The Best Private Schools in District Heights, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in District Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Kino School
Independent Private School
The Kino School is a highly-regarded independent private school serving the greater Washington DC metropolitan area, including District Heights. Founded in 1976, this college-preparatory institution emphasizes individualized education with small class sizes (typically 8:1 student-teacher ratio). The school offers a robust STEM curriculum alongside comprehensive humanities programs, with many graduates attending competitive colleges. Their individualized learning approach allows students to progress at their own pace while receiving personalized attention from experienced educators. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction through regular communication and community involvement.
Programs:
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Educational System
The Beddow Schools, located in nearby Fort Washington, has served families in Prince George's County including District Heights since 1979. This established private institution offers Montessori-based early childhood education through elementary programs, focusing on whole-child development. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized facilities for arts and sciences. Their enrichment programs include foreign language instruction, music, and physical education. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, The Beddow Schools maintains high parent satisfaction through its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation that prepares students for middle school success.
Programs:
Bishop McNamara High School
Archdiocese of Washington
Bishop McNamara High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school located just minutes from District Heights in Forestville. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers both the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Their STEM Academy provides specialized pathways in engineering, biomedical science, and computer science. With a diverse student body and strong community spirit, Bishop McNamara consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains excellent parent satisfaction through comprehensive student support services.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in District Heights, Maryland
What are the main types of private school options available to families residing in District Heights, Maryland?
District Heights itself is a residential community with a limited number of standalone private schools, such as The Beddow Schools, which offers early childhood and elementary programs. However, families in District Heights have exceptional access to a wide range of private institutions in the greater Prince George's County and Washington D.C. metro area. This includes prestigious independent schools like The Kino School, which emphasizes individualized learning, and faith-based options like Bishop McNamara High School (a Catholic college-preparatory school in Forestville). Many parents also consider private schools in nearby communities like Upper Marlboro, Fort Washington, and across the D.C. border, leveraging the area's extensive transportation networks.
How does tuition for private schools in the District Heights, MD area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the District Heights area varies dramatically based on the school's type and grade level. Local preschools like The Beddow Schools may have more accessible rates, while college-preparatory high schools like Bishop McNamara can exceed $20,000 annually. A key financial consideration for Maryland residents is the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program. This state-funded program provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend participating private schools, which can significantly offset costs. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and some participate in the Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore, which serves the broader region.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible from District Heights?
Private schools in the region provide diverse specializations to meet various student interests. For example, Bishop McNamara High School offers robust STEM programs, extensive arts curricula, and competitive athletics within its Catholic framework. The Kino School is notable for its highly personalized, project-based learning environment without traditional grade levels, catering to gifted or non-traditional learners. Schools in the broader D.C. metro area often feature specialized tracks in international baccalaureate (IB), language immersion, or leadership academies. This proximity to the nation's capital also allows many schools to incorporate unique partnerships with museums, government agencies, and cultural institutions into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near District Heights, Maryland?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Washington D.C. metro area, including those serving District Heights families, often begins very early. For the following academic year, applications typically open in August or September, with deadlines between January and March. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT for secondary schools). Many schools also require a family interview and student assessment or shadow day. It's crucial to research each school's specific deadlines, as popular schools like Bishop McNamara may have limited space and early decision rounds. We recommend starting your research at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
How do the educational environments of private schools near District Heights compare to the local public schools in Prince George's County?
This is a key consideration for District Heights parents. Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) is one of the nation's largest and most diverse districts, offering various magnet and specialty programs. However, some families seek private schools for smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, or specific religious or pedagogical philosophies (like Montessori or project-based learning at The Kino School). Private schools often have more flexibility in their curriculum and can offer different disciplinary structures and community environments. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities: private schools may offer a distinct mission-driven community, while public schools provide no-cost education with diverse program offerings. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the difference in environment.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities