The Best Private Schools in Capitol Heights, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Capitol Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Academy of the Holy Cross
Independent Catholic College Preparatory School
The Academy of the Holy Cross is a highly-regarded Catholic independent college preparatory school for young women serving the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Capitol Heights. Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The 25-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes leadership development and community service while maintaining strong Catholic traditions.
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St. Mary's School of Piscataway
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic School
St. Mary's School of Piscataway is a premier Catholic school serving families throughout Prince George's County, including Capitol Heights. The school offers a classical education rooted in Catholic tradition while incorporating modern teaching methodologies. Features include dedicated STEM laboratories, comprehensive foreign language programs starting in preschool, and extensive athletic offerings. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and boasts strong standardized test scores above national averages. The campus includes modern classrooms, a chapel, gymnasium, and outdoor learning spaces, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade.
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The Beddow Schools
Private Independent School Network
The Beddow Schools have served the Southern Maryland community for nearly five decades, providing quality private education to families in Capitol Heights and surrounding areas. The school offers a comprehensive Montessori-based program for early childhood through elementary grades, emphasizing individualized learning and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science exploration, and cultural studies. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and music studios, computer labs, and outdoor play areas. With a focus on developing the whole child, the school offers extensive enrichment programs including foreign language, technology, and physical education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Capitol Heights, Maryland
What are the main private school options serving families in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and what are their educational approaches?
While Capitol Heights itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families in the area are served by several well-regarded institutions in nearby communities. The Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington is an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12 with a strong liberal arts curriculum. St. Mary's School of Piscataway in Clinton is a private, Catholic school offering a faith-based education from Pre-K3 through 8th grade. The Beddow Schools, with a campus in Fort Washington, provide a private, non-sectarian education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a focus on individualized learning. Many Capitol Heights families also consider private schools in Washington, D.C., and throughout Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, leveraging the area's extensive transportation routes.
How does tuition for private schools in the Capitol Heights, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Capitol Heights area varies significantly based on grade level, religious affiliation, and program. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000-$15,000 annually for elementary grades at schools like St. Mary's or Beddow, to over $25,000 for high school at The Academy of the Holy Cross. Maryland offers several financial aid avenues. Most schools have their own need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program is a critical state-funded initiative for which Capitol Heights families may be eligible, providing scholarships for K-12 students from households with incomes below certain thresholds to attend eligible private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Capitol Heights, MD?
Private schools in the greater Capitol Heights region offer specialized programs that leverage their unique missions and the resources of the Washington, D.C. metro area. The Academy of the Holy Cross features a comprehensive STEM program, extensive arts, and a signature Global Education program with travel opportunities. St. Mary's School of Piscataway emphasizes its Catholic identity with sacramental preparation and community service integrated into the curriculum. The Beddow Schools highlight their Montessori-inspired approach in early childhood and a strong focus on foundational literacy and numeracy. Proximity to D.C. also allows many schools to incorporate partnerships with museums, federal agencies, and cultural institutions into their programming.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Capitol Heights, Maryland?
The enrollment process for most private schools in the Capitol Heights vicinity begins in the fall, one year prior to desired entry. Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses (Sept-Jan):** Attending events, often virtual and in-person, for schools like Holy Cross, St. Mary's, and Beddow. 2) **Application Deadline (Jan-Feb):** Submitting applications, which usually include transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a fee. 3) **Entrance Exams/Assessments (Jan-Feb):** Required for most schools (e.g., HSPT for Holy Cross). 4) **Admissions Decisions (March):** Notifications are typically sent in mid-March. 5) **Re-enrollment for Current Families (Spring):** This period secates spots for existing students, so applying early is crucial. We recommend Capitol Heights families start research 18 months in advance.
For a family in Capitol Heights, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options to private schools in the area?
Families in Capitol Heights should consider several local factors. **Public Schools (Prince George's County Public Schools):** Offer a tuition-free education with diverse programs, but school assignment is strictly based on residential boundaries. **Private Schools:** Provide choice based on educational philosophy (e.g., religious, Montessori) and often have smaller class sizes, but require tuition and a commute, as few are within Capitol Heights' immediate borders. A major practical consideration is transportation; while PG County provides busing for public schools, private school families are usually responsible for transportation, which can be significant given Beltway and Route 4 traffic. Academically, private schools may offer more specialized curricula, but public schools like those in the Suitland or Central High School clusters have dedicated magnet and academy programs. The state's BOOST scholarship can be a decisive financial factor in making private school a viable option.
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