There are many people, even some long-time residents of Caroline County, who may not realize there is a nationally recognized organization nestled right here among the cornfields just outside of town.  People from all around the region, up and down the east coast, and even from around the world come to The Benedictine School for some of the best care and education available for children and adults with developmental disabilities.  Driving out of Ridgely along Route 312, Oakland Road, toward Bridgetown you see the gates and driveway, the water tower, and some buildings in the distance. You see little indication of what has formed the School’s excellent reputation: the personal attention, the experience, the expertise, and the love.

Even fewer people are aware of how much of Benedictine is located outside this local campus. Twenty-eight group homes of the Open Community Program are spread around the Mid-Shore to provide semi-independent living for many of Benedictine’s graduates who work in the community.  Maybe you’ve seen them at the grocery store or library, or at the Strawberry Festival.  Their mental and/or physical disabilities no longer prevent them from having lives like everyone else, and this is because of the Benedictine School experience.

This year is Benedictine’s 50th Anniversary. The School was established in 1959; however, it dates its history to 1891, when the Sisters of St. Benedict began a school for "young ladies and little girls" known as St. Gertrude's Academy. That school was operated continuously for more than sixty years until decreasing enrollment and few candidates for the novitiate forced the order to consider alternate 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 - well before the general public's awakening to this fact. In 1955, the Sisters admitted a group of 12 girls with developmental disabilities on a trial basis. This pilot program's immediate success inspired them to continue with a full-time commitment toward children with developmental disabilities. The first class of 19 students (17 girls and 2 boys) started in September 1959. Since then, Benedictine has grown to accommodate nearly 200 children and adults.

Nearly 100 residential and local day students come to Benedictine for treatment and training developed especially for their individual challenges, improving the lives of individuals with special needs, including autism, retardation, and multiple physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Many School parents consider it "a prep school for life's challenges" because of the individualized pursuit of each child's growth, happiness, and success for which Benedictine is known.

Children with developmental disabilities have intensive needs.  The simplest acts present unimaginable challenges to a child whose development is significantly delayed. Yet, with early intervention, the learning, discovery, and growth that are necessary to a fulfilling life are possible for just about any child. Benedictine's highly qualified staff works in the classroom, in the community, and in Benedictine's Residential Program to help each individual develop the essential skills he or she needs, such as effective communication, social skills, and personal hygiene.

Individual families and public schools have been generally unable to fully assist most of the individuals who come to Benedictine. To encourage each student to achieve his or her full potential academically, vocationally, and socially, the School offers a curriculum that provides instruction in traditional academic subjects - reading, math, social studies, science - supplemented with the instructional and therapeutic services each student needs, including: psychological; social work; occupational and physical therapy; vocational and community-based instruction; communications therapy; speech and language therapy; adaptive physical education and aquatics; behavioral programming; and transitional services. This unique offering of programs and services enables these special children to build better lives, with self-respect and self-sufficiency.

Going through school is only part of the story: becoming integrated into everyday life is another big step. Benedictine’s Open Community Program provides opportunities for living in supervised group homes and working in the world. Working with local employers, individuals are placed in part-time, well-supervised, competitive jobs, appropriate to their level of ability, where they come to understand the world of employment. Benedictine's vocational education facilities provide an environment in which they gain "real life" work experience in a variety of settings, including our on-campus Greenhouse, Laundromat, Mobile Cleaning Service, and Auto Service Station.

In addition, the Benedictine Industrial Training Center offers contractual services such as screen printing, embroidery, commercial printing and color copying, graphic design, light packaging, flower arrangements, and office cleaning to the local business community. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals should consider using these services, which are competitively priced and professionally supervised for highest quality. For more information about these services, please call 410-634-1912.

Sister Jeannette Murray, O.S.B., is Director of Benedictine Programs and Services, and has been here since the School’s founding. “There is a reason why these children are called ‘exceptional,’she says. “It’s because they are special. They are not here to be kept out of the way; they’re here because they deserve the very best – the best care, the best education, the best treatment that our knowledge, experience, and love can provide.This is why The Benedictine School has acquired their reputation for excellence. Sister Jeannette has no doubts about what has led her and the sisters, professional staff, community supporters and board members, families, friends, and students to become a part of this exceptional community. “God has a purpose for everyone,says Sister Jeannette, “and these kids’ purpose is to make us more kind.

The Benedictine School is a fully approved, non-sectarian service provider caring for 200 children and adults without regard to racial, ethnic, or religious background. For more information about Benedictine, please call 410-634-2292 or visit online at www.benschool.org.