The Best Private Schools in Abell, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Abell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Calverton School
Independent Private School
The Calverton School is an esteemed independent day school offering a challenging and diverse curriculum, including International Baccalaureate programs for older students. It features state-of-the-art facilities, a focus on whole-child education, and robust extracurricular options in arts, athletics, and technology. With a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive community, it attracts students from Abell and across Calvert and St. Mary's Counties, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for college and beyond.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken High School is a highly regarded Catholic college preparatory school known for its rigorous academic curriculum, dedicated faculty, and strong community values. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports teams, visual and performing arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school emphasizes character development and college readiness, with modern facilities and a supportive learning environment that serves students throughout Southern Maryland, including Abell.
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The King's Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
The King's Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education with a strong academic foundation, focusing on individualized attention and small class sizes. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes college preparatory courses, biblical studies, and a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama. The school is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and commitment to fostering spiritual and academic growth, making it a popular choice for families in Abell and the surrounding St. Mary's County area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Abell, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Abell, Maryland, and what are their educational models?
While Abell itself is a small, rural community in St. Mary's County, families typically look to nearby institutions. The top options include St. Mary's Ryken High School (co-ed Catholic, grades 9-12), The King's Christian Academy (interdenominational Christian, Pre-K-12 in nearby Callaway), and The Calverton School (independent, college-prep, Pre-K-12 in Huntingtown). These schools require a commute but are the primary private choices for Abell residents. Each offers a distinct model: faith-based education at Ryken and King's, and a secular, progressive approach at Calverton.
How does Maryland's BOOST scholarship program affect tuition affordability for private schools near Abell?
Maryland's Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program is a crucial financial consideration. It provides state-funded scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Families in Abell with household incomes at or below certain thresholds can apply for BOOST funds to help offset tuition at participating schools like The King's Christian Academy and The Calverton School. St. Mary's Ryken also accepts BOOST scholarships. The application window typically opens in early spring, and awards are based on income and priority factors, making private education more accessible for many Southern Maryland families.
Given Abell's proximity to the Patuxent River and Naval Air Station Patuxent River, do local private schools offer specialized STEM or maritime programs?
Yes, the unique location influences program offerings. St. Mary's Ryken High School has a strong Engineering Program and leverages its Southern Maryland location for relevant science studies. The Calverton School emphasizes experiential learning and could integrate local environmental studies. While not exclusively maritime, these schools' STEM curricula are designed to connect with the region's strong defense, aerospace, and environmental science sectors, providing pathways for students interested in careers prevalent in the broader St. Mary's County community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like St. Mary's Ryken for an Abell student?
For St. Mary's Ryken High School, the process for incoming 9th graders (and transfer students) typically begins in the fall of the student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include attending an open house (often in October-November), submitting an application by a priority deadline (usually in early winter), providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and taking a placement exam. Admissions decisions are often communicated in February or March. It's important for Abell families to plan for this timeline, as well as for transportation, as bus service may be limited from the Abell area.
How do the private school environments near Abell differ from the local public school options in St. Mary's County?
The key differences lie in class size, religious education, and specific curricular approaches. St. Mary's County Public Schools, while well-regarded, have larger average class sizes. Private options offer smaller, more personalized settings. For families seeking a faith-based education, Ryken and King's provide that integrated environment, which public schools cannot. The Calverton School offers a progressive, student-centered approach distinct from the standard public curriculum. Additionally, private schools often have more flexibility in program design and fewer standardized testing mandates. The trade-off, of course, is tuition and the commute from Abell to these campuses.
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