The Best Private Schools in Apg, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Apg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Highlands School
Independent
The Highlands School is a highly-regarded private Montessori school serving children from preschool through eighth grade. Located just minutes from APG, the school offers an individualized learning approach that fosters independence and academic excellence. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with certified Montessori teachers and offers extensive enrichment programs including foreign language, music, art, and physical education. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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The John Carroll School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
The John Carroll School is a premier Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school serving Harford County and the APG community. With a strong academic reputation, the school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 23 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors programs. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletics, extensive arts programs, and numerous clubs and activities. The school serves many military families from Aberdeen Proving Ground and provides a supportive community environment.
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St. Margaret School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. Margaret School is a long-established Catholic elementary school serving the Bel Air community and families from Aberdeen Proving Ground. The school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science with lab experiences, and integrated technology. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, science facilities, and extensive playground areas. Extracurricular offerings include sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive environment for military families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Apg, Maryland
What are the main private school options serving families in the APG, Maryland area, and what are their educational models?
The APG (Aberdeen Proving Ground) area is primarily served by a few notable private institutions, though many families also consider schools in the broader Harford County and Baltimore regions. The most prominent local options include The John Carroll School in Bel Air (a co-ed Catholic college preparatory school for grades 9-12), The Highlands School in Bel Air (a private, independent school serving grades Pre-K through 8 with a classical curriculum), and St. Margaret School in Bel Air (a Catholic elementary school for Pre-K through 8th grade). Given APG's military community, these schools often have experience with transitioning military families. For more specialized or higher-grade options, many APG families look toward private schools in Baltimore County.
How does tuition for private schools near APG, MD compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for private schools in the APG/Harford County area is generally competitive with or slightly below the average for Maryland's Baltimore metro region. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary schools like St. Margaret and $15,000-$20,000 for high schools like The John Carroll School. Maryland offers several financial aid avenues, including the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher for eligible families to use at private schools. Additionally, most local private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and military families may find schools familiar with deployment-related circumstances.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near APG offer that cater to a diverse, STEM-oriented community?
Reflecting the influence of Aberdeen Proving Ground's STEM and defense missions, local private schools have developed strong corresponding programs. The John Carroll School, for instance, features robust Advanced Placement (AP) courses in sciences, computer science, and mathematics, along with engineering pathways. Many schools emphasize technology integration and science fairs. Extracurricularly, schools near APG often have competitive robotics teams, coding clubs, and partnerships with local STEM organizations. Furthermore, the transient nature of the APG community means these schools are adept at integrating new students and often have programs to support children from military families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving APG, Maryland, and how should military PCS moves factor into planning?
The standard enrollment timeline for private schools in the APG area begins with open houses in the fall (September-November) for admission the following academic year, with application deadlines typically between January and February. However, schools serving APG are notably accustomed to the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) cycle and often have more flexible rolling admission policies for military families. It's crucial to contact admissions offices directly upon receiving orders. They can facilitate mid-year enrollment, provide expedited application reviews, and may have specific documentation waivers. Many schools also host special orientation sessions for new military-connected students.
For families stationed at APG, what are the key considerations when choosing between a Harford County public school and a local private school?
Key considerations include curriculum consistency, class size, and community stability. Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) are highly rated and offer a standardized curriculum, which can be beneficial for families who move frequently within the public system. However, private schools like those in Bel Air often offer smaller class sizes, specialized teaching approaches (like classical education at The Highlands), and a consistent environment that can be reassuring during a parent's deployment or extended duty. For military families, the potential for longer daily commutes to a private school versus residing on-post or in designated school zones is a major logistical factor. Additionally, the cost of private tuition versus the free public option must be weighed against the potential benefits of a private school's specific programs and community.
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