The Best Private Schools in Charlotte Hall, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Charlotte Hall. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Key School
The Key School
The Key School is a highly respected independent school serving Southern Maryland with a rigorous college preparatory program. Located in nearby Annapolis, it serves families from Charlotte Hall and surrounding areas. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Their curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Archbishop Spalding High School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Archbishop Spalding High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Southern Maryland communities including Charlotte Hall. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character formation. Facilities include modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in Leonardtown, serving students from Charlotte Hall and throughout St. Mary's County. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 19 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive extracurricular activities. Notable features include their STEM program, competitive athletics, and Naval Junior ROTC program. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, and athletic facilities, with a focus on developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Charlotte Hall, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Charlotte Hall, Maryland, and are they located directly in town?
While Charlotte Hall itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Southern Maryland region. Notable options include St. Mary's Ryken High School in Leonardtown (a private, Catholic, college-preparatory school), Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn (a Catholic, co-ed school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore), and The Key School in Annapolis (an independent, progressive PK-12 school). Many Charlotte Hall families commute to these schools, and transportation via carpool or school-organized buses is a common consideration. There are also smaller local parochial and Christian academies in nearby towns like La Plata and Waldorf.
How does tuition for private schools in the Charlotte Hall, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school's affiliation and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Ryken High School tuition is approximately $19,000, Archbishop Spalding is around $22,000, and The Key School exceeds $35,000. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools, a crucial financial resource for many Southern Maryland families. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's essential to apply for aid directly through the school and the BOOST program by their early spring deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Charlotte Hall offer that leverage the Southern Maryland environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate unique local opportunities. St. Mary's Ryken, located near the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay, has strong marine science and environmental studies programs, with potential for fieldwork. Archbishop Spalding offers robust engineering and STEM initiatives that connect with regional employers like Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The Key School's proximity to Annapolis allows for exceptional sailing and aquatic sports programs. Many schools also emphasize leadership and service learning tied to the local community, historic sites like Historic St. Mary's City, and the region's strong military presence.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like St. Mary's Ryken or Archbishop Spalding for a student from Charlotte Hall?
The process is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For fall entry, families should attend open houses in the September-November period of the preceding year. Application deadlines are typically in early to mid-January, requiring transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the HSPT for Catholic schools), and a family interview. Admissions decisions are released in March. For popular schools like Archbishop Spalding, which draws from a wide area including Charlotte Hall, applying early is critical. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students, which are highly recommended to experience the commute and campus culture firsthand.
For a family in Charlotte Hall, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Chopticon High School) and a private school in the region?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, cost, commute, and specialization. Public schools in St. Mary's County, like Chopticon High, are tuition-free and offer strong programs, including STEM academies and AP courses. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and a specific college-prep focus. The commute is a major factor; a drive to Spalding or Key can be 45-90 minutes each way, impacting family logistics. Parents must weigh the value of a specific private school's community and programs against the convenience and cost-savings of a reputable local public school, while also considering the potential use of Maryland BOOST scholarships to offset private tuition.
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