The Best Private Schools in Boyds, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boyds. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls Catholic independent school located approximately 12 miles from Boyds. Serving grades Pre-K through 12, the school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with the Sacred Heart educational tradition. The 35-acre campus features modern academic facilities, science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school offers a comprehensive STEM program, competitive athletics, extensive visual and performing arts, and global education partnerships. Stone Ridge consistently achieves strong college matriculation results and emphasizes leadership development and community service.
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Sandy Spring Friends School
Sandy Spring Friends School
Located just 8 miles from Boyds, Sandy Spring Friends School is a Quaker college-preparatory school serving grades Pre-K through 12. The school sits on a 140-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, and extensive natural surroundings. SSFS emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based framework, focusing on community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. The school offers robust Advanced Placement curriculum, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and global education opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling.
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The Barrie School
The Barrie School
The Barrie School offers a progressive, Montessori-inspired education serving students from age 12 months through grade 12. Located approximately 15 miles from Boyds, this established institution features a 45-acre campus with extensive facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes project-based learning, global citizenship, and individualized attention with small class sizes. Their Upper School offers college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and extensive arts programs. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and has been recognized for its innovative educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boyds, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Boyds, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
While Boyds itself is a smaller community, it is served by several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Montgomery County area. The most prominent include The Barrie School (Montessori and progressive education, with a campus in Silver Spring), Sandy Spring Friends School (Quaker-based, college-preparatory with an emphasis on community and service, located in Sandy Spring), and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (all-girls, Catholic, Sacred Heart network school in Bethesda). These schools typically provide transportation or have carpool networks for families in Boyds. Their distinct philosophies—Montessori, Quaker, and Sacred Heart—offer parents in Boyds a choice between different approaches to character development and academic rigor.
How does tuition for private schools near Boyds, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Greater Boyds area is generally at or above the Maryland state average for independent schools, reflecting their prestigious reputations and programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 to over $50,000 for upper grades. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded K-12 voucher program for eligible families with lower incomes to help offset private school costs. Additionally, all the major schools near Boyds have substantial need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Boyds offer that leverage the local Maryland environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the rich cultural, scientific, and historical resources of Maryland into their curricula. For example, Sandy Spring Friends School utilizes its 140-acre campus for extensive environmental science and sustainability programs. The Barrie School’s Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning that can connect to local ecosystems like the nearby Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Stone Ridge and others leverage proximity to Washington, D.C., for robust government, policy, and internship programs. Many also have strong partnerships with federal agencies and tech companies in the I-270 corridor, offering unique STEM opportunities not always available in public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Boyds, MD, area?
The admission process for schools like Barrie, Sandy Spring Friends, and Stone Ridge is highly structured and begins early. The timeline typically starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in January for the following academic year. Key components usually include a completed application, student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, school records, and a mandatory student visit or assessment day. For the most competitive grades, especially middle and high school entry, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable. Given Boyds' location, demonstrating a genuine interest and understanding of each school's specific philosophy during the interview is important.
For a family in Boyds, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and a private school?
This decision often hinges on several factors unique to the Boyds/Montgomery County context. MCPS is one of the nation's top public school districts, offering rigorous IB and AP programs, particularly at nearby Clarksburg and Northwest High School clusters. Choosing a private school near Boyds often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori, Quaker), smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, or a particular religious or values-based foundation. Transportation is also a key differentiator; MCPS provides bus service, while private schools may require a longer commute and personal transportation arrangements. Families may also consider private schools for a different social-emotional learning focus or to avoid the potential for frequent MCPS boundary redistricting in this growing area.
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