The Best Private Schools in Damascus, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Damascus. 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
The Barnesville School is an independent private school located just minutes from Damascus, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines Montessori principles in early childhood with progressive, project-based learning in elementary and middle school. The 30-acre campus features outdoor classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Academic excellence is complemented by strong arts, music, and STEAM programs. The school is particularly noted for its nurturing environment, individualized attention, and strong parent community satisfaction.
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Sandy Spring Friends School
Sandy Spring Friends School
Sandy Spring Friends School is a highly-regarded Quaker-based independent school serving the Damascus area with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school spans 140 acres and offers programs from pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its strong academic curriculum, the school emphasizes community, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. Features include state-of-the-art facilities, diverse athletic programs, extensive arts offerings, and a commitment to experiential learning. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements.
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Greenwood School
Greenwood School
Greenwood School is a well-established Montessori private school serving families in the Damascus area with programs for children ages 2 through 12. Located in nearby Silver Spring, the school offers authentic Montessori education combined with strong academic foundations. The school features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and specialized programs in music, art, and foreign languages. Greenwood is recognized for its dedicated faculty, strong community values, and successful preparation of students for advanced academic opportunities. The school maintains accreditation and has a long history of educational excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Damascus, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Damascus, MD, and what are their educational philosophies?
While Damascus itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate surrounding area. The top options include Sandy Spring Friends School (Pre-K-12), a Quaker institution in Sandy Spring emphasizing community, service, and collaborative learning; The Barnesville School (Pre-K-8) in Barnesville, known for its progressive, hands-on education in a rural setting; and Greenwood School (2-12) in Brookeville, which specializes in educating bright students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. These schools offer distinct philosophies, from Quaker values to specialized learning support, providing Damascus residents with meaningful choices within a reasonable commute.
How does the tuition for private schools near Damascus, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the premier private schools serving Damascus families is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $25,000 for lower grades to over $40,000 for upper grades at schools like Sandy Spring Friends. Most schools, however, have robust financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual giving. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible families to use at private schools, including those in the Damascus area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Damascus offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Damascus area uniquely capitalize on their semi-rural Montgomery County setting. Sandy Spring Friends School utilizes its 140-acre campus for extensive environmental science programs and sustainable agriculture. The Barnesville School’s 30-acre campus features outdoor classrooms, a farm with animals, and a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship integrated into its curriculum. Greenwood School, while academically specialized, also uses its wooded campus for experiential learning breaks. Furthermore, proximity to the resources of the I-270 tech corridor and Washington D.C. allows for specialized STEM partnerships, internships, and cultural field trips that are woven into these schools' programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Damascus, MD, and how competitive is admission?
The admission process for sought-after schools like Sandy Spring Friends, Barnesville, and Greenwood begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include open houses (often September-November), application submission by January/February, student visits/interviews, and testing. Notification dates are typically in March. Competition varies by school and grade; entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades are most competitive. For Damascus families, demonstrating a genuine fit with the school's mission—whether Quaker values, progressive education, or a specialized learning approach—is as important as academic records. Early inquiry and campus visits are highly recommended.
For a family in Damascus considering the local public schools (like Damascus High School) versus private options, what are the key differentiating factors?
Damascus is served by the highly-rated Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), with Damascus High School being a large, comprehensive school with strong athletics and AP offerings. The key differentiators for private options are class size, educational approach, and specialization. Private schools near Damascus offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), allowing for personalized attention. They provide distinct educational philosophies (e.g., Quaker, progressive) that permeate the entire school culture, unlike the standardized MCPS curriculum. For families with students who learn differently, schools like Greenwood offer expert, tailored instruction not available in the public setting. The choice often hinges on seeking a specific community ethos or specialized support versus the broad offerings and no-tuition model of the large public system.
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