History

In 1850 Frederick Gunn established a school based on the belief that strength of character was the goal of education. Today, The Gunnery rests on the four cornerstones of character: citizenship, integrity, respect and responsibility. Character is forged in a cohesive, diverse community informed by a challenging college preparatory curriculum, a broad range of athletic, artistic and social activities and a faculty of scholars and committed educators dedicated to the intellectual and ethical development of every student. A Gunnery graduate is a broadly educated, socially responsible citizen with tested beliefs, strength of character and the courage to act on convictions.

It would be hard to imagine our founder's impression of the world as it is today. Certainly there are aspects of our fast-paced, trend-conscious, media-saturated society that he could not have foreseen, not to mention the challenges they pose for a new generation of leaders. The Gunnery is forcefully trying to meet those modern-day challenges. On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, the school has identified five personal qualities that it instills in its students to prepare them for a productive and fulfilling future. These are: Scholarship, Integrity, Responsibility, Respect and Perseverance.