The Best Private Schools in Brentwood, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brentwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Jerome Academy
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
St. Jerome Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic classical school located just minutes from Brentwood in Hyattsville. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a rigorous academic program rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. The curriculum emphasizes classical education methods with strong foundations in literature, Latin, mathematics, and sciences. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic programs. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
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Washington International School
Independent School
Washington International School is a prestigious independent school serving the greater Washington metropolitan area, including families from Brentwood. The school offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum from Primary Years through Diploma Program. Known for its exceptional bilingual programs in French and Spanish, WIS provides a truly international education with diverse student body and faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts nearly 100% college acceptance rates to selective universities worldwide.
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Edmund Burke School
Independent School
Edmund Burke School is a highly respected progressive independent school serving middle and high school students from throughout the DC metropolitan area, including Brentwood families. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creative expression, and community engagement through its innovative curriculum. Burke offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school is particularly noted for its supportive community atmosphere, dedicated faculty who serve as advisors, and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, and technology-rich learning spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brentwood, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Brentwood, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Brentwood, MD, is part of the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, offering access to several private schools. While St. Jerome Academy is a local Catholic parish school offering a faith-based, classical curriculum, many Brentwood families also consider schools in nearby D.C., such as the Washington International School (IB curriculum) and the Edmund Burke School (progressive, college-prep). Your options range from intimate local institutions to larger, specialized schools a short commute away, emphasizing the importance of defining your educational priorities—whether religious, international, or progressive—when searching in this region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Brentwood, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Maryland state programs?
Tuition in the Brentwood area varies significantly. Local St. Jerome Academy may have lower tuition as a parish school, while schools like Washington International School have higher tuition reflective of their international baccalaureate programs and facilities. Critically, 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. Many area private schools actively participate in BOOST, and families should inquire directly about their application processes and deadlines, which are separate from school admissions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools accessible from Brentwood, Maryland?
Private schools serving Brentwood families often leverage their proximity to Washington, D.C., for unique programs. For example, the Edmund Burke School emphasizes civic engagement and social justice with direct access to Capitol Hill for internships and seminars. Washington International School offers a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, fostering global citizenship and multilingualism. St. Jerome Academy provides a strong classical education with Latin and a focus on virtue. When evaluating schools, ask about their specific partnerships, travel programs, and how they utilize the rich cultural and political resources of the D.C. area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Brentwood, Maryland, area, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline is generally consistent with national private school norms but requires early planning. For most schools, including those in D.C. accessible to Brentwood residents, applications open in September, with deadlines between January and February for the following fall. Admission competitiveness varies: sought-after schools like Washington International School have highly selective processes with assessments and interviews, while St. Jerome Academy may have a more community-focused admissions process. Key steps include attending fall open houses, submitting applications by winter, and completing student visits/assessments. Siblings and parish members (for religious schools) often receive priority, so applying early is crucial.
For Brentwood, MD, residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (in Prince George's County) to area private schools?
The key considerations involve curriculum choice, class size, and resources. Prince George's County Public Schools offer diverse programs but can have larger class sizes. Private options provide specialized curricula (like IB or classical), often with smaller classes and more individualized attention. A major practical consideration is commute; Brentwood's location allows for relatively easy access to D.C. private schools, but this involves transportation logistics. Financially, you must weigh private school tuition against the no-cost public option, exploring BOOST scholarships and other aid. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific educational approach or religious foundation not available in the public system.
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