The Sciences at Bryn Mawr
Building Academic Excellence
Circa 1917 Science at the Cathedral Street School
The Sciences at The Bryn Mawr School have been an integral part of the curriculum since the school’s beginnings. The tradition of a robust science program was established early; the school’s first course catalog stated that students would be prepared for the “highest requirements for entrance made by any college.” From the beginning, laboratory science was offered to students in the upper grades, while younger students received oral instruction in the areas of botany, zoology, and mineralogy. The school even earned the nickname “Little Miss Hopkins” because the science labs on Cathedral Street were located next to the Johns Hopkins physics building, allowing the Hopkins men to see Bryn Mawr students working in their laboratories.
1928 Move to Melrose Avenue
The Bryn Mawr School purchased the Gordon Estate in 1928, and over the following several years, classes were gradually relocated to the new campus from the Cathedral Street site. As enrollment grew, new buildings were required to provide adequate facilities for student instruction. By 1939, approximately 200 students were utilizing the Gordon Building, the Garrett Building, and the Gate House, supplemented by temporary structures for physical education and a study hall. During this period, the school’s scientific facilities consisted of a single small laboratory housed within the Gate House.
Circa 1950s Ms. Hardy’s Class at Melrose Avenue
Science at Melrose Avenue was led by Claire Hardy ’22. Ms. Hardy taught at The Bryn Mawr School from 1927 to 1969—an impressive tenure of 42 years. Her roles at the school included teaching physics and providing leadership as both the Head of the Science Department and the Assistant Head of School.
1968 Quill
In February 1968, The Bryn Mawr Quill announced plans for a new science and mathematics building. This development followed a significant curriculum change in 1966, when the Upper School added a chemistry laboratory course to meet evolving college entrance requirements for medical and scientific careers. A successful Capital Fund Drive provided the necessary funding for the project, which featured dedicated classrooms and laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as offices and instructional space for the Mathematics Department. To ensure the highest standards, a specialized planning consultant from Boston oversaw the entire design.
Additionally, The Baltimore Sun published an article featuring sketches of the proposed facilities. The groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for Friday, February 23, at 11:30 a.m. The firm Peterson and Brickbauer served as the architects, while the construction contract was awarded to C.W. Jackson & Associates of Towson. The project was slated for completion by the end of 1968.
The Building Project Unfolds
1968 Ernst and Ernst Financial Notes
With financing secured, construction on the Hardy Building was able to begin. The total cost of the project was projected to be approximately $800,000, excluding equipment. According to an August 31, 1968, financial statement from Ernst & Ernst, $250,000 had been expended on construction costs to date. Completion of the building remained on schedule for the end of 1968.
1933 Bryn Mawrtyr
The new Science and Math Building at The Bryn Mawr School was named in honor of longtime science teacher Claire Coriell Hardy ’22.
Circa 1970s – Microscopic Investigations – Hardy Building
The Hardy Building has housed science and mathematics classes from 1968 to the present. Over the years, the curriculum has evolved to reflect current research and best practices, ensuring it remains relevant, effective, and equitable in a rapidly changing world.
Circa 1990s – Ms. Acey’s Class Rocket Launch – Hardy Building
Hardy Building Today – Front Image
Since 1968, the Hardy Building has been the backdrop for science and mathematics education—an impressive 58-year legacy.
