The Best Private Schools in Bladensburg, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bladensburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Riverdale School
Independent
Located just minutes from Bladensburg in neighboring Riverdale, this highly-rated private school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 2-12. The school features small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a strong focus on developing independent thinking skills. The campus includes outdoor learning environments, dedicated art and music spaces, and modern classrooms designed specifically for Montessori education. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and academic outcomes.
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Elizabeth Seton High School
Archdiocese of Washington
Elizabeth Seton High School is a Catholic all-girls college preparatory school serving the Bladensburg area with a strong academic reputation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for the supportive community and college preparation success.
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Washington International School
Independent
While located in Washington, DC, this prestigious international school serves many families from the Bladensburg area and offers comprehensive transportation services. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it provides rigorous academic programs with bilingual instruction in multiple languages. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. With a diverse international community and strong college placement record, it represents one of the top private education options accessible to Bladensburg residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bladensburg, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Bladensburg, Maryland?
While Bladensburg itself is a smaller municipality, families have access to several notable private institutions in the immediate and surrounding Prince George's County area. These include Elizabeth Seton High School (an all-girls Catholic school in Bladensburg), The Riverdale School (a private Montessori school in nearby Riverdale Park), and Washington International School (with a campus in nearby Chevy Chase, MD, offering the International Baccalaureate program). Many Bladensburg residents also consider private schools in Washington, D.C., and other parts of the Maryland suburbs, leveraging the region's extensive transportation networks.
How does tuition for private schools in the Bladensburg, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in the Bladensburg-area private school market is influenced by its proximity to Washington, D.C., and can be higher than the Maryland state average for private education. For example, area high schools like Elizabeth Seton have tuition in the $15,000-$20,000 range, while premier institutions like Washington International School can exceed $40,000. However, Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Most schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, making it essential for Bladensburg parents to inquire directly about available assistance.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Bladensburg, Maryland offer?
Private schools in the Bladensburg corridor provide diverse academic pathways tailored to the region's globally connected community. Elizabeth Seton High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with signature programs in STEM and the arts. The Riverdale School emphasizes Montessori-based, individualized learning from early childhood through elementary. Washington International School is renowned for its full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum and multilingual immersion programs. This concentration of specialized options—from Montessori to IB—within a short commute is a distinctive advantage for Bladensburg families seeking alternatives to the standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Bladensburg, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the greater Bladensburg area often begins a full year in advance. Key deadlines for applications, financial aid (like the BOOST program), and entrance exams (such as the HSPT for Catholic schools) usually fall between November and February for the following academic year. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Given the limited seats, especially at sought-after schools like Washington International School, Bladensburg parents are advised to start research and campus visits early, often when their child is in the prior grade level, to meet critical deadlines and complete required assessments.
For Bladensburg residents, what are the major considerations when comparing local public schools (PGCPS) with area private schools?
The decision often centers on curriculum specialization, class size, and resource allocation. Bladensburg is served by Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation's largest and most diverse districts. While PGCPS offers various magnet and language programs, private schools in the area typically provide smaller class sizes, distinct pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or IB), and often, a specific religious or values-based education. Transportation is a key practical difference; PGCPS provides bus service, while private schools usually require parent-provided transportation, which can impact daily logistics for Bladensburg families. The cost-benefit analysis must weigh private tuition against the free public option, considering the unique academic and community environment each type of school offers.
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