The Best Private Schools in Allen, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Allen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Country School
Independent
The Country School is a highly respected independent school serving the Eastern Shore region, including Allen. Founded in 1934, it offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme framework. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and academic excellence with small class sizes averaging 12-15 students. Their 15-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community feel, dedicated faculty, and successful student outcomes with graduates attending top regional high schools.
Programs:
Salisbury School
Independent
Salisbury School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving students across the Eastern Shore, including the Allen area. Serving grades Pre-K through 12, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The 19-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character education and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Grace Christian School
Grace Baptist Church
Grace Christian School is an accredited Christian school serving families throughout the Eastern Shore region, including Allen. Offering education from Pre-K through 12th grade, the school combines rigorous academics with Christian values and character development. The comprehensive curriculum includes college preparatory courses, advanced mathematics and sciences, and extensive fine arts programs. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities on its well-maintained campus. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and a supportive community environment that serves families across multiple Eastern Shore counties.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Allen, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Allen, Maryland, and what are their educational approaches?
Allen, MD, is a small community on the Eastern Shore, and most families look to nearby towns for private education. The top options include The Country School in Easton (a Pre-K-8 progressive, experiential school), Salisbury School in Salisbury (a college-prep day and boarding school for grades 9-12), and Grace Christian School in Salisbury (a Pre-K-12 school with a biblical worldview). Given Allen's rural setting, commuting to these schools in larger towns is standard. It's important to visit each, as their philosophies—from progressive to classical Christian to traditional college-prep—differ significantly.
How does tuition for private schools on Maryland's Eastern Shore, like those near Allen, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for Eastern Shore private schools is generally below the state average for Maryland's major metropolitan areas. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges of approximately $10,000-$18,000 for day schools like Grace Christian and The Country School, while Salisbury School's upper school and boarding program is higher. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some, like Grace Christian, may have sibling discounts. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, a key financial consideration for Allen residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Allen, MD, offer that leverage the Eastern Shore environment?
Schools near Allen capitalize on the region's distinct ecology and culture. The Country School has a renowned outdoor education program with a campus farm and wetland studies. Salisbury School offers advanced marine science and environmental studies, utilizing proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal bays. Many schools also integrate local history, like the heritage of the Delmarva Peninsula, into their curricula. Athletics often feature sailing, crew, and lacrosse, reflecting the area's traditions. These programs provide a unique educational experience rooted in the Eastern Shore's resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Allen, Maryland area, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admission cycle for Eastern Shore private schools generally follows an annual timeline. For fall enrollment, applications typically open in September, with deadlines between January and February. Schools like Salisbury School (for upper grades) may require the SSAT or ISEE, while younger grades focus on developmental assessments and school visits. Given the limited seats in these smaller communities, families in Allen are advised to begin research and tours a full year in advance, ideally in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Rolling admission may be available for some grades if spaces remain.
For a family in rural Allen, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options with private schools in Salisbury or Easton?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, class size, and commute. Wicomico County Public Schools serve Allen, offering a standard public curriculum with broader extracurricular offerings in larger high schools. The commute to private options in Salisbury (20-30 minutes) or Easton (45+ minutes) is a significant daily factor. Parents choose private schools for smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like college-prep or faith-based education), and consistent academic focus. The decision often hinges on whether the family values the tailored, often niche, private school experience enough to manage the transportation logistics and cost from a rural base like Allen.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities