The Best Private Schools in Burtonsville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burtonsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Georgetown Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Georgetown Prep is Maryland's oldest private school and one of the nation's premier Jesuit college-preparatory schools. Located just 15 miles from Burtonsville, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 25+ AP courses, extensive athletic facilities including a 65-acre campus, and comprehensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complex.
Programs:
Sandy Spring Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Located just 8 miles from Burtonsville, Sandy Spring Friends School offers a progressive Quaker education with both day and boarding options. The school features the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, emphasizing experiential learning and community service. The 140-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, arts facilities, athletic fields, and environmental learning spaces. The school is known for its inclusive community, strong college counseling, and diverse student body with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio.
Programs:
The Columbia Academy
Private Independent School
The Columbia Academy serves families in the Burtonsville area with its comprehensive private education program located just 12 miles away. The school offers Montessori-based early childhood education through elementary grades, featuring small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and specialized enrichment programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated art and music spaces, outdoor learning environments, and technology-integrated learning centers. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burtonsville, Maryland
What are the main private school options serving families in Burtonsville, Maryland, and are they located within the town itself?
While Burtonsville itself is a primarily residential community with limited on-site private schools, it is exceptionally well-positioned to access several of the region's top institutions. Notable nearby private schools include Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda (an all-boys Jesuit college-preparatory school), Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Spring (a Quaker-based, co-ed day and boarding school), and The Columbia Academy in Columbia (a private school with programs from infancy through 8th grade). Many Burtonsville families also consider schools in Silver Spring, Olney, and Rockville. The key advantage for Burtonsville residents is the proximity to these highly-regarded schools via major routes like I-95, MD-198, and US-29.
How does tuition for private schools in the Burtonsville, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Maryland state programs?
Tuition in the Burtonsville-area private school corridor varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000 annually, with day schools like The Columbia Academy on the lower end and prestigious boarding/day options like Georgetown Prep and Sandy Spring Friends at the higher end. Maryland offers specific financial aid opportunities that Burtonsville residents can leverage, most notably the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program. This state-funded program provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend nonpublic schools, and application timelines are critical, typically opening in early spring.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools near Burtonsville, MD, that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Burtonsville vicinity often feature distinctive educational philosophies and specialized programs not commonly found in Montgomery County Public Schools. For example, Sandy Spring Friends School emphasizes Quaker values, consensus-based decision-making, and a globally-focused International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Georgetown Preparatory School, as the nation's only Jesuit all-boys boarding school, offers a rigorous classical curriculum with a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and its extensive Ignatian Scholars program. The Columbia Academy highlights its Montessori-based early childhood program and a strong focus on individual learning paths. These schools often have more expansive arts, equestrian, or independent research facilities.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for competitive private schools near Burtonsville, Maryland?
The process for schools like Georgetown Prep, Sandy Spring Friends, and The Columbia Academy is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines for the following academic year, completing standardized testing (such as the SSAT or ISEE), and participating in student interviews and shadow days. Financial aid applications (including BOOST) run concurrently. Admission decisions are typically released in March. Given the competitive nature of these schools, especially for entry points like 6th and 9th grade, Burtonsville parents are advised to start research and campus visits 18-24 months prior to desired enrollment.
For a family living in Burtonsville, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, particularly regarding transportation and community?
Transportation is a primary logistical factor. Most private schools near Burtonsville do not provide public bus service from the town, so families must commit to carpooling or significant daily driving. Commutes to schools in Sandy Spring, North Bethesda, or Columbia can range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic on corridors like Georgia Avenue or I-495. Conversely, this can mean your child's peer group is geographically dispersed. It's important to inquire about after-school care and activity timing, as late dismissal can coincide with rush hour. Many families find that building a local carpool network with other Burtonsville families attending the same school is essential for creating both logistical support and a sense of community.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools in Burtonsville, MD
For families in Burtonsville, Maryland, the search for the right educational environment often leads to exploring private school options. When the phrase "secular private schools near me" comes to mind, it typically reflects a desire for an independent education that is not affiliated with a specific religious doctrine, while still emphasizing strong values, academic rigor, and community. Burtonsville’s location at the crossroads of Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s counties places it within a remarkable radius of diverse and highly regarded secular private institutions, offering parents a wealth of choice beyond the local public school system.
Understanding what "secular" means in this context is key. It signifies that the school’s curriculum, mission, and community life are not grounded in the teachings of a particular faith. Instead, these schools often build their ethos around universal principles like ethical leadership, intellectual curiosity, global citizenship, and inclusive community. This can be an ideal fit for families of various backgrounds seeking a values-based education without religious instruction. The commute from Burtonsville is a practical consideration, but the proximity to major routes like I-95, Route 29, and the ICC makes several excellent schools surprisingly accessible.
Looking at specific options, Georgetown Preparatory School, while a Jesuit institution, is often part of the broader conversation due to its national reputation. It’s important for parents to note that as a faith-based school, it may not fit the strict secular definition, but its academic stature makes it a notable neighbor. A quintessential example of a secular option is Sandy Spring Friends School. Rooted in Quaker principles, it offers a unique perspective; while Quakerism informs its commitment to peace, integrity, and community, the education itself is non-doctrinal and welcoming to all faiths and beliefs, often placing it on the list for families seeking a spiritually inclusive rather than religiously instructive environment. Further afield, The Columbia Academy represents another model, with a focus on progressive, child-centered learning in a non-sectarian setting.
Your search for secular private schools near Burtonsville should involve more than just a map. We recommend delving into each school’s stated mission and values. Visit campuses, if possible, to feel the community culture. Ask specific questions about how ethical and character education is woven into the day without religious framing. Consider the logistical reality of the daily drive, especially during peak traffic on routes 29 and 198, and explore carpool possibilities with other local families. The investment is significant, so finding a school where your child’s worldview will be expanded in an inclusive, academically challenging environment is paramount. Burtonsville serves as a wonderful home base for this journey, offering a suburban calm while being a short drive from some of the most respected and diverse independent schools in the state. Your perfect fit, a school that aligns with your family’s educational philosophy and practical needs, is likely just a thoughtful exploration away.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities