The Best Private Schools in Centreville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Centreville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gunston School
Independent School
The Gunston School is a prestigious coeducational, independent day school serving grades 9-12 on a beautiful 75-acre waterfront campus. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and exceptional student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Gunston offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on environmental science and marine biology programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a focus on character development and community engagement, Gunston consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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The Country School
Independent School
The Country School is an exceptional independent school located in nearby Easton, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Known for its progressive educational approach and strong sense of community, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and character development. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, The Country School provides a nurturing environment that prepares students for success in secondary education while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
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Saints Peter and Paul High School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Located just 15 minutes from Centreville in Easton, Saints Peter and Paul High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with specialized tracks including a robust STEM Academy, advanced placement courses, and extensive fine arts programs. With modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, the school provides a well-rounded education grounded in Catholic values. The strong community atmosphere and commitment to service learning make it a popular choice for families throughout Queen Anne's County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Centreville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Centreville, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Centreville, MD, is home to several well-regarded private schools, each with distinct offerings. The Gunston School is a co-ed, college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 9-12, known for its waterfront campus and environmental focus. Saints Peter and Paul High School in Easton, serving Centreville families, is a Catholic, co-ed school for grades 9-12 with a strong emphasis on faith and academics. The Country School, located just outside Centreville, offers a progressive, independent education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For younger children, parents may also explore local parochial elementary schools or consider private schools in nearby towns like Easton or Chestertown, which are common commutes for Queen Anne's County residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Centreville, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Centreville area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $25,000-$35,000+ for upper schools like Gunston and Saints Peter and Paul High School, while The Country School's tuition for lower grades is generally lower. Maryland offers some state-specific financial aid opportunities, such as the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Additionally, all major schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often align with admission applications in January or February.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Centreville, Maryland, region that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Centreville area uniquely integrate the Chesapeake Bay region's resources into their curricula. The Gunston School's signature Chesapeake Bay Studies program uses its waterfront campus for hands-on marine science, ecology, and sustainability projects. Many schools, including The Country School, emphasize environmental stewardship and outdoor education through their rural campus settings. Saints Peter and Paul High School offers robust STEM programs and college dual-enrollment opportunities with nearby Chesapeake College. The region's strong arts and maritime heritage also influence robust visual arts, sailing, and rowing programs not commonly found in standard public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Centreville, MD, and when should parents start planning?
The admission process for Centreville-area private schools is competitive and follows an annual cycle. Parents should begin researching schools 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in fall), submitting applications by January/February deadlines for the following academic year, and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE) in winter. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For schools like The Country School with limited early childhood seats, applying even earlier is advisable. Given Centreville's location on the Eastern Shore, planning for potential transportation or carpool arrangements is also a practical part of the process.
For families in Centreville, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools (Queen Anne's County) and private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Queen Anne's County Public Schools are well-regarded, but private options provide smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized curricula (like Gunston's environmental focus or SSPP's faith-based education), and different social environments. Private schools may offer more flexibility in advanced coursework and unique extracurriculars. However, they come with significant tuition costs, whereas public schools are tax-funded. For Centreville families, transportation is a factor—public schools provide busing, while private schools may require personal commuting to campuses in Centreville, Easton, or beyond. Ultimately, visiting both types of schools is essential to assess the best fit for a child's individual needs.
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