The Best Private Schools in Big Pool, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Big Pool. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Maria Goretti High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Saint Maria Goretti High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Big Pool area and greater Washington County. Founded in 1949, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Heritage Academy
Independent Christian School
Heritage Academy is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving students from Big Pool and surrounding communities. Established in 1979, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education rooted in classical methodology and Christian values. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, rhetoric, and traditional academic disciplines with strong college preparatory tracks. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of graduates attending selective colleges and universities.
Programs:
Broadfording Christian Academy
Broadfording Christian Learning Center
Broadfording Christian Academy has been serving students from Big Pool and the tri-state area since 1974. The school offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade with strong college preparatory programs. The curriculum integrates faith and learning while providing rigorous academic preparation, including honors courses and dual enrollment opportunities. The campus features modern facilities, including STEM labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, individualized attention, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics and fine arts.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Big Pool, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Big Pool, Maryland?
Big Pool, MD, is a small community, so most private school options are located in the broader Washington County area. The notable schools include Saint Maria Goretti High School (a Catholic, co-ed high school in Hagerstown), Heritage Academy (a Christian K-12 school in Hagerstown), and Broadfording Christian Academy (a Pre-K-12 Christian school in Hagerstown). Due to Big Pool's rural setting, families should anticipate a commute to Hagerstown, approximately 15-20 minutes away, for these primary private options. There are very few, if any, private schools physically within the town limits of Big Pool itself.
How does tuition at private schools in the Big Pool, MD, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Big Pool/Hagerstown area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually for day schools, with high schools typically at the higher end. Maryland 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. This can significantly offset costs for qualifying families. Additionally, individual schools like Saint Maria Goretti and Heritage Academy offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Big Pool, Maryland, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate the area's historical and natural resources into their programs. For instance, given Big Pool's proximity to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Appalachian Trail, schools may organize environmental science field trips, history units on local canal history, and outdoor leadership activities. Broadfording Christian Academy emphasizes agricultural and hands-on learning opportunities that resonate with the county's rural character. Saint Maria Goretti High School offers robust STEM programs and partnerships with local businesses and tech centers in Hagerstown, providing career-oriented pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Big Pool community?
The enrollment process for schools like Heritage Academy or Broadfording Christian Academy often begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to re-enrolling students and siblings. It's crucial to contact admissions offices by early spring as some grades fill quickly. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and often an entrance assessment. For Saint Maria Goretti High School, an open house is typically held in the fall, and placement tests for incoming 9th graders occur in the winter. Given the limited seats in these smaller schools, proactive planning is essential for Big Pool families.
For families in Big Pool, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Washington County Public Schools) and area private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Washington County Public Schools provide a standardized curriculum with no tuition and offer programs like the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts. However, private options near Big Pool offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), distinct religious education (Catholic or Christian), and often more structured disciplinary environments. Transportation is a major factor; WCPS provides busing within the district, while private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation to Hagerstown. Families seeking a specific faith-based education or a smaller, community-focused setting may prefer the private options despite the cost and commute.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities