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Our History

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School Opening

When Harford Day School opened its doors to 30 children in kindergarten through second grade in September of 1957, it marked the realization of a dream of a small group of parents who wanted to provide an educational choice for Harford County families with young children. They leased an abandoned former two-room schoolhouse in Bel Air from the county. The group was led by Sara Brumfield, who became the founding Headmistress and also taught; Mignon Cameron, who taught French and history for 20 years; and Sidney Poor.

1957

A New Home

The school added a grade each year, as well as students to existing grades, and it quickly outgrew its original space. A capital campaign fell short of its goal, but Harford Day borrowed money, bought eight acres on Moores Mill Road, and built a new building with six classrooms and a multipurpose room in 1961. An old farm building on the site was converted into a kindergarten. The school continued to grow in its new home, and in 1963 Harford Day held its first commencement and graduated five students. In the ensuing years, more classrooms, a science lab and library would be added, and the multipurpose room expanded. By the time Sara Brumfield retired in 1975, the school had 197 students.

1957-1975

A Fresh Educational Approach

Robert Sarkisian, the school’s second Head, brought energy and new educational approaches during his tenure. Esther Bennett, who had been the fifth-grade teacher, followed him from 1979, continuing to improve the curriculum. Under her leadership, the pre-kindergarten program was started, an addition to the main building was completed, and French teacher Andree Leath led the first European trip.

1975-1983

Expansion to “Double Classes”

Leith Herrmann came from Gilman School to be Head in 1983. Among the many accomplishments during his eight years were an improved athletic program, outdoor learning, computers throughout the school, and the first long-range planning session. Perhaps the most significant change was the expansion from one homeroom to two per grade beginning with kindergarten in 1988. The school would grow steadily over the next 10 years as the first “double class” moved through the grades. Lynn White became Head of School in 1991, adding Spanish to the curriculum, expanding the library, and making improvements to the physical plan.

1983-1993

Showing Our smARTS

Under Su Harris, who became Head in 1993, the school reached full enrollment and completed two major capital campaigns. A new kindergarten building opened in 1995, and a new middle school building in 2000. During her 21 years as Head, Harford Day saw its greatest expansion on every front: athletics, performing arts, faculty salaries, technology, science, curriculum development, as well as facilities. The visiting artists program began, the first Arts festival was held, and middle school students participated in the first smARTS week in 2005.

1993-2014

Innovation Initiatives

Harford Day’s seventh Head of School, Gray Smith, came from the Severn School in 2014. While maintaining the school’s AIMS accreditation, Mr. Smith launched new initiatives including a three-year-old program, inquiry based learning, an innovation lab, the art gallery, 1:1 iPads, and the first international students.

2014-2018

A Strong Transition

In 2018 Ashleigh Wilkes, Lower School Head, was appointed Interim Head of School. At the time, Wilkes had been a teacher at Harford Day for sixteen years and she expertly guided the school through a transitional year during the search for the school’s 8th Head of School.

2018-2019

More Vibrant Than Ever

Harford Day welcomed eighth Head of School, Susan Bond Kearney, in June of 2019 with an Installation Ceremony held in September. The COVID pandemic took over shortly after her arrival. With a hardworking and dedicated faculty and staff, Mrs. Kearney was able to pivot quickly to virtual schooling for the rest of the year. By the following fall Harford Day was open, offering a hybrid of in person and virtual classes.

As Harford Day School celebrates 65 years, the school is more vibrant than ever with the school’s highest enrollment in over a decade, waiting pools in several grades, an expanding preschool program, and strong philanthropic support.

2019-Present