Program Details Test
B.E.S.T. is committed to helping our students achieve success and reach their fullest potential. We provide comprehensive programs for applicants, current students and their parents to help guide them through the initial application process and support them throughout their education. Visit the schedule below for more details.
Please note, these programs are by invitation only. To be considered for the B.E.S.T. application process, please fill out the Online Inquiry Form.
For Applicant Students
Independent School Entrance Exam Preparation Class (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2016
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants for grades 5-9 participate in writing, test-taking strategies and mathematic workshops to prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam. Workshops are taught by independent school faculty.
Independent School Entrance Exam (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2016
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants for grades 5-9 take the Independent School Entrance Exam.
B.E.S.T. Member School Fair for B.E.S.T. Applicant Families (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2016
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Roland Park Country School, Lower School Multipurpose Room
Description:
B.E.S.T. Applicants and their families are invited to speak with admissions team members from B.E.S.T. member schools.
Independent School Entrance Exam Preparation Class (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants grades 5-9 participate in writing, test-taking strategies and mathematic workshops to prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam. Workshops are taught by independent school faculty.
Independent School Entrance Exam (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, December 10, 2016
Time: 8:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants in grades 5-9 take the Independent School Entrance Exam.
Independent School Entrance Exam Preparation Class
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2014
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants grade 5-10 participate in writing, test-taking strategies and mathematic workshops to prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam. Workshops are taught by independent school faculty.
Independent School Entrance Exam
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Independent School Entrance Exam
Independent School Entrance Exam Preparation Class
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants grade 5-10 participate in writing, test-taking strategies and mathematic workshops to prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam. Workshops are taught by independent school faculty.
Independent School Entrance Exam
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2014
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
Independent School Entrance Exam
Independent School Entrance Exam Preparation Class (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2015
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants grade 5-10 participate in writing, test-taking strategies and mathematic workshops to prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam. Workshops are taught by independent school faculty.
Independent School Entrance Exam (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2015
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Independent School Entrance Exam
Independent School Entrance Exam Preparation Class (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2015
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
B.E.S.T. applicants grade 5-10 participate in writing, test-taking strategies and mathematic workshops to prepare for the Independent School Entrance Exam. Workshops are taught by independent school faculty.
Independent School Entrance Exam (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
Independent School Entrance Exam
For Applicant Parents
Financial Aid Workshop and Conversation About the Financial Realities of an Independent School Education (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2016
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
Led by the Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment Management of Park School, the Financial Aid Workshop will take a step-by-step look at the process of applying for financial assistance using School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS). The Financial Literacy Workshop will help families understand the obligations and timeline of participation in financing an independent school education.
B.E.S.T. Member School Fair for B.E.S.T. Applicant Families (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2016
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Roland Park Country School, Lower School Multipurpose Room
Description:
B.E.S.T. Applicants and their families are invited to speak with admissions team members from B.E.S.T. member schools.
Financial Aid Workshop and Conversation About the Financial Realities of an Independent School Education (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
Led by the Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment Management of Park School, the Financial Aid Workshop will take a step-by-step look at the process of applying for financial assistance using School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS). The Financial Literacy Workshop will help families understand the obligations and timeline of participation in financing an independent school education
Financial Aid Workshop and Conversation About the Financial Realities of an Independent School Education (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2015
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
Led by the Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment Management of Park School, the Financial Aid Workshop will take a step-by-step look at the process of applying for financial assistance using School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS). The Financial Literacy Workshop will help families understand the obligations and timeline of participation in financing an independent school education.
Financial Aid Workshop and Conversation About the Financial Realities of an Independent School Education (By Invitation Only)
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2015
Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Location: The Park School of Baltimore
Description:
Led by the Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment Management of Park School, the Financial Aid Workshop will take a step-by-step look at the process of applying for financial assistance using School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS). The Financial Literacy Workshop will help families understand the obligations and timeline of participation in financing an independent school education
For Current Students
B.E.S.T. Back to School Family Celebration
Date: Thursday, August 18, 2016
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s School / St. Paul’s School for Girls – Ward Center for the Arts (Dining Hall)
Description:
A back-to-school celebration for all B.E.S.T. families to kick off the new school year and to provide an opportunity for student and parent networking.
Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute (GBALI) Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturdays, October – March 2017
Time: 8:45am -12:00pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
Leadership program for upper school students emphasizing educational and career choices and the importance of interpersonal relationships and personal accountability. Applications are required for selection to this program and will be made available in mid-summer 2016.
