The Best Private Schools in Laurel, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laurel. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Worcester Preparatory School
Independent School
Worcester Preparatory School is an acclaimed independent day school serving students from age 4 through 12th grade, drawing families from throughout the Delmarva region including Laurel. The school offers a challenging academic program with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive programs in academics, arts, and athletics that develop well-rounded students.
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Salisbury School
Independent School
Salisbury School is a highly-regarded coeducational independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located just 20 minutes from Laurel in Salisbury, Maryland, this school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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The Salisbury School
Independent School
The Salisbury School provides an exceptional private education for students from early childhood through high school, serving families throughout the Delmarva Peninsula including Laurel, Delaware. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses, emphasizing critical thinking and global perspectives. The campus features modern academic facilities, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic programs. Known for its supportive community and strong teacher-student relationships, the school prepares students for success in college and beyond through a balanced approach to academics, character development, and extracurricular engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laurel, Delaware
What are the primary private school options for families living in Laurel, Delaware, and are they located within the town itself?
While Laurel itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Sussex County and nearby Salisbury, Maryland area. The most prominent options include The Salisbury School (in Salisbury, MD, about a 20-minute drive), Worcester Preparatory School (in Berlin, MD, about a 30-minute drive), and Salisbury School (a boarding/day school in Salisbury, MD). There are limited private school campuses physically within Laurel's town limits, so commuting is a standard expectation. Many Laurel families choose these schools for their rigorous academics, smaller class sizes, and strong college preparatory programs.
How does tuition for private schools near Laurel, DE, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools serving Laurel families generally ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ per year for day students, which is above the Delaware private school average due to the premium, college-prep nature of these institutions. It's important to note that Delaware has a unique educational choice program called the "Delaware School Choice" law, but it does not provide vouchers for private school tuition. However, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Parents should apply for aid directly through the school and use the SSS (School and Student Services) financial aid application. Some schools also offer sibling discounts.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Laurel, DE, region offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Laurel often provide specialized programs not always available in the public district. For example, Worcester Preparatory School emphasizes advanced STEM initiatives and global studies, while The Salisbury School offers a comprehensive Latin program and extensive visual/performing arts. Salisbury School (the boarding school) provides distinctive offerings like competitive sailing and a strong emphasis on leadership and character education. These schools typically have more resources for individualized learning plans, advanced placement and honors tracks, and unique electives, leveraging their independence and often larger endowments to create diverse academic pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Laurel, Delaware, families?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in this region begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the fall (September-October) a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in October-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, scheduling student visits and interviews in the winter, and completing standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT). Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March, with enrollment contracts due in the spring. Given the limited seats and the number of applicants from both Delaware and Maryland, starting the process early is crucial for Laurel residents.
For a family in Laurel, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Laurel's public schools are part of the Laurel School District, which is smaller and more community-focused. Choosing a private school often involves a commitment to a daily commute to Salisbury or Berlin, MD, but offers consistently smaller class sizes, a potentially wider range of advanced coursework, and specialized facilities (like science labs, theaters, or athletic complexes). Private schools may also have more uniform disciplinary and academic standards across grades. Families should consider the value of a close-knit, local public education versus a private school's specific mission, often geared toward competitive college placement. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the community and academic environment difference firsthand.