March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and honor the trailblazing women who have shaped history through their courage and determination. One such pioneer is our founder, Margaret Bancroft. A true visionary in the field of special education, she made a profound impact on the lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her unwavering commitment to unlocking their potential not only transformed their lives, but also laid the foundation for modern special education practices.
A Mission to Make a Difference
Born in 1854 in Philadelphia, Margaret Bancroft was raised in a Quaker family that valued education and service. She became a teacher in the city’s public schools, where she quickly became known for her deep concern for children who struggled in traditional classroom settings. Unlike many educators of her time, Margaret understood what these children needed to thrive and learn, and it wasn’t more discipline. They needed specialized instruction, care, and compassion.
Her conviction led her to take a bold step. In 1883, against societal norms and with little financial support, she founded one of the first private schools in the United States for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In a small rented house in Haddonfield, New Jersey, she created a nurturing environment where children could receive individualized education tailored to their unique abilities.
A Revolutionary Approach
Margaret Bancroft believed that every child had the right to an education that met their needs. At a time when children with disabilities were often institutionalized and neglected, her school emphasized individualized instruction, proper nutrition, and a structured and compassionate learning environment.
With a keen understanding of what the children in her care needed to thrive, she purposefully recruited skilled professionals to further develop the school’s program of care and curriculum, including renowned physician Dr. Ernest Farrington, who introduced scientific approaches to psychology and education to the school. Farrington succeeded Margaret as president following her death and served in that capacity for 25 years.
The Bancroft School quickly gained recognition for its success, and within a decade, it expanded to an 18-acre property to accommodate more students. Margaret’s forward-thinking philosophy also led her to acquire oceanfront property in Maine, allowing children to escape the summer heat and experience new learning opportunities in a different environment.
The Legacy Lives On
Margaret Bancroft passed away in 1912 at the age of 58, but her legacy has endured. Under the leadership of those she inspired, including the Cooley sisters and later Dr. Clarence York, the Bancroft School continued to grow, adapting to new educational advancements while staying true to her vision.
As Bancroft celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 1983, autism was first becoming known to the general public. Bancroft again pioneered specialized services for this expanding group and, in 1984, instituted its first residential treatment program for children with autism on the Haddonfield Campus.
On Bancroft’s 110th anniversary in 1993, a statue honoring her, created by award-winning sculptor Judith Flicker, was unveiled on the Haddonfield Campus. This generous gift from Judith, a longtime Bancroft family member and trustee, was a tribute to Margaret’s enduring influence. In 2017, the statue was relocated to the Raymond & Joanne Welsh Campus in Mt. Laurel, serving as a daily reminder of her extraordinary contributions and the mission she set in motion.
Margaret Bancroft’s impact reached far beyond the walls of her school. She was a relentless advocate for the rights of children with disabilities, paving the way for the eventual establishment of federal education laws that guaranteed their right to learn. More than a century after her death, her influence can be seen in individualized instruction, inclusive education policies, and specialized therapeutic approaches that are now standard practice.
A Trailblazer Remembered
The lasting influence of Margaret Bancroft has been acknowledged in many ways. In 2019, she was featured in The Book of Gutsy Women, highlighting her fearless dedication to education. In 2021, she was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, ensuring her story continues to inspire future generations.
Here at Bancroft, her spirit lives on in everything we do. It is embedded into the fabric of who we are: in our mission to empower the individuals we support to realize their best life; in our vision to set the standard of excellence in services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; in our core values of leading with compassion and striving for clinical excellence; in the expansion of our services to provide a continuum of care for children and adults; and in our commitment to creating One World, For Everyone. Bancroft continues to live by her conviction that with the right support, every person has the potential to grow, learn, and thrive.
Margaret’s legacy reminds us that true progress often begins with one person’s unwavering belief in a better future. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate Margaret Bancroft, a woman ahead of her time, whose pioneering spirit changed countless lives and shaped the future of special education.
