The Best Private Schools in Chaptico, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chaptico. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Leonardtown Hall
Independent
Leonardtown Hall is a highly-regarded private school located just 15 minutes from Chaptico in Leonardtown. The school offers a rigorous classical education model combined with modern STEM programs, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention, the school features dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, state-of-the-art technology integration, and a strong emphasis on character development. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Extracurricular programs include robotics, debate, music, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor and nurturing environment.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School
St. Mary's Ryken is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory high school serving Southern Maryland, including Chaptico families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, leadership, and arts. The 60-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and chapel. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized college counseling and has a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular offerings include 26 sports teams, robotics, theater, and numerous clubs. The school maintains strong community ties and transportation options for Chaptico area students.
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Mary of Nazareth Catholic School
Archdiocese of Washington
While located in Darnestown (approximately 45 minutes from Chaptico), Mary of Nazareth Catholic School serves families throughout Southern Maryland with its renowned classical Catholic education program. The school combines rigorous academics with faith formation, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes Latin instruction, advanced mathematics, and science laboratories. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated STEM labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for personalized learning. Many families from Chaptico choose this school for its strong academic reputation and values-based education, with carpool arrangements common among Southern Maryland families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chaptico, Maryland
Are there any private schools physically located within Chaptico, Maryland, or do families typically look to neighboring towns?
There are no major private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Chaptico itself. Families in Chaptico typically look to private schools in the broader St. Mary's County and Southern Maryland region. The schools you'll most commonly consider, like Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy (in Leonardtown), St. Mary's Ryken High School (in Leonardtown), and Mary of Nazareth Catholic School (in Waldorf, Charles County), involve a commute. This makes transportation planning a key consideration for Chaptico residents exploring private education.
What are the distinctive educational themes or traditions among the top private schools near Chaptico, MD?
The leading private schools near Chaptico offer distinct educational identities. **Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy** is a military-themed day school for boys in grades 5-8, focusing on leadership, structure, and maritime tradition. **St. Mary's Ryken High School** is a co-ed Catholic, Xaverian Brothers Sponsored school with a college-prep curriculum and a strong emphasis on service and faith-based learning. **Mary of Nazareth Catholic School** offers a classical liberal arts education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition from preschool through 8th grade. This variety allows Chaptico families to choose a school based on specific pedagogical or values-based alignment.
How does the tuition for private schools near Chaptico, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the schools serving Chaptico families is generally in line with or slightly below Maryland private school averages, partly due to the Southern Maryland location. For the 2024-25 year, expect a range from approximately $8,000-$10,000 for elementary/middle schools to $18,000-$22,000 for high school. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland's **Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program** is a critical resource. This state-funded voucher program provides income-eligible families with scholarships to attend eligible private schools, including those in St. Mary's and Charles Counties.
What is the typical enrollment and application timeline for private high schools like St. Mary's Ryken for students from Chaptico?
For St. Mary's Ryken High School, the application process for incoming 9th graders (and transfers) typically begins in the early fall of the student's 8th-grade year. Key deadlines for placement tests and application submissions are usually between November and January for the following academic year. As a Chaptico resident, it's important to apply early, as seats are competitive and priority may be given to siblings and students from Catholic feeder schools. Open houses are held in the fall, and we strongly recommend attending to understand the commute and community.
For a family in rural Chaptico, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community connection when choosing a private school?
This is a crucial factor. Unlike public schools, private schools near Chaptico do not provide district bus transportation. Families must arrange for carpooling or private commuting, which can be a significant daily time commitment given Chaptico's rural roads. Furthermore, your child's immediate neighborhood friends may attend the local public schools (like Chaptico Elementary or Esperanza Middle), so proactive efforts to engage with the private school's community—through events, sports, and parent groups—are essential to help your child build a strong social network outside their immediate geographic area.