“Manor Mill has become a magnet for creativity and high-energy work. Through OS2, we can pair our unique mill setting and artistic community with Oldfields School’s strong educational foundation. Our immersive residential and day programs offer a transformative experience for participants to refine their craft or reawaken their creative interests.”
— Angelo Otterbein, Owner, Manor Mill

Oldfields School and Manor Mill Announce Groundbreaking Joint Venture: OS2

New Partnership to Offer Transformative Day and Residential Programs in Art, Wellness, and Music, Leveraging Historic Campus and Mill Settings

SPARKS GLENCOE, MD – 12/2/25 – Oldfields School, a historic, all-girls independent boarding and day school, and Manor Mill, a vibrant center for art, music, wellness, and community, today announced the formation of a dynamic joint venture named OS2. This new entity will leverage the resources and unique environments of both institutions to offer compelling day and residential experiences that utilize the stunning, rural campus of Oldfields School and the inspiring setting of Manor Mill, while greatly enhancing the education experience of Oldfields students and participants alike.

A Synergy of History, Learning, and Creativity

OS2 programs are designed to provide unparalleled, hands-on learning experiences across a diverse curriculum, connecting programs for students enrolled in the School as well as for the public who want to immerse themselves in a discipline:

  • Art and Design: Utilizing Manor Mill’s established fine arts gallery as a platform, programs will include workshops in painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, photography, and digital media, fostering creativity and practical skill development.

  • Writing and Literary Arts: Popular poetry and writing workshops, literary discussion, featured authors and writing retreats will be expanded to provide more in-depth study.

  • Music and Performance: Maximizing Oldfields School’s performance facilities and residential capabilities, programs will range from intensive musical study, choral ensembles, to theatrical arts. It builds on the successful stage performances of Manor Mill Playhouse as well as the impressive roster of international musicians who have performed at Manor Mill.

  • Wellness and Mind-Body Practices: Unique offerings will focus on holistic health, incorporating mindfulness, yoga, nutrition workshops, and outdoor education, immersed in the natural beauty surrounding both sites as well as large dance and pilates studios.

  • Environment and Preservation: Programs will incorporate the rich history of both sites, offering classes in environmental sustainability and preservation, connecting students to the past and future of the region.

Program Highlights

  • Residential Immersion: Participants will have the opportunity to live and learn on the Oldfields campus for day-long and multi-day experiences, enjoying full-service accommodations, dining, and campus facilities.   

  • Inspiring Venues: Educational sessions will rotate between the classic architecture and open spaces of Oldfields School and the timber frame beauty of Manor Mill.

  • Expert Instructors and Master Craftspeople: Programs will be led by professional artists, writers, musicians, and practitioners in all disciplines from the Manor Mill community, which currently attracts participants from the greater regions of Washington DC, Philadelphia and throughout Maryland but can now be expanded nationally with a residential option.

Upcoming Events

“The creation of OS2 marks an exciting new chapter for Oldfields School. Partnering with Manor Mill allows us to expand offerings for current students and open our beautiful, historic campus to a wider audience. Together, we will offer innovative programs that blend traditional academics with hands-on, creative, and wellness-focused learning. Most importantly, this next step provides an exceptional and distinctive opportunity for our students.”
— Ansley Smithwick, Head of School