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.
During the 1950’s, the Sisters recognized the need for a school to train and educate children and young adults with developmental disabilities. In 1955, the Sisters began a pilot program for a group of 12 girls with special needs already enrolled in the Academy; and this program’s immediate success inspired them to continue with a full-time commitment to children with developmental disabilities. The first class of 19 students started in September, 1959. A new School was built in 1964 to meet the needs of the growing population.
Once students graduated from the School program, it became evident that there was continued need for residential and vocational services for them as adults. In 1982, the first residential group home for adults was built by Benedictine in Annapolis. Over the next several years, the Adult Services Program grew with group homes in Annapolis, Caroline and Talbot counties in Maryland, and in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware. An adult vocational program offering day habilitation and supported employment services grew from the vocational training areas initially established for students in the School’s transition program.
Over the years, The Benedictine School and Adult Services have grown and evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the population served. In June 2013, the historic transfer of ownership from the Sisters of St. Benedict to the School’s Board of Directors was completed, marking the first time in Benedictine’s history that executive leadership was in the hands of lay people. However, Benedictine’s commitment to the legacy of excellence and progressive services initiated by the Sisters of St. Benedict over half a century ago will always be in the forefront.
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