Hathaway and Finney Program
4th Annual Starting the College Conversation Sponsored by OneMain Financial
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2016
Time: 2:30pm – 5:00pm Workshop; 5:00pm – 6:00pm Optional Campus Tour
Location: Towson University, Liberal Arts Building
Description:
“Starting the College Conversation” is a free workshop for 8th and 9th grade students and their parents to learn about the steps to be taking now to create a path to college. This program is part of The .edu Project of B.E.S.T.
4th Annual Leaders on Leadership Breakfast Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016
Time: 8:00am – 9:30am
Location: The Center Club, Baltimore
Description:
Students, Trustees, Funders and Special Guests will share in a leadership networking breakfast.
Hathaway and Finney Program
B.E.S.T. Family Holiday Party / Celebration of the Class of 2017
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Friends School
Description:
Holiday party to bring B.E.S.T. families together to celebrate the graduating Class of 2017 and to provide an opportunity for parent and family networking.
Social Etiquette Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017
Time: 8:45am – 1:00pm
Location: Gilman School (Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute Host Site)
Description:
Upper school students will gain knowledge about first impressions, interviewing, “netiquette” & social media, and dining etiquette.
Hathaway and Finney Program
The Bryn Mawr School Summer Enrichment Courses
Date: June – July, 2014
Time: Daytime, Monday – Friday
Location: Bryn Mawr School
Description:
Summer academic enrichment courses taught by Bryn Mawr faculty
The Young Adult Dale Carnegie Leadership Program Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Sundays, June 8 – August 10, 2014
Time: 11:00am – 2:30pm
Location: Dale Carnegie Office, Timonium
Description:
The leadership program is designed to work with students to embrace their day-to-day challenges including balancing school, work, relationships and extra-curricular activities. Students are coached to maximize their individual potential by setting breakthrough goals and creating an inspiring vision. Hosted by: Dale Carnegie
Hathaway and Finney Program
Middle School Summer Scholars Program
Date: June 30, 2014 – July 31, 2014
Time: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Newly-enrolled Middle School students attend a five-week academic enrichment program to prepare them for transitioning to an independent school in the fall. Classes are taught by independent school teachers.
Upper School Summer Scholars Program
Date: June 30, 2014 – July 31, 2014
Time: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Newly-enrolled 9th grade students will attend a five-week academic enrichment program to prepare them for transitioning to an independent school in the fall. Classes are taught by independent school teachers.
Transitioning from Middle School to Upper School Workshop at Summer Scholars
Date: Friday, July 11, 2014
Time:
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Rising 9th grade students will attend a workshop designed to address transitional issues, led by Lise Charlier of Severn School
B.E.S.T. Back to School Family Picnic
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2014
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s School for Girls, The Ward Center (11232 Falls Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093)
Description:
A back-to-school picnic for all B.E.S.T. families at St. Paul’s School for Girls in the Ward Center, to kick off the new school year and to provide an opportunity for student and parent networking.
Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute (CLOSED) Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturdays, October, 2014 – May, 2015
Time: 9:00am -12:00pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
Leadership program emphasizing educational and career choices and the importance of interpersonal relationships and personal accountability. Hosted by: Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute
Hathaway and Finney Program
Leaders on Leadership Breakfast Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Monday, October 20, 2014
Time: 7:30am – 9:00am Breakfast 9:00am – 12:00pm Leadership Development Program
Location: The Center Club, Baltimore
Description:
Students, Trustees, funders and special guests will share in a leadership networking breakfast. Following the breakfast, we will host a leadership development program for our students around building a culture of philanthropy in the next generation.
Hathaway and Finney Program
“Let’s Start Talking About College”
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2014
Time: 9:30am – 10:00am Breakfast Refreshments 10:00am – 12:00pm Workshop 12:00pm – 1:00pm Optional Campus Tour
Location: Towson University
Description:
“Let’s Start Talking About College” is a free workshop for 8th graders and their parents to learn about the steps to be taking now to create a path to college. This program is part of the .edu Project of B.E.S.T.
B.E.S.T. Holiday Family Party / Celebration of the Class of 2015
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Calvert School
Description:
Holiday party to bring B.E.S.T. families together to celebrate the graduating class of 2015 and to provide an opportunity for parent and family networking
“Careers & Entrepreneurship: Learning How to Use Your Gifts to Pursue your Passions” Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2015
Time: 8:45 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
Everyone wants to own a business or establish a successful career, but what does that mean? At this workshop you will discuss the specific steps that need to be taken along your unique road to success. Learn how careers break down into daily activities, the difference between a people-focused career vs. an information-focused career, innovating to address market needs, business principles, and other information. This interactive and engaging program will help you to frame your college decisions based on the pursuit of your passions.
