The Best Private Schools in Cheltenham, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cheltenham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools provide exceptional Montessori education serving families in Cheltenham and surrounding communities. With campuses in both Fort Washington and Beltsville, the school offers authentic Montessori programs for children from toddler through elementary grades. The curriculum emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of independence. Facilities include spacious classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized areas for art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its nurturing environment, experienced Montessori-certified teachers, and strong community involvement. Parents consistently praise the school's ability to foster lifelong love of learning and academic excellence.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Beltsville serves Cheltenham families with high-quality early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The school follows the Goddard F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The curriculum includes STEAM activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences in modern, secure facilities. The school features age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With low student-teacher ratios and degreed educators, the program emphasizes individualized attention and prepares students for elementary school success. The school maintains excellent safety standards and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
Programs:
Elizabeth Seton High School
Catholic Schools
Elizabeth Seton High School is a premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving the Cheltenham area and greater Prince George's County. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, dedicated STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students, experienced faculty with advanced degrees, and modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and spiritual growth within a supportive all-female environment. Over 99% of graduates attend four-year colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cheltenham, Maryland
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Cheltenham, Maryland, and how do they differ?
Cheltenham, MD, offers a few distinct types of private schools within and near the community. You'll find faith-based institutions like Elizabeth Seton High School, an all-girls Catholic college-preparatory school. There are also private, secular preparatory schools such as The Beddow Schools, which serve students from pre-K through 12th grade with a focus on individualized learning. Additionally, early childhood education is well-represented by nationally franchised preschools like The Goddard School. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, grade spans served, and campus environments, allowing parents to choose based on their child's needs and family values.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cheltenham, Maryland, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Cheltenham area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For example, a high school like Elizabeth Seton generally aligns with or slightly exceeds the Maryland private high school average, while preschool programs like The Goddard School have their own fee structures. Importantly, Maryland offers several state-specific financial aid programs that Cheltenham residents can access. The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Additionally, many local private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about deadlines and application processes for these opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in and around Cheltenham, MD, that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Cheltenham area often design programs that take advantage of the region's proximity to Washington, D.C., and its rich history. For instance, Elizabeth Seton High School offers robust STEM programs and partnerships with nearby federal agencies and universities, along with service-learning projects rooted in its Catholic identity that engage with communities throughout Prince George's County and Southern Maryland. The Beddow Schools emphasize a structured, self-paced curriculum that can be particularly beneficial for students seeking a non-traditional classroom setting. While not always "local" in theme, these programs are delivered in a smaller, more personalized environment than what might be found in larger public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Elizabeth Seton or The Beddow Schools in Cheltenham?
The enrollment process for Cheltenham-area private schools often begins a full year in advance. For fall admission, most schools open applications in September or October, with deadlines typically between January and March. Key steps usually include: 1) Attending an open house or virtual tour (often held in the fall), 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing a student assessment or interview, and 5) For schools like Elizabeth Seton, taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT). It's vital to check each school's website, as timelines can differ. For popular schools, waiting lists can form soon after decision letters are sent in the spring.
For a family considering the move, how do the private school options in Cheltenham, MD, compare to the local public schools in Prince George's County?
The decision often centers on educational approach, class size, and specific program offerings. Cheltenham is served by the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) system. Private schools in the area typically offer significantly smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often a specialized curricular focus (e.g., college-prep, faith-based, or self-paced learning). Public schools provide a tuition-free education, diverse student populations, and a wide array of magnet and specialty programs. A key consideration for Cheltenham is that while the local public schools are part of a large county system, private options offer a distinct community feel. Parents should directly compare the academic outcomes, extracurriculars, and campus culture of specific private schools against their zoned PGCPS school or sought-after county-wide programs.
Private Education Insights
Find the Best Private Pre-K in Cheltenham, MD: A Parent's Guide
If you're a parent in Cheltenham, Maryland, typing "private pre k near me" into your search bar, you're embarking on one of the most important journeys for your family. The decision about where your child begins their educational path is profound, and here in our community, you have access to some exceptional options that blend foundational learning with the unique character of Southern Maryland. This search is about more than just proximity; it's about finding a nurturing environment that aligns with your family's values and sets the stage for a lifetime of curiosity and growth.
Cheltenham offers a distinctive setting for early education, positioned with access to both the quiet, community-focused neighborhoods of Prince George's County and the broader resources of the Washington D.C. metro area. This means the private pre-k programs here often benefit from a small-town feel while incorporating educational philosophies and standards found in larger metropolitan centers. When evaluating a "private pre k near me," consider the continuity many local schools offer. For instance, institutions like The Beddow Schools provide programs from pre-kindergarten through middle school, allowing for a stable, long-term educational home. This can be a significant comfort, eliminating the need for another school transition in just a year or two.
Your search will likely introduce you to several key players. Alongside The Beddow Schools, nationally recognized franchises like The Goddard School offer structured, play-based curricula that are popular with Cheltenham families. It's also worth looking at the feeder patterns within our community. While Elizabeth Seton High School is an all-girls secondary school, understanding where local pre-k graduates often continue their education can provide insight into academic preparedness and community connections. Visiting these schools is crucial. Pay attention to the classroom atmosphere, the ratio of teachers to students, and how the staff engages with the children. Ask about their approach to social-emotional learning—a critical component for pre-k students as they learn to navigate friendships, emotions, and a structured environment.
As you research, think about the practicalities of Cheltenham life. Consider your daily commute and how drop-off and pick-up times align with your schedule. Many local private pre-k programs offer extended care options, which is a vital consideration for working parents. Also, engage with your local community—talk to neighbors at the Cheltenham Splash Park or ask for recommendations in local parent groups on social media. Personal experiences can shed light on the day-to-day reality of a program that a website cannot. Remember, the right "private pre k near me" in Cheltenham is one where your child feels safe, inspired, and excited to learn. It’s the place where they will build the confidence and foundational skills that support all future learning, making this thoughtful search one of the most valuable investments you can make in your child's future.
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