A historic women's junior college in suburban Maryland that operated 1903–1950, emphasizing practical education and finishing school traditions.
Chevy Chase Junior College was established in 1903 by Dr. Samuel Nelson Barker and his wife Mary in a converted resort hotel. Originally a finishing school and college for girls, it underwent significant curriculum changes in 1917 under Dr. Frederic Ernest Farrington, who shifted focus toward practical education for future homemakers. The college was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1940 and operated under the Scudder family foundation. Its high school program was discontinued in 1947, and the college closed permanently in June 1950 due to rising costs, low enrollment, and uncertainty surrounding the Korean War.
The college offered Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Literature, and Bachelor of Science degrees, along with Associate of Arts degrees beginning in the late 1930s. Early curricula included classical subjects such as Latin, Greek, art history, and modern languages. Under Farrington's leadership, the curriculum shifted to emphasize home economics, business, and practical skills including cooking, hostessing, house management, and secretarial science. A collaborative program with George Washington University (1933) allowed students to take university courses. By 1940, the college prepared students for both homemaking and careers in journalism, clothing design, interior decorating, and secretarial work.
The 11-acre suburban campus at 7100 Connecticut Avenue featured a colonial-style main building (the former Chevy Chase Spring Hotel), residential dormitories, a gymnasium, and recreational facilities. A 'practice home' was added in 1939 for Home Economics training. Student life included clubs (French Club, Dramatic Club, Social Service Club), intramural sports, dances, and cultural events featuring notable speakers such as Amelia Earhart and Thornton Wilder. The school newspaper was *The Barker* and the yearbook was *The Chaser*. Athletic teams, known as the Chevy Amazons, competed in archery, badminton, and tennis but did not face external competition.
The college announced closure in August 1950, citing low enrollment, rising costs, and international uncertainty. President Frances R. Brown's ambitious expansion plans, including a new science and technology building, contributed to financial strain. Despite efforts to secure alumnae support and additional boarding facilities, the college did not reopen. The campus was sold to the National 4-H Foundation in January 1951, though it was used by the U.S. Defense Department during the Korean War before 4-H occupation in 1959.