Hathaway and Finney Program
B.E.S.T. Middle School Family Game Night
Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Gilman School, Lumen Center
Description:
The staff of B.E.S.T. invites middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents for an evening of fun, games, and community-building with other middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents.
Lardarius Web Charity Softball Game
Date: Friday, May 8th 2015
Time: 5:30pm
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
Description:
An opportunity for B.E.S.T. students and parents to attend and enjoy the Lardarius Webb Charity Softball Game
Middle School Summer Scholars Program
Date: June 29, 2015 – July 30, 2015
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Newly-enrolled Middle School students attend a five-week academic enrichment program to prepare them for transitioning to an independent school in the fall. Classes are taught by independent school teachers
College Workshop at Summer Scholars
Date: Friday, July 11, 2014
Time:
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Rising 9th grade students will attend a workshop geared toward addressing issues of college preparation as a freshman, led by Alyssa Perez of Towson University.
Upper School Summer Scholars Program
Date: June 29, 2015 – July 30, 2015
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Location: Roland Park Country School
Description:
Newly-enrolled 9th grade students will attend a five-week academic enrichment program to prepare them for transitioning to an independent school in the fall. Classes are taught by independent school teachers.
Back to School Family Celebration
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s School for Girls, The Ward Center (11232 Falls Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093)
Description:
A back-to-school celebration for all B.E.S.T. families at St. Paul’s School for Girls in the Ward Center, to kick off the new school year and to provide an opportunity for student and parent networking.
3rd Annual Leaders on Leadership Breakfast Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2015
Time: 8:00am – 9:30am
Location: The Center Club, Baltimore
Description:
Students, Trustees, funders and special guests will share in a leadership networking breakfast.
Hathaway and Finney Program
Starting the College Conversation
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2015
Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Towson University
Description:
“Starting the College Conversation” is a free workshop for 8th grade students and their parents to learn about the steps to be taking now to create a path to college. This program is part of The .edu Project of B.E.S.T
B.E.S.T. Family Holiday Party / Celebration of the Class of 2016
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2015
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Calvert School
Description:
Holiday party to bring B.E.S.T. families together to celebrate the graduating class of 2016 and to provide an opportunity for parent and family networking.
Social Etiquette Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturday, February 27, 2016
Time: 8:45am – 1:00pm
Location: Gilman School (Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute Host Site)
Description:
Upper school students will gain knowledge about first impressions, interviewing, “netiquette” & social media, and dining etiquette.
Hathaway and Finney Program
B.E.S.T. Middle School Family Game Night
Date: Friday, March 11, 2016
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Gilman School, Lumen Center
Description:
The staff of B.E.S.T. invites middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents for an evening of fun, games, and community-building with other middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents.
College Tours
Date: Monday, March 21, 2016
Time: 7:45am – 5:00pm
Location: Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, College Park
Description:
Day trip sponsored by B.E.S.T. to explore and experience local universities.
Gilman Black Alumni Leadership Institute (GBALI) Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturdays, October 2015 – March 2016
Time: 8:45am -12:00pm
Location: Gilman School
Description:
Leadership program emphasizing educational and career choices and the importance of interpersonal relationships and personal accountability. Applications to apply for this program will be available later this summer from GBALI. Check back for updates.
Hathaway and Finney Program
A Morning with Wes Moore Molly Hathaway Young Women’s and Redmond C.S. Finney Young Men’s Leadership Program
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2016
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland
Description:
B.E.S.T. upper school students will spend the morning in conversation with Wes Moore, nationally acclaimed author of The Other Wes Moore and The Work; and Founder and CEO of BridgeEdU. Wes Moore is a youth advocate, Army combat veteran, social entrepreneur, and host of Beyond Belief on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Wes Moore’s mission is to help young people succeed and make the right choices through education and awareness alongside the support of their parents, teachers, and mentors.
Hathaway and Finney Program
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2016
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Description:
An opportunity for B.E.S.T. lower school students and parents to attend and enjoy The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
For Current Parents
B.E.S.T. Back to School Family Celebration
Date: Thursday, August 18, 2016
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s School / St. Paul’s School for Girls – Ward Center for the Arts (Dining Hall)
Description:
A back-to-school celebration for all B.E.S.T. families to kick off the new school year and to provide an opportunity for student and parent networking.
