The Best Private Schools in Cascade, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cascade. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Maria Goretti High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Saint Maria Goretti High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Cascade and greater Hagerstown area. With a strong academic tradition spanning nearly seven decades, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 16 Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes character development and faith formation while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for the dedicated faculty and strong college placement record.
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Heritage Academy
Independent Christian School
Heritage Academy is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving students from Cascade and surrounding Washington County. Founded in 1979, the school combines rigorous academics with biblical worldview integration across all subjects. The classical approach emphasizes critical thinking, logic, and rhetoric alongside traditional core subjects. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic excellence, and strong sense of community. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Broadfording Christian Academy
Broadfording Bible Brethren Church
Broadfording Christian Academy has served the Cascade and Hagerstown community for five decades with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum enhanced by technology integration and hands-on learning experiences. Academic programs are complemented by competitive athletics, vibrant fine arts, and extensive service opportunities. The campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic fields, and specialized spaces for science and technology. Parent reviews highlight the school's commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and individualized student attention within a supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cascade, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Cascade, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cascade, Maryland, and its immediate Washington County region are served by a few key private institutions. Saint Maria Goretti High School is a Catholic, co-educational high school serving grades 9-12. Heritage Academy, located in Hagerstown but serving the broader area including Cascade, is a Christian school offering programs from Pre-K through 12th grade. Broadfording Christian Academy, also in Hagerstown, provides education from Pre-K through 12th grade. Due to Cascade's smaller size, many families consider these nearby schools in Hagerstown, which are a short commute and represent the core of private education options for the community.
How does tuition at private schools in the Cascade, MD, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland?
Tuition in the Cascade area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at Saint Maria Goretti is approximately $10,000-$12,000, while K-12 tuition at Heritage Academy and Broadfording Christian Academy typically ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 annually. A key financial consideration for Maryland residents is the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program. This state-funded program provides income-eligible families with scholarships to attend eligible private schools, and all three mentioned schools participate. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Cascade, Maryland?
Schools serving the Cascade community offer distinct programs aligned with their missions. Saint Maria Goretti High School features a strong college-prep curriculum with notable athletics, particularly in basketball and baseball, and offers dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Heritage Academy emphasizes a Bible-based curriculum and offers a variety of music and fine arts programs. Broadfording Christian Academy provides a comprehensive athletic program and has a focus on integrating technology and biblical principles across subjects. Given the area's proximity to the Appalachian Mountains and historical sites like the Antietam National Battlefield, some schools incorporate local history and outdoor education into their programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Cascade, MD, area?
The enrollment process for schools like Saint Maria Goretti, Heritage Academy, and Broadfording Christian Academy generally begins in the winter for the following fall semester, with priority deadlines often in February or March. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Cascade families, it's important to apply early, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten, Pre-K, and 9th grade. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter, which are highly recommended for families to attend. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but waiting lists are common.
How do private schools in the Cascade area compare to the public schools in Washington County, and what are the key considerations for making a choice?
The decision often centers on educational approach, class size, and mission. Washington County Public Schools offer a large, diverse system with a wide array of AP courses and extracurriculars. Private options in the Cascade area provide smaller class sizes, often 15-20 students, and a values-based education (Catholic or Christian). A key consideration for Cascade families is commute; the local public school is Cascade Elementary, but middle and high school students are bused to schools in other parts of the county. Private schools offer a consistent K-12 community, which can be appealing. Academically, private schools here often have strong college acceptance rates but may have fewer elective offerings than the largest public high schools. The choice frequently comes down to whether a family prioritizes a specific religious foundation and intimate setting over the potentially broader resources of the public system.
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