The Best Private Schools in Cordova, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cordova. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gunston School
Independent College Preparatory School
The Gunston School is a premier coeducational, independent college preparatory school serving students from across the Eastern Shore. Located just 15 minutes from Cordova, Gunston offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes (average 10:1 student-teacher ratio) and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and waterfront campus with environmental science programs. Gunston consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities while emphasizing character development and leadership. The school offers robust athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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The Country School
Independent School
The Country School is an independent day school serving students from preschool through eighth grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Cordova in Easton. The school combines academic excellence with character development in a nurturing environment. Features include specialized Montessori programming for younger students, innovative STEM labs, extensive arts programs, and outdoor education utilizing their 15-acre campus. The Country School emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and community engagement. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and graduates consistently transition successfully to top regional high schools.
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Saints Peter and Paul High School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saints Peter and Paul High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in nearby Easton, serving students from throughout Talbot County and surrounding areas including Cordova. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. With a focus on faith-based education and community service, SSPP provides a supportive environment with dedicated faculty and modern facilities. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, theater, and various clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cordova, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Cordova, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cordova, located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is served by a few notable private institutions, each with a distinct focus. The Gunston School in nearby Centreville is a co-ed, college-preparatory day school for grades 9-12, known for its waterfront campus and environmental science programs. Saints Peter and Paul High School in Easton is a Catholic, co-ed secondary school serving grades 9-12. The Country School in Easton offers a progressive, independent education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For Cordova residents, these schools represent the core independent and parochial options, with many families also considering schools in larger nearby towns like Easton.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cordova, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Cordova area is generally aligned with or slightly below the average for Maryland private schools, partly due to the lower cost of living on the Eastern Shore compared to the Baltimore-Washington corridor. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades and $20,000-$30,000 for high school. All the major schools—Gunston, Saints Peter and Paul, and The Country School—offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Maryland’s BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship program is a crucial state-specific resource for eligible families, providing vouchers that can be applied to tuition at participating private schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Cordova that leverage the local Eastern Shore environment?
Private schools in the Cordova area uniquely integrate the Chesapeake Bay region's resources into their curricula. The Gunston School has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program, utilizing its direct waterfront access for marine biology, ecology, and environmental science. Its waterfront campus supports sailing and crew as extracurriculars. The Country School emphasizes outdoor and experiential learning, with garden-based programs and local field studies. Saints Peter and Paul High School often incorporates regional history and environmental stewardship into its science and humanities courses. This shared focus on environmental literacy is a defining characteristic of education in this part of Talbot County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cordova, MD, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for schools like Gunston, Saints Peter and Paul, and The Country School generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include open houses (often September-November), application submission by January or February, student visits/interviews, and notification by mid-March. Admission competitiveness varies: The Gunston School, as a selective college-prep school, has a more rigorous process including standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE). The Country School seeks mission-aligned families for its younger grades. Saints Peter and Paul, while having academic standards, may prioritize parish affiliation. For Cordova families, planning early and engaging with fall open houses is essential due to limited seats.
For a family in Cordova, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Talbot County Public Schools) and the area's private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Talbot County Public Schools, while well-regarded, operate on a larger scale. The private options offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students) and more individualized attention. Private schools provide distinct curricular paths, like Gunston’s intensive college prep or The Country School’s progressive, project-based model, which may not be available in the public system. Transportation is a practical consideration; while public schools provide busing, private schools usually require personal transportation from Cordova. For some families, the religious foundation of Saints Peter and Paul is a deciding factor. The choice ultimately balances the community feel of local public schools with the specialized, tailored environments of private institutions.
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