FAFSA Workshop
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2016
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: Gilman School Lumen Center, 2nd Floor
Description:
An opportunity for parents of seniors to complete the required FAFSA online forms under the direction and expertise of financial aid professionals.
4th Annual Starting the College Conversation Sponsored by OneMain Financial
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2016
Time: 2:30pm – 5:00pm Workshop; 5:00pm – 6:00pm Optional Campus Tour
Location: Towson University, Liberal Arts Building
Description:
“Starting the College Conversation” is a free workshop for 8th and 9th grade students and their parents to learn about the steps to be taking now to create a path to college. This program is part of The .edu Project of B.E.S.T.
B.E.S.T. Family Holiday Party / Celebration of the Class of 2017
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Friends School
Description:
Holiday party to bring B.E.S.T. families together to celebrate the graduating Class of 2017 and to provide an opportunity for parent and family networking.
B.E.S.T. Back to School Family Picnic Parent Support Network
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2014
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s School for Girls, The Ward Center (11232 Falls Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093)
Description:
A back-to-school picnic for all B.E.S.T. families at St. Paul’s School for Girls in the Ward Center, to kick off the new school year and to provide an opportunity for student and parent networking.
“Let’s Start Talking About College”
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2014
Time: 9:30am – 10:00am Breakfast Refreshments 10:00am – 12:00pm Workshop 12:00pm – 1:00pm Optional Campus Tour
Location: Towson University
Description:
“Let’s Start Talking About College” is a free workshop for 8th graders and their parents to learn about the steps to be taking now to create a path to college. This program is part of the .edu Project of B.E.S.T.
B.E.S.T. Holiday Family Party / Celebration of the Class of 2015
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Calvert School
Description:
Holiday party to bring B.E.S.T. families together to celebrate the graduating class of 2015 and to provide an opportunity for parent and family networking.
B.E.S.T. Middle School Family Game Night
Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Gilman School, Lumen Center
Description:
The staff of B.E.S.T. invites middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents for an evening of fun, games, and community-building with other middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents.
Lardarius Web Charity Softball Game
Date: Friday, May 8th 2015
Time: 5:30pm
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
Description:
An opportunity for B.E.S.T. students and parents to attend and enjoy the Lardarius Webb Charity Softball Game
B.E.S.T. New Parent Welcome Night
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2015
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Bryn Mawr School, North Building (109 W. Melrose Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210)
Description:
An evening for all parents of newly enrolling B.E.S.T. students to meet the staff of B.E.S.T., network with fellow parents of newly enrolling B.E.S.T. students, and hear from current B.E.S.T. parents about their independent school experience.
Back to School Family Celebration
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s School for Girls, The Ward Center (11232 Falls Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093)
Description:
A back-to-school celebration for all B.E.S.T. families at St. Paul’s School for Girls in the Ward Center, to kick off the new school year and to provide an opportunity for student and parent networking.
Starting the College Conversation
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2015
Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Towson University
Description:
“Starting the College Conversation” is a free workshop for 8th grade students and their parents to learn about the steps to be taking now to create a path to college. This program is part of The .edu Project of B.E.S.T.
B.E.S.T. Family Holiday Party / Celebration of the Class of 2016
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2015
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Calvert School
Description:
Holiday party to bring B.E.S.T. families together to celebrate the graduating class of 2016 and to provide an opportunity for parent and family networking
FAFSA / CSS Profile Workshop
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2016
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Location: Gilman School Lumen Center, 2nd Floor
Description:
An opportunity for parents of the class of 2016 to complete both the required FAFSA and the CSS/Profile online forms under the direction and expertise of financial aid professionals.
B.E.S.T. Middle School Family Game Night
Date: Friday, March 11, 2016
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Gilman School, Lumen Center
Description:
The staff of B.E.S.T. invites middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents for an evening of fun, games, and community-building with other middle school B.E.S.T. students and parents.
College Tours
Date: Monday, March 21, 2016
Time: 7:45am – 5:00pm
Location: Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, College Park
Description:
Day trip sponsored by B.E.S.T. to explore and experience local universities
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2016
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Description:
An opportunity for B.E.S.T. lower school students and parents to attend and enjoy The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
For Alumni
Alumni Networking Breakfast
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2016
Time: 8:30am – 9:30am
Location: Donna’s Cross Keys
Description:
Networking event for local B.E.S.T. alumni.
College-Aged Alumni Lunch
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Location: Pepe’s Pizza
Description:
Lunch to welcome home college-aged B.E.S.T. alumni and provide a “meet and greet” opportunity with the B.E.S.T. staff.




