Agnes Irwin School
The Agnes Irwin School is a private, all-girls, college preparatory school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on Philadelphia's Main Line. Founded in 1869, it is one of the oldest girls' schools in the United States.
History
[edit | edit source]The school was founded in 1869 in Philadelphia by Agnes Irwin, who served as its headmistress until 1894 when she left to become the first dean of Radcliffe College at Harvard. The school moved from its original Philadelphia location to the Main Line in 1933.[1]
Agnes Irwin
[edit | edit source]The school's founder, Agnes Irwin (1841-1914), was a pioneering educator:
- Great-great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin
- First dean of Radcliffe College (1894-1909)
- Champion of women's education
- Believed in rigorous academic preparation for women
Campus
[edit | edit source]The Bryn Mawr campus includes:
- Historic and modern academic buildings
- Athletic facilities
- Arts center
- Playing fields
- Lower, Middle, and Upper School facilities
Academics
[edit | edit source]Agnes Irwin offers:
- Rigorous college preparatory curriculum
- Advanced Placement courses
- STEM programs
- Arts and humanities
- Athletic programs
The school emphasizes developing confident, capable young women prepared for leadership in college and beyond.
Athletics
[edit | edit source]The school competes in the Inter-Academic League:
- Field hockey
- Lacrosse
- Tennis
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Swimming
Notable Alumnae
[edit | edit source]- Grace Kelly - Academy Award-winning actress, Princess of Monaco (attended briefly)
- Various leaders in business, academia, and the arts
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "School History". The Agnes Irwin School. Retrieved December 2025