a lasting investment in the future of riding at McDonogh.

Significant improvements have been made to the facility, including the addition of a second indoor ring, an enhanced outdoor ring, and several other upgrades. The expanded center elevates the experience for student-athletes while positioning McDonogh to host premier competitions and further strengthen its reputation within the equestrian community.

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Because of your philanthropy, McDonogh is a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to be their authentic self. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives as they deepen their understanding of the world.

HIGHLIGHT
INAUGURAL HOLI FEST

McDonogh celebrated its inaugural Holi festival on April 10, bringing students, families, and friends together for a joyful celebration of community and culture. Known as the Hindu "Festival of Colors," Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and the triumph of good over evil.

The Rosenberg Campus Green was transformed into a celebration of color, music, and festive treats as participants embraced the spirit of the holiday. Filled with laughter, connection, and shared experiences, the gathering reflected McDonogh's commitment to fostering an inclusive community where diverse traditions are honored and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID

Donors play a vital role in making a McDonogh education accessible to talented students across the socioeconomic spectrum — ensuring that financial circumstances never stand between a promising student and an exceptional education.

GRATITUDE DINNER SPEAKER
HARRY SCHNIEDWIND ’26

"Leaving McDonogh better than you found it applies to every aspect of the school. Whether it’s a coach or teacher giving their extra time or their knowledge after class or practice, a student helping others or sharing their unique personality with the community, or a donor supporting athletics, scholarships, or other endeavors, McDonogh is selfless and timeless, and giving more than you take is what it means to be part of this community.

"I believe I have used my time here wisely and that my contributions have had a positive impact. I’ve been an active participant in my education, competed for the water polo, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse teams, and been a leader with the Veterans club. And, when it comes to school spirit, I have really found my voice – literally. I’ve painted myself orange, lost my voice cheering for practically every sports team, emcee’d the pep rally, and pumped up enthusiasm schoolwide. I hope that in finding my own ways to give back, I’ve made this community proud."

STUDENT LIFE

Joy radiates across McDonogh’s campus, fueled by genuine, trusting relationships between students and faculty. Your support helps to provide the experiences that foster these connections and cultivate community.

HIGHLIGHT
LIFER PIN CEREMONY

The inaugural Lifer Pin Ceremony established a new McDonogh tradition honoring seniors who have called the School home since the very beginning of their educational journey. The idea for the commemorative pin and ceremony was inspired by Kali Rahman ’26, who believed this special group deserved to be recognized.

The pin design symbolizes the journey, featuring the McDonogh Eagle at the center, encircled by a braid representing the School’s three divisions woven into one continuous path.

In March, the 41 members of the Class of 2026 Lifers and their families gathered to celebrate this milestone, followed by a reception in their honor.

WELLNESS

At McDonogh, students are empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through an intentional focus on whole-person development. Your generosity helps to weave wellness into the student experience across every division.

HIGHLIGHT
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Wellness is an essential part of every student's growth and success. Through a supportive community, comprehensive counseling services, health education, physical activity, and opportunities for mindfulness, students are encouraged to develop healthy habits that promote balance and well-being.

In the spring, students in all three divisions participated in Mental Health Awareness Week, with Upper School students enjoying activities such as yoga on the Green and therapy dog visits; Middle School students showcased what they had learned through a Health and Wellness Fair; and Lower School students completed chalk drawings and daily challenges.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The McDonogh experience extends beyond the classroom, fostering the character, leadership, and sense of purpose that shape students for life. Philanthropic support makes these transformative experiences possible.

HIGHLIGHT
HOPE CHAPEL

The annual Lower School Hope Chapel gathering is one of the most meaningful traditions of the year. Students step forward to share original poems about hope, written with wisdom beyond their years.

Between verses and songs, they present no-sew blankets of hope to representatives from the Ronald McDonald House and The Red Devils, offering comfort to families facing difficult times. Each blanket was more than fleece and knots. It was a tangible reminder that small hands can make a big difference!

RECOGNIZING OUR DONORS

Behind every story of impact is a community that believes deeply in our students and their future. We are grateful to our alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends who give back through their time, talent, and generosity.

View the Donor Lists

Page updated

Report abuse

McDonogh School2025–2026 Impact Report