Montgomery County’s Lost High School: In the heart of Aspen Hill, Maryland, there once stood a high school that held a special place in the lives of thousands of Montgomery County families. Though its doors closed over four decades ago, Robert E. Peary High School still holds a vibrant legacy, remembered fondly by former students and community members alike. With its unique origin, strong academic and extracurricular history, and the ongoing efforts of alumni to keep its memory alive, Peary High remains an important chapter in the county’s educational history.
Unlike many schools that fade into obscurity after closure, Peary High continues to spark emotion and pride. The school was more than an academic institution—it was a home for generations of students, a site of local traditions, and a symbol of community identity that continues to endure even without current students walking its halls.
Peary High
When the school opened its doors in September 1960, it did so with an identity rooted in student choice and community relevance. Located on Arctic Avenue, Peary High was named through a student-led process by sixth graders from Aspen Hill Elementary School. They wanted a name that reflected the Arctic theme of their street, and after researching notable explorers, they chose Robert E. Peary—the famed Arctic explorer credited with discovering the North Pole in 1909.
The school quickly grew into a central hub for education and student life in the area. The first graduating class, the Class of 1963, had joined Peary as sophomores when the school first opened. Over the next two decades, Peary High developed a strong reputation for academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Overview Table
| Category | Information |
| School Name | Robert E. Peary High School |
| Location | 13300 Arctic Avenue, Aspen Hill, MD |
| Year Opened | 1960 |
| Year Closed | 1984 |
| Named After | Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary |
| First Graduating Class | 1963 |
| Reason for Closure | Declining enrollment |
| Current Use of Building | Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy |
| Building Ownership Transfer | Leased in 1996, full ownership in 2010 |
| 50th Reunion Date | June 27–28, 2025 |
The Symbolism Behind the School
From the beginning, Peary High took pride in honoring the spirit of exploration and determination. Its school seal featured Commander Peary driving a team of huskies across a globe, topped by Polaris—the North Star. The dates “1909” and “1960” were inscribed on the seal, symbolizing both Peary’s historic expedition and the school’s founding year.
In 1964, Peary’s children, Marie Peary Stafford and Robert E. Peary Jr., presented the school with a symbolic sledge. A year earlier, the Class of 1963 gifted two iron anchors, meant to reflect Admiral Peary’s “iron will and determination.” These items weren’t just tokens; they were reminders of the school’s unique origins and a sense of perseverance that lived on in the student body.
A Musical Legacy That Survived Closure
Another standout feature of Peary High was its pipe band, which began in 1961. The band played a key role in school events and local parades, quickly becoming one of the school’s most cherished traditions. What’s remarkable is that this band continued to exist and perform even after the school closed in 1984—a testament to the passion and community that the school fostered.
Even decades later, many alumni still remember the sound of bagpipes as a defining part of their high school experience.
The Decline and Closure
Despite its strong identity and community support, Peary High couldn’t escape broader demographic changes. Declining enrollment throughout the county eventually led to the school’s closure in 1984. While it was a difficult decision for Montgomery County, it marked the end of an era for many families in the Aspen Hill area.
After the closure, students were transferred to other schools, mainly Rockville High School. For over a decade, the building stood vacant and fell into disrepair—until a new chapter began.
A New Life for the Campus
In 1996, a lease agreement was signed with the Hebrew Academy of Greater Washington, which led to the building’s renovation. By the fall of 1999, it reopened as the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, serving a new generation of students. In 2010, the Academy purchased the property outright.
Though the name and student body changed, the walls of the old Peary High building still echo the history of the school that once stood there. Many of the architectural features remain, preserving a link between past and present.
Reunion and Lasting Connections
In recent years, alumni have found new ways to stay connected. A Facebook group with over 4,000 members serves as a digital meeting space where former classmates share memories, photos, and stories. It’s a vibrant community that shows just how meaningful Peary High remains.
The 50th reunion of the Class of 1975 is set for June 27–28, 2025, and includes a weekend full of events: a golf outing at Hampshire Greens Golf Course, an icebreaker at Stained Glass Pub, and a nostalgic tour of the former school (now the Berman Hebrew Academy), hosted by Rabbi Uri Topolosky. The celebration concludes with a formal event at Argyle Country Club.
Final Thoughts
Peary High may have closed its doors in 1984, but its spirit is very much alive. Whether through the ongoing performances of its pipe band, reunions of passionate alumni, or the repurposing of its building for continued education, the school’s legacy continues.
For the many students who walked its halls, Peary High was more than a school—it was a community that shaped their youth and continues to bring people together, even decades later. As the 50th reunion approaches, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on how this once-vibrant school left a mark that time could not erase.
