Founded through Marguerite Quinn’s bequest for students preferably studying education.

The Kindergarten Association of Frederick was formed in October 1937 to meet the needs of African-American families who wanted to enroll their children in preparation for elementary school, since public schools did not offer kindergarten classes. In 1949, the Kindergarten Association was renamed after longtime Frederick educator Esther E. Grinage. Mrs. Grinage died in 1947 after having taught in African-American elementary schools in Frederick for 35 years. Well-known Fredericktonian Marguerite Quinn named the Esther E. Grinage Kindergarten Association the beneficiary of her will, earmarking funds to build a new kindergarten school building. However, kindergarten classes were created for the first time in the public school system in 1973. The Esther E. Grinage Scholarship Fund was established instead through Mrs. Quinn’s bequest. To commemorate Ms. Grinage’s passion for teaching, the fund awards scholarships to candidates studying early childhood education.