The Best Private Schools in Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Andrews Air Force Base. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Avalon School
Independent
The Avalon School is an independent private school known for its personalized, Montessori-inspired education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Serving students from elementary through high school, it offers a liberal arts curriculum integrated with technology and hands-on learning. Facilities include collaborative classrooms, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school boasts small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of community, with high parent satisfaction for its individualized approach and inclusive environment, attracting families from the Andrews AFB area.
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Chesapeake Academy
Independent
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Catholic School (Xaverian Brothers Sponsored)
St. Mary's Ryken High School is a coeducational Catholic high school renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong community values. It offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with emphasis on STEM, humanities, and fine arts. The school features modern facilities, including science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic fields. Extracurricular activities range from competitive sports teams to clubs and service opportunities, fostering well-rounded development. Parent satisfaction is high due to its supportive environment and commitment to character education, making it a popular choice for military families from Andrews AFB.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available to families living at or near Andrews Air Force Base, MD?
While Andrews Air Force Base itself is primarily a military installation without private schools on base, families have access to several highly-regarded private institutions in the surrounding Prince George's and Charles counties. Notable options include St. Mary's Ryken High School in Leonardtown (a Catholic, college-preparatory school), The Avalon School in Wheaton (a classical, independent K-12 school), and Chesapeake Academy in Arnold (an independent Pre-K through 8th grade school). Many military families also consider schools in the broader Washington D.C. metro area. Transportation is a key consideration, as commuting to these schools from the base is common.
Are there specific financial aid or tuition assistance programs for military families at private schools near Andrews AFB, MD?
Yes, several private schools in the Andrews AFB area offer support for military families. While not all schools have specific military discounts, many have robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to inquire directly with schools like St. Mary's Ryken or The Avalon School about their aid policies. Additionally, Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend nonpublic schools, a valuable resource for qualifying families. Always include your military status and any potential PCS moves in financial aid discussions.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at private schools near Andrews AFB cater to a transient military community?
Private schools in the National Capital Region are accustomed to serving military families from Andrews AFB and other installations. Schools like Chesapeake Academy and The Avalon School often have streamlined transfer processes and academic counseling to help students transition smoothly between curricula. Many emphasize a strong core curriculum to ensure portability of credits. Extracurriculars often include activities that foster quick community integration, such as robotics, sports teams, and arts programs. Some schools may also offer support groups or liaisons for military-connected students to help with the social and emotional aspects of frequent moves.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Andrews Air Force Base, and how should military families plan for PCS cycles?
Enrollment timelines for top private schools near Andrews AFB are competitive and often begin a full year in advance, with application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. However, military families with PCS orders receive significant flexibility. It is essential to contact admissions offices at schools like St. Mary's Ryken immediately upon receiving orders. Most schools have rolling admissions or will make special accommodations for military families, potentially allowing for mid-year enrollment. Key steps include securing your official orders, requesting records from previous schools promptly, and scheduling tours and interviews as soon as you know your move date to Maryland.
What are the unique advantages of choosing a private school over a public school for families stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, MD?
For families at Andrews AFB, private schools can offer stability and consistent educational quality that is not dependent on the specific on-base housing zone or the fluctuating rankings of local public school districts. Private schools like those in the area often have smaller class sizes, dedicated college counseling, and specialized programs (e.g., classical education at Avalon, marine science at Chesapeake Academy) that can continue uninterrupted even if a family moves to a different housing area. This can be a significant benefit for children facing multiple moves. Furthermore, the private school community itself can become a stable, familiar network in a region where public school assignments might change with each new housing assignment.
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