The Best Private Schools in Childs, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Childs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Tatnall School
Independent School
The Tatnall School is an elite independent day school serving families from northern Maryland and Delaware. Located about 25 minutes from Childs, this prestigious institution offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs across its lower, middle, and upper schools. The 110-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, performing arts theaters, and extensive athletic facilities. Tatnall is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. The school emphasizes community values and individualized learning paths.
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St. Mark's High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
St. Mark's High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Located approximately 20 minutes from Childs, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM and Global Studies. The 40-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development alongside academic excellence.
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Caravel Academy
Independent School
Caravel Academy is a comprehensive independent school serving students from Maryland and Delaware, located approximately 15-20 minutes from Childs. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options and career technology programs. The 33-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Caravel emphasizes character education alongside academic rigor and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic programs. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Childs, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Childs, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Childs itself is a small, unincorporated community, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in northern Delaware and Cecil County, MD, due to the proximity to the state line. The schools you mentioned, like St. Mark's High School (Wilmington, DE, grades 9-12), The Tatnall School (Wilmington, DE, age 3-grade 12), and Caravel Academy (Bear, DE, PreK-12), are common choices for Maryland residents in the Childs area. Additionally, families may explore options within Cecil County, such as Catholic schools in Elkton. The key consideration for Childs residents is navigating the multi-state school choice landscape, which may involve commute times and understanding any interstate enrollment policies.
How does tuition for private schools near Childs, MD, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland residents?
Tuition for the Delaware-based schools popular with Childs families varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Mark's (diocesan) tuition is approximately $13,000-$15,000, while independent schools like Tatnall can exceed $30,000. As a Maryland resident, you are not eligible for Delaware's school choice vouchers. However, you should actively inquire about each school's need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs, which are often available regardless of state residency. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend nonpublic schools, a valuable resource for Childs families considering private education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Childs, MD, offer that leverage the local region?
Schools in this bi-state area often design programs that capitalize on regional resources. For instance, St. Mark's High School has a strong STEM program with partnerships linked to the nearby chemical and pharmaceutical industries in northern Delaware and Maryland. The Tatnall School utilizes its 110-acre campus for extensive environmental science and sustainability programs, relevant to the rural and agricultural setting of Childs and Cecil County. Caravel Academy emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum with a wide array of athletics, appealing to families seeking a comprehensive sports program. Many schools also incorporate the rich historical resources of the Delmarva Peninsula, including trips to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., into their history and civics curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Childs, MD, community?
The enrollment process for the top schools near Childs is highly competitive and begins early. For schools like The Tatnall School, the application process for the following academic year often opens in September, with deadlines for financial aid applications in January or February. Key steps usually include: 1) Inquiry and campus tour (highly recommended, often requiring a trip into Delaware), 2) Submission of application, transcripts, and teacher recommendations (due in winter), 3) Student assessment or interview, and 4) Admission and financial aid decisions released in March. For Childs families, it's crucial to plan for potential waitlists and to initiate contact with admissions offices at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry-level grades.
For a family in Childs, MD, what are the major considerations when comparing the local public school (Cecil County Public Schools) to nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. **Academics & Class Size:** Cecil County Public Schools offer a standard public curriculum, while private options like Tatnall or Caravel often provide smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specialized academic tracks. **Logistics & Cost:** The public option involves no tuition but is bound by district zoning. Private schools require a significant financial investment and a daily commute, often 20-45 minutes into Delaware, which is a major practical consideration for Childs residents. **Community & Culture:** Public schools offer a community anchored in Maryland, while the private schools draw from a more regional, multi-state student body. **Special Programs:** If a child needs specific learning supports or desires a particular religious education (like at St. Mark's), the private sector may offer targeted programs not as readily available in the public system. We recommend touring both your zoned public school and your top private choices to feel the difference firsthand.
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