For over 180 years, The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland has been putting boys at the center of every decision they make. The combination of an all-boys environment and a school that is intentionally small creates the ideal setting for boys to learn and grow. The results speak for themselves. The boys graduate confident in who they are and ready to make their mark on the world. To understand the impact, look no further than the voices of students— Tapley Irby and Ben Usiade.
Senior Tapley Irby and eighth grader Ben Usiade may be in different divisions, but both recognize that Boys’ Latin’s small size and strong relationships make all the difference.
Ben joined BL in sixth grade after seeing photos of hands-on science projects, like bottle rockets, on the Boys’ Latin website and experiencing a shadow day that included a science activity with fake blood. “I liked how interactive the classes were,” Ben said. “All the hands-on activities made me want to come here.”
Today, Ben is involved in nearly every corner of middle school life. He plays football, futsal, and lacrosse, participates in band, and is a member of the First LEGO League robotics team. He believes one of the best parts of BL is how the small size allows for more opportunities. This year, the middle school introduced an Algebra 2 course for a small group of eighth graders and added honors English to all middle school grades. Ben also appreciates how easy it is to start new clubs or switch sports based on interest— something he feels sets BL apart from other schools.
Tapley Irby, now a senior, serves as student body president and is deeply involved in all aspects of school life. He plays soccer and basketball, serves on the Honor Board, and participates in multiple student clubs. Tapley came to Boys’ Latin in ninth grade and quickly felt a strong sense of connection. “The small student body is very connected, and teachers have strong relationships with their students,” he said. “It is something unique to BL. I didn’t get the same feeling when visiting other schools.” Tapley credits the strong community for his smooth transition to Boys’ Latin.
For both Ben and Tapley, community and opportunity define the Boys’ Latin experience.
This article is part of our 2025-2026 Guide to Baltimore Independent School Guide.
