The Best Private Schools in Drayden, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Drayden. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Evergreen Elementary and Middle School
Private Independent School
Evergreen School is a private Montessori school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from throughout St. Mary's County including Drayden. The school provides authentic Montessori education in a nurturing environment with individualized learning plans. Facilities include specialized Montessori classrooms, science lab, art studio, and outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and character development. Small class sizes and experienced Montessori-trained teachers ensure personalized attention for each student.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory high school serving Southern Maryland communities including Drayden. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention and college counseling. The 60-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Little Flower School
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
Little Flower School is a Catholic elementary school serving Southern Maryland communities including Drayden. The school offers a faith-based education with strong academic foundations in core subjects along with specialized programs in STEM, music, and physical education. The school features modern classrooms, technology lab, library, and playground facilities. With a focus on developing the whole child, Little Flower provides a supportive community environment while preparing students for high school success. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extended care options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Drayden, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Drayden, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Drayden, located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, is served by a few key private institutions, though many families also consider schools in the broader Southern Maryland region. The notable schools often considered by Drayden residents include St. Mary's Ryken High School (grades 9-12, Catholic, co-ed) in Leonardtown, Evergreen Elementary and Middle School (a Montessori program) in nearby Great Mills, and Little Flower School (pre-K through 8, Catholic) in Great Mills. Due to Drayden's rural setting, most private school options require a commute to neighboring communities. Exploring schools in Lexington Park, Leonardtown, and California, MD, will significantly expand your options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Drayden, MD, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available to Maryland residents?
Tuition in the Drayden-area private schools varies by institution and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000-$8,000 annually for elementary programs like Little Flower School to over $20,000 for St. Mary's Ryken High School. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools. This program can be a significant resource for qualifying families in Drayden. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for affiliated Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Drayden, MD, that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in Southern Maryland offer programs that connect with the region's unique character. St. Mary's Ryken High School, for instance, has a strong Marine Science program that utilizes the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River for hands-on learning. Several schools, including Evergreen Montessori, emphasize environmental stewardship and outdoor education aligned with the area's rural and waterfront setting. Furthermore, the close-knit community feel of schools like Little Flower often translates into strong service-learning programs connected to local parishes and organizations in St. Mary's County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Drayden, MD, and are there important local deadlines to know?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region often begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. For schools like St. Mary's Ryken, open houses typically occur from September to January, with application deadlines in early February. Elementary and middle schools like Little Flower may have rolling admissions but prioritize parish families and siblings, so applying by January is advisable. A critical local factor is that many families connected to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station (PAX River