After several years on the Goucher College campus, the Peabody Preparatory’s Towson‑area location has found a new home in the historic First and St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ at 6915 York Road in Stoneleigh. The move, announced this week by the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, gives families in Towson, Anneslie, Rodgers Forge and surrounding neighborhoods a convenient, family‑friendly venue for music and dance instruction.
Why the relocation matters for local families
Peabody Preparatory serves students from early childhood through the pre‑college level, offering private lessons, ensemble rehearsals, recitals, competitions and master classes. The new site is situated near Towson University and within walking distance of several public schools, including Dumbarton Middle School, Towson Senior High, and the elementary schools of Stoneleigh and Rodgers Forge. Parents can now drop their children off for lessons without the long commute to the institute’s main campus at 1 East Mount Vernon Place in downtown Baltimore.
Features of the new campus
The church building, a stone structure dating back to the 1920s, has been renovated to meet modern accessibility standards. According to the institute’s social‑media announcement, the facility includes multiple classrooms, a spacious sanctuary that will host performances, and a large dance studio with a stage. The space is fully ADA‑compliant, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, can participate in Peabody’s programs.
Historical backdrop of the property
First and St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ traces its roots to the First German Reformed Church founded in 1750. After moving from Baltimore City to York Road in 1928, the congregation underwent several name changes before becoming a United Church of Christ congregation in 1957. Facing declining membership, the church put the property up for sale last year. State land records show that Stoneleigh Properties LLC purchased the site on December 29, 2025, for $1.1 million. The sale included the main sanctuary and an adjacent parsonage, though Peabody Preparatory will not occupy the latter.
What this means for the local arts community
By repurposing an existing historic building, the Peabody Preparatory demonstrates a commitment to preserving community landmarks while expanding access to high‑quality arts education. The move aligns with the institute’s mission to nurture young talent across the Baltimore region and offers a convenient option for families seeking robust music and dance instruction close to home.
For more details about class offerings, enrollment, and upcoming performances, visit the Peabody Preparatory website at www.peabody.jhu.edu/preparatory or the extended‑learning campus page at www.peabody.jhu.edu/extended-learning/campuses/towson/.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
