The Best Private Schools in Crofton, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crofton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Indian Creek School
Independent
Indian Creek School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Crofton in Crownsville, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Indian Creek emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, visual and performing arts, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a diverse community and has an excellent college placement record.
Programs:
The Key School
Independent
The Key School is a prestigious independent school located in Annapolis, approximately 15 minutes from Crofton. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Key offers a progressive educational approach combined with rigorous academics. The school features an International Baccalaureate program for upper grades and emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. The beautiful waterfront campus includes modern classrooms, science facilities, art studios, and athletic spaces. Key School is known for its strong community atmosphere, exceptional faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
Programs:
St. Mary's Elementary School
Catholic
St. Mary's Elementary School is a highly-rated Catholic school located in historic Annapolis, serving families from Crofton and surrounding communities. The school provides a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation. The curriculum includes robust STEM programs, language arts, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, and playground areas. St. Mary's emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. The school offers extended care options and numerous extracurricular activities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crofton, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Crofton, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Crofton, MD, is served by several well-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding area. The most prominent include Indian Creek School (Pre-K through 12th grade, located in Crownsville), The Key School (Pre-K through 12th grade, located in Annapolis), and St. Mary's Elementary School (Pre-K through 8th grade, located in Annapolis). While not within Crofton's town boundaries, these schools are the primary private institutions drawing from the Crofton community due to proximity and reputation. There are also various parochial and independent options throughout Anne Arundel County. Transportation is often a key consideration, as most families provide their own.
How does tuition for top private schools near Crofton, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Crofton varies significantly by grade level and institution. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as: Indian Creek School (approx. $25,000 - $38,000), The Key School (approx. $30,000 - $40,000), and St. Mary's Elementary (approx. $10,000 - $15,000). These schools, along with many others in Maryland, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to use at participating private schools, including some in this area.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving the Crofton community?
Private schools near Crofton distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Indian Creek School emphasizes experiential learning, a strong engineering and design program, and environmental studies on its 114-acre campus. The Key School is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for grades 11-12, a comprehensive arts curriculum, and competitive athletics. St. Mary's Elementary offers a faith-based education with a focus on STEM and Spanish language instruction from an early age. For Crofton families, these programs offer alternatives to the public school curriculum, often with smaller class sizes and unique focuses like maritime studies or independent senior projects.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Crofton, Maryland area?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Crofton is highly structured and begins early. Most schools (like Indian Creek, Key, and St. Mary's) open applications in August or September for the following fall. Key deadlines for admissions and financial aid applications typically fall between January and February. The process almost always includes a campus tour, parent interview, student visit or assessment, and submission of teacher recommendations and transcripts. Given the demand, especially for entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade), families in Crofton are advised to start research 12-18 months in advance. Rolling admissions may be available for upper grades if space permits.
For families in Crofton, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Crofton Elementary, Middle, and High School) to area private schools?
Crofton families often weigh the award-winning, tuition-free Crofton public school cluster against private options. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (public schools average 25-30 students; private schools often have 15-20); **Curriculum Flexibility** (private schools may offer more specialized tracks like IB or project-based learning); **Religious Education** (available at parochial schools like St. Mary's); **Transportation** (public schools provide busing; private schools usually require carpooling); and **Extracurricular Scope** (the new Crofton High School offers extensive sports and clubs, while private schools may offer unique niches like sailing or robotics). The decision often hinges on individual student needs, desired educational philosophy, and budget, as the Crofton public schools are themselves highly regarded in Anne Arundel County.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities