The Best Private Schools in Arnold, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arnold. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Elementary School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. Mary's Elementary School serves families in Arnold and the greater Annapolis area with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith formation, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong parent involvement and community spirit. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and various clubs that complement the strong academic foundation.
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Severn School
Independent School
Severn School is a highly respected independent day school serving Arnold and surrounding communities with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers a challenging academic environment with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education, leadership development, and community service. Strong athletic programs and extensive arts opportunities provide a well-rounded education for students in grades 6-12.
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Key School
Independent School
Key School offers a progressive, student-centered education serving families in Arnold and the Annapolis area. The school provides a challenging academic program that includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for upper school students. Key's campus features modern academic buildings, art studios, science labs, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness through its interdisciplinary approach. Strong community values and individualized attention create a supportive learning environment for students from pre-K through 12th grade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arnold, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Arnold, MD, and what are their key characteristics?
Arnold, MD, is served by several notable private schools, though it's important to note that many top-tier institutions are located in nearby communities. Directly in Arnold, you'll find St. Mary's Elementary School, a Catholic school offering Pre-K through 8th grade with a values-based education. For secondary education, families often look to neighboring areas. The Severn School, located in nearby Severna Park, is a prestigious co-ed, college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12, known for its strong academics and waterfront campus. The Key School in Annapolis, a short drive from Arnold, offers a progressive, independent education from Pre-K through 12th grade. Additionally, many Arnold families consider other Anne Arundel County and Annapolis-area schools like Indian Creek School and Archbishop Spalding High School.
How does tuition for private schools in the Arnold, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Arnold area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Elementary (Arnold) tuition ranges approximately from $10,000 for Pre-K to $13,000 for middle school. The Severn School's upper school tuition is around $40,000, while the Key School's high school tuition exceeds $40,000. Maryland offers some unique financial considerations. The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program is a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools, which many Arnold private school families utilize. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and payment plans are common. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about deadlines and application processes for aid.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible from Arnold, MD?
Private schools in the Arnold corridor leverage their Chesapeake Bay proximity and academic rigor to offer distinctive programs. The Severn School is renowned for its Center for Leadership and Service and its exceptional sailing and crew teams, utilizing the local waterways. The Key School emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, global studies, and has a strong visual and performing arts program. St. Mary's Elementary provides a structured, faith-based curriculum with Spanish instruction and community service integration. A common thread among these schools is a strong focus on college preparation, with many offering advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, robotics clubs, and robust STEM initiatives that align with Maryland's technology corridor. Their locations also facilitate partnerships with institutions in Annapolis and Washington, D.C., for enrichment.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Arnold, MD, families?
The process is competitive, especially for sought-after schools like Severn and Key, and planning a year in advance is standard. The timeline generally begins in the early fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are typically between January and February for the following academic year. Key components include a completed application, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, and standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT for middle and upper schools). Many schools also require a family interview and a student visit or assessment day. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For parish-based schools like St. Mary's, priority is often given to active parishioners and siblings of current students, so connecting with the parish community early is advised.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Arnold, MD, compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Anne Arundel County Public School system?
This is a key consideration for Arnold parents, as the local public schools, like Arnold Elementary and Broadneck High, are consistently high-performing. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific programs. Private schools offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), allowing for more individualized attention. They provide a distinct mission-driven environment—whether religious at St. Mary's or specific college-prep philosophies at Severn and Key. Private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum and can offer specialized tracks or global perspectives not always available in the public scope. However, Anne Arundel County public schools offer robust Advanced Placement (AP) courses, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. The decision frequently hinges on a family's values, budget, and their child's need for a specific learning environment.
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