The Best Private Schools in Crownsville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crownsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Severn School
Independent
Severn School is a prestigious coeducational independent day school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Crownsville, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Severn emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school has a long tradition of academic achievement with graduates attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Indian Creek School
Independent
Located directly in Crownsville, Indian Creek School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from age 3 through 12th grade. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 114-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Indian Creek emphasizes global citizenship and hands-on learning, with strong programs in environmental science, technology, and community service. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong teacher-student relationships.
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Key School
Independent
The Key School is an independent day school located in nearby Annapolis, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its innovative and challenging curriculum, Key School emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative learning. The school features a beautiful waterfront campus with modern academic buildings, arts centers, science labs, and athletic facilities. Key offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with strong emphasis on both STEM and humanities, complemented by extensive arts and athletics programs. The school maintains a diverse community and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crownsville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Crownsville, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Crownsville itself is a residential community, so families typically look to the surrounding Anne Arundel County area for premier private schools. The most prominent options include Severn School (in Severna Park), which offers a rigorous college-preparatory program with a strong emphasis on character and leadership from Pre-K through 12th grade. Indian Creek School (in Crownsville/Crofton) provides a progressive, student-centered education from pre-school to 12th grade, known for its innovative teaching and strong arts programs. The Key School (in Annapolis) offers an intensive, interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in intellectual curiosity for students from pre-school through 12th grade. Each has a distinct philosophy, so visiting and understanding their approach to learning is crucial for Crownsville parents.
How does tuition for top private schools near Crownsville, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading schools in the Crownsville corridor is significant, reflecting their extensive programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect upper school tuition to range from approximately $35,000 to over $40,000 annually. All three major schools—Severn, Indian Creek, and Key—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. They use systems like the School and Student Service (SSS) to assess family contributions. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, a valuable state-specific resource for Crownsville residents to explore.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Crownsville, Maryland, area that leverage the local environment?
Schools near Crownsville capitalize on the Chesapeake Bay region's unique geography and culture. Severn School has a renowned sailing program and environmental science studies focused on watershed ecology. Indian Creek School, with its campus bordering the South River, incorporates Chesapeake Bay studies directly into its science curriculum and has a strong STEM program with maker spaces. The Key School in Annapolis utilizes its proximity to the state capital and the U.S. Naval Academy for history, government, and leadership programs. Many also have partnerships with local tech companies and research institutions in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, offering advanced internships and research opportunities for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Crownsville, MD, area?
The admission process for schools like Severn, Indian Creek, and Key is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the early fall (September-October) with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in January for the following academic year. The process includes a completed application, student assessments or entrance exams (such as the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Notification dates are generally in March. For Crownsville families, it's essential to plan early, as spaces, particularly in entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), are limited and competitive.
For a family in Crownsville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Anne Arundel County Public Schools) and the nearby private schools?
The decision hinges on several Crownsville-specific factors. Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), which serve Crownsville, are generally well-regarded, but private options offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more extensive resources per student. Private schools provide curricular consistency and specialized programs (like intensive arts or advanced STEM tracks) that may not be available at the specific public school a child is zoned for in Crownsville. Transportation is a practical consideration; while AACPS provides busing, private schools usually require families to arrange transportation, which can be a significant factor given Crownsville's spread-out, semi-rural setting. The community aspect also differs, with private schools often drawing from a wider geographic area across Anne Arundel County.
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