Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider. The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.
Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.
Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.
Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults – serving individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region, and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 375 employees.
The origin of our values can be traced to our Founders, the Sisters of St. Benedict. These values are fundamental to the culture of Benedictine today:
Demonstrating compassion and respecting the inherent value and worth in each person
To be honest and fair while making ethical, transparent and well-intended decisions
Working toward a common goal and building relationships utilizing communication, trust, and accountability
A commitment to offering high quality services through creativity, determination and continuous improvement
The Benedictine School was established in 1959 in the rural farming community of Ridgely on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. However, the school’s history dates back to 1890, when the Sisters of St. Benedict began a school for “young ladies and little girls” known as St. Gertrude Academy. The Sisters purchased Bourne Manor and moved their motherhouse from New Jersey in 1887, and Academy classes were held in the former guest house of the Manor. The Academy operated continuously for more than sixty years until decreasing enrollment led the order to consider alternative uses for the property.
We believe all people, regardless of ability, have the right to actively participate in their communities. As Benedictine enhances our programs and focuses on a stronger community-based model of service, we will continue our tradition of transformation and innovation in meeting and anticipating the needs of the students and adults receiving services from Benedictine.
Read the experiences and insights of our valued staff and community members.
As a national commission that verifies and promotes excellence in education service, NCASES evaluates private special education programs through a process that encourages diversity of educational practice and innovation. The process assures students in private special education settings are provided environments that are healthy, safe, comfortable and conducive to learning.This accreditation places the Benedictine School among 26 institutions in the nation to receive the honor out of approximately 200 special education schools.
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