The Best Private Schools in College Park, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in College Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Independent
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a highly regarded independent school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and inclusive community. Serving students from preschool through grade 12, it emphasizes experiential learning, with strong programs in STEM, arts, and athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs and performing arts spaces, and maintains a low student-teacher ratio for personalized attention. Parent satisfaction is high due to its academic excellence and supportive environment, drawing students from College Park and the wider D.C. metro area.
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The Siena School
Independent
The Siena School specializes in educating bright students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences, offering a tailored college preparatory program. It combines small class sizes with multisensory teaching methods and technology integration to foster academic success. Facilities include specialized learning centers and maker spaces, and extracurriculars focus on building confidence and skills. Highly rated for its supportive community and effective outcomes, it serves families from College Park and surrounding regions, with strong parent endorsements for its individualized approach.
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Washington Christian Academy
Christian
Washington Christian Academy provides a comprehensive private education rooted in Christian values, serving students from early childhood through grade 12. Its academic program emphasizes college readiness, with robust offerings in fine arts, athletics, and community service. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities, and it is known for its dedicated teachers and strong sense of community. With a reputation for academic rigor and character development, it attracts students from College Park and nearby areas, supported by positive parent feedback and high satisfaction rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in College Park, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available within or immediately adjacent to College Park, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Within the College Park, MD area, families have several notable private school options. St. Andrew's Episcopal School, located just across the border in Potomac, is a prestigious K-12 institution with a college-preparatory curriculum emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, and physical growth. The Siena School, with a campus in Silver Spring, specializes in serving bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, using a multisensory approach. Washington Christian Academy, situated in nearby Olney, offers a biblically integrated, college-preparatory program from preschool through 12th grade. While College Park itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, its proximity to the broader Washington D.C. metro area provides access to these and many other schools, often requiring a commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the College Park, Maryland area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid or scholarship programs available?
Tuition in the College Park area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000 annually. Schools like Washington Christian Academy may be on the lower end of this spectrum, while St. Andrew's Episcopal School is at the higher end, reflecting its extensive resources and facilities. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend participating private schools. Eligibility is based on household income, and the application period typically opens in the spring. Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and it's crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admissions applications.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools in the College Park, MD region that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the College Park area uniquely leverage their proximity to the University of Maryland and the broader Washington D.C. ecosystem. Many schools, including those like St. Andrew's, establish partnerships with the university for advanced STEM research opportunities, guest lectures, and use of facilities. The Siena School integrates assistive technology and executive function coaching deeply into its curriculum, a specialization highly valued in this academically competitive region. Furthermore, schools often emphasize global studies and political science, utilizing D.C.'s museums, embassies, and governmental institutions as extended classrooms. This access to world-class institutions is a defining characteristic of private education in this locale.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving College Park, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for most private schools in the National Capital area, including those serving College Park, is highly structured and begins early. The primary admissions season runs from September through February for entry the following fall. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting an application by a January deadline, providing teacher recommendations and transcripts, and completing student assessments or visits (which may occur in January or February). Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. Given the competitive nature of schools like St. Andrew's, it is strongly advised to begin research and visits at least a year in advance. Some schools, like The Siena School, may have rolling admissions based on availability, but early application is always beneficial.
For families living in College Park, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public schools (like those in the Prince George's County system) to local private school options?
Families in College Park must weigh several local factors. The public school option is the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) system, which includes some highly rated programs like specialty academies and language immersion tracks. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often offer smaller ratios than PGCPS averages), **Specialized Support** (private schools like The Siena offer targeted learning difference support not typically available in public IEPs), **Religious or Philosophical Education** (an option only available privately), and **Consistency** (private schools offer a consistent educational pathway, whereas public school assignment can change with redistricting). Conversely, PGCPS provides a tuition-free education with diverse demographics and extensive extracurriculars. The decision often hinges on a child's specific learning needs, desired educational environment, and the family's valuation of the private school's specific community and resources against the cost of tuition.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Best Private Pre-K in College Park, MD: A Parent's Guide
For parents in College Park, Maryland, the search for a private pre k program is often the first significant step in a long-term educational journey. This vibrant community, nestled just outside Washington D.C., offers a unique blend of suburban charm and intellectual energy, thanks in large part to the influence of the University of Maryland. This environment shapes the expectations many families have for early education, seeking programs that not only nurture a child’s social and emotional growth but also spark a genuine, age-appropriate curiosity about the world. A private pre k in College Park can provide that tailored foundation, often with smaller class sizes, dedicated teachers, and educational philosophies that align closely with family values.
When exploring options, you’ll find that local private schools offer distinct approaches to these formative years. For instance, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School emphasizes a play-based, developmental model within a caring community, seeing early childhood as a time for joyful discovery. In contrast, The Siena School, renowned for its expertise in educating bright students with learning differences like dyslexia, may offer a pre k environment with a structured, multisensory approach to literacy from the very beginning, which can be a tremendous asset for children who show early signs of benefiting from such instruction. Washington Christian Academy integrates faith-based learning with academic readiness, offering a structured yet nurturing environment for young learners. Visiting these campuses, you’ll notice how each program’s philosophy translates into the classroom atmosphere, the daily schedule, and the way teachers interact with students.
Beyond the school walls, the College Park context is important. Many families here are deeply connected to the university, international communities, or the innovation sectors of the D.C. metro. This often translates into a desire for a pre k program that embraces diversity, incorporates elements of STEM or global awareness in playful ways, and understands the busy schedules of professional parents. When evaluating a private pre k, inquire about extended care options, community connections, and how the program might leverage local resources, like visits to the College Park Aviation Museum or nature explorations in nearby parks. The transition from pre k into a school’s kindergarten program is another critical consideration; understanding that continuity can provide stability and a seamless progression in learning.
Ultimately, choosing the right private pre k in College Park is about finding the environment where your child will feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn. It’s advisable to schedule tours, observe classes in session, and ask detailed questions about teacher qualifications, social-emotional learning curricula, and communication practices. Trust your instincts about the culture and warmth of the school. This initial investment in a high-quality, private early childhood experience can lay a powerful groundwork for confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning, setting the stage for all the academic and personal milestones to come in the dynamic educational landscape of College Park.
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