The Best Private Schools in Ashton, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Bullis School
Independent School
Located approximately 15 miles from Ashton, The Bullis School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving grades 3-12. Known for its exceptional academic programs and outstanding facilities, Bullis features a 102-acre campus with cutting-edge STEM labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with numerous AP courses, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive arts programs. Bullis maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities, making it a highly sought-after option for Ashton families.
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Sandy Spring Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Sandy Spring Friends School is a highly respected Quaker institution located just minutes from Ashton, offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based framework, featuring small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a 140-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for upper school students and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Their robust athletics program, extensive arts offerings, and commitment to community service make them a top choice for families in the Ashton area.
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Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is an independent Catholic school for girls located in nearby Bethesda, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school combines academic excellence with character development through the Sacred Heart educational tradition. Features include a beautiful 32-acre campus, state-of-the-art science and technology facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts offerings. The school emphasizes global citizenship and leadership development while maintaining strong college preparatory programs with graduates regularly attending prestigious universities. Their location provides convenient access for Ashton families seeking a top-tier private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashton, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Ashton, Maryland, and what are their key characteristics?
While Ashton itself is a small, rural community, it is conveniently located near several top-tier private schools in Montgomery County. The most prominent include Sandy Spring Friends School (a Quaker, co-ed, college-prep school with a strong emphasis on community and experiential learning), The Bullis School in Potomac (a non-sectarian, co-ed school known for robust STEM, arts, and athletics programs), and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda (an all-girls Catholic school following the Sacred Heart network goals, with a focus on faith, intellect, and social action). Many Ashton families also consider schools like Norwood School in Bethesda. Transportation via bus or carpool is a key consideration, as these schools are a 15-30 minute drive from Ashton.
How does the tuition for private schools near Ashton, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Ashton area is significant, reflecting their resources and location in the high-cost Washington D.C. metro area. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to $55,000+ for upper grades. All the major schools, including Sandy Spring Friends, Bullis, and Stone Ridge, have substantial need-based financial aid programs. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools, which can be a crucial resource for qualifying Ashton families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ashton offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often utilize the unique Montgomery County setting. Sandy Spring Friends School, with its 140-acre campus bordering Ashton, emphasizes environmental stewardship and sustainability, with programs in organic farming and outdoor education that connect directly to the area's rural and agricultural character. The Bullis School's location in the tech-corridor of Potomac supports strong partnerships with nearby federal science agencies and tech companies for its STEM programs. Stone Ridge’s Sacred Heart network facilitates service-learning projects throughout the D.C. metropolitan area, allowing students to engage with urban and suburban community needs just a short drive from Ashton.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Ashton, Maryland area?
The admission process for schools like Bullis, Sandy Spring Friends, and Stone Ridge is highly structured and begins well in advance. For a fall start, the process typically opens in August or September, with application deadlines between mid-December and late January. Key steps include attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications, standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, and school visits. Notification dates are usually in mid-March. Given the competitive nature, Ashton families are advised to start research and campus visits 12-18 months prior to desired enrollment, especially for entry into middle or high school grades.
How do the educational options in Ashton's local public school district (Montgomery County Public Schools) influence the decision to choose a private school?
Ashton is part of the highly regarded Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) district, specifically the Sherwood High School cluster. Many families choose MCPS for its strong academic reputation. However, parents often consider private schools for more specific reasons: seeking a particular educational philosophy (e.g., Quaker values at Sandy Spring Friends), a single-gender environment (Stone Ridge), smaller class sizes, or more specialized programs in arts or athletics that rival top-tier public magnet programs. The decision frequently hinges on the desired community culture, religious affiliation, and the level of individual student attention, balanced against the significant financial investment compared to the free, high-quality public option.
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