The Best Private Schools in Church Hill, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Church Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gunston School
Independent
The Gunston School is a premier coeducational, college preparatory day school serving students in grades 9-12. Located just 15 minutes from Church Hill, Gunston offers a rigorous academic program including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The school features a 35-acre waterfront campus on the Corsica River, providing unique environmental science and leadership opportunities. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, Gunston emphasizes personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school is known for its strong arts programs, competitive athletics, and commitment to sustainability education.
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Kent School
Independent
Kent School is an independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, located approximately 20 minutes from Church Hill. The school emphasizes a balanced approach to education with strong foundational academics complemented by arts, athletics, and character development. Kent School's 15-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum includes dedicated STEM programs, foreign language instruction beginning in pre-K, and an innovative outdoor education program that utilizes the school's proximity to the Chester River. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and strong student-teacher relationships.
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Saints Peter and Paul High School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saints Peter and Paul High School is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school located in Easton, approximately 15 minutes from Church Hill. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with advanced placement courses and a specialized STEM Academy. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. SSPP emphasizes faith-based education while maintaining strong academic standards, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier colleges and universities. The school offers diverse extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, vibrant arts programs, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Church Hill, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Church Hill, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Church Hill, MD, is served by several notable private institutions, each with a distinct focus. The Gunston School is a co-educational, college-preparatory day school for grades 9-12, known for its waterfront campus and environmental science program. Kent School is a co-educational day school for students from pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing small class sizes and a strong sense of community. Saints Peter and Paul High School is a Catholic, co-educational high school (grades 9-12) offering a faith-based college preparatory curriculum. These schools provide the core private options for families in the Church Hill area and the broader Kent County region.
How does tuition for private schools in Church Hill, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Church Hill's private schools is generally competitive within the Eastern Shore private school market but can vary significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ annually. This is often below the average for major metropolitan areas in Maryland but represents a significant commitment for families in a rural county. All three major schools—Gunston, Kent, and Saints Peter & Paul—offer need-based financial aid, and some may have merit scholarships. Additionally, Maryland's Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program provides K-12 scholarships for eligible families to use at private schools, which can be a crucial financial resource for Church Hill residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Church Hill that leverage the local environment and community?
Private schools in Church Hill uniquely capitalize on the Chesapeake Bay region's resources. The Gunston School's signature Chesapeake Bay Studies program integrates marine biology, ecology, and environmental policy into its curriculum, with direct access to the Corsica River. Kent School's location allows for outdoor education and environmental stewardship to be woven into its lower and middle school programs. Saints Peter and Paul High School offers robust programs that connect to the local community through service projects and partnerships with regional organizations. All schools benefit from a tight-knit community atmosphere where student involvement in arts, athletics, and leadership is highly visible and supported.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Church Hill, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
The enrollment process for Church Hill private schools generally begins in the fall prior to the desired entry year, with application deadlines typically between January and February. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or interview. For families moving to Kent County outside the standard cycle, it is essential to contact admissions offices directly, as flexibility depends on current space, especially in smaller grade levels. Given the rural nature of the area, arranging transportation (most schools offer bus routes covering parts of the county) should be a key part of the planning process for new residents.
For a family considering both public and private education in Church Hill, what are the defining factors in choosing a local private school?
The choice in Church Hill often centers on educational approach, class size, and specific program offerings. Queen Anne's County Public Schools serve the area, with Church Hill Elementary being the local public option. The defining factors for choosing a private school here typically include: significantly smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students vs. 20+ in public), specialized college-prep or faith-based curricula, and unique programs like Gunston's environmental focus. The private schools offer a consistent educational pathway from early childhood through high school within a single community, whereas public school students will transition to different schools at the middle and high school levels outside of Church Hill. The decision often hinges on a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy and the value placed on a small, close-knit academic community.
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