John E. Schmick, the Gilman School's headmaster, announced Wednesday that he will step down in July 2013 after a replacement is found.
"It is a privilege to lead the school that I love for so many years. Even during my days as a student, a dream of mine was to be headmaster of Gilman," Schmick said in an e-mail message to the school community.
When he was named, Schmick told the Board of Trustees that he would only stay for three to five years. He will leave after six years. The board president, Paul F. McBride, praised Schmick's leadership, saying he "took the helm at a time that required stability and skillful management."
Schmick had worked as the lacrosse coach at the private boys school in Baltimore City for about 20 years. His other roles have included financial aid director, dean of students, admissions director, upper school division head and assistant headmaster.