The Best Private Schools in Clarksburg, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarksburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Barnesville School
The Barnesville School
Located just 20 minutes from Clarksburg in rural Barnesville, this independent school serves students from preschool through 8th grade. The Barnesville School features a 30-acre campus with extensive outdoor learning spaces, including nature trails and environmental study areas. The school emphasizes small class sizes (average 12:1 student-teacher ratio) and personalized attention. Their curriculum balances strong academics with character education and includes robust STEAM programs, arts, and athletics. The school is particularly noted for its warm, family-like community and strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Oneness-Family School
Oneness-Family School
Oneness-Family School is an accredited Montessori and International Baccalaureate World School located approximately 25 minutes from Clarksburg. Serving students from age 2 through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academic excellence with peace education and global awareness. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and performance spaces. Their Middle School program includes the IB Middle Years Programme, preparing students for rigorous high school curricula. The school is recognized for its diverse community, innovative teaching approaches, and strong focus on developing well-rounded, socially conscious students.
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Barrie School
Barrie School
Barrie School is a highly respected independent school located just 15 minutes from Clarksburg, offering Montessori education from age 12 months through 12th grade. The school features a 45-acre campus with extensive facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Barrie emphasizes experiential learning, global citizenship, and individual student development. The Upper School offers a college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and has strong college placement records. The school community is known for its diverse, inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarksburg, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Clarksburg, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Clarksburg itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate boundaries, but it is served by several highly-regarded institutions in the surrounding North Potomac, Rockville, and Barnesville areas. Top options include the Barrie School (Montessori through progressive college prep), The Barnesville School (progressive education with a strong outdoor and experiential focus), and the Oneness-Family School (Montessori and International Baccalaureate continuum). Parents in Clarksburg often consider these schools for their distinct approaches that differ from the large public school model, with many offering bus transportation or carpool networks from the Clarksburg area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Clarksburg, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Maryland state programs?
Tuition in the Clarksburg-area private schools varies significantly by grade level and program. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $40,000 for upper grades. Importantly, 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. Many local schools actively support families in applying for BOOST funds. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and payment plans are common to help manage the cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Clarksburg specialize in that complement the local community's interests?
Reflecting the interests of Montgomery County's tech-oriented and diverse community, private schools near Clarksburg offer specialized programs not always available in public schools. The Barrie School features a renowned environmental science and sustainability program on its 45-acre campus. The Barnesville School emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with a working farm and outdoor classrooms. Oneness-Family School offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) program, appealing to globally-minded families. These schools often have robust STEM/STEAM initiatives, world language immersion starting in early childhood, and arts integration that leverage their smaller class sizes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Clarksburg, and how competitive is admission?
The admission cycle for sought-after private schools in the Clarksburg region begins early. The main application deadline for the following fall is typically in January or February, with many schools encouraging tours and open houses the prior autumn. The process usually includes a submitted application, student assessments or classroom visits, parent interviews, and records requests. While competitiveness varies, the top schools often have waiting pools, especially for entry points like Pre-K/Kindergarten and 6th/9th grades. It is highly advisable for Clarksburg families to begin research 12-18 months in advance and apply to more than one school to ensure options.
For families living in Clarksburg's newer developments, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and a local private school?
Clarksburg families often weigh the excellent resources and diversity of large MCPS schools (like Clarksburg High School) against the personalized attention and specific pedagogical approaches of private schools. Key considerations include: class size (private schools often have 12-18 students vs. 25+ in MCPS), curricular flexibility (private schools are not bound by county pacing guides), and community culture. Private schools can offer continuity from preschool through 12th grade, avoiding MCPS redistricting. The decision often hinges on a child's individual learning style, a family's desire for a specific values-based or progressive education, and the logistical factor of commute to schools located in adjacent towns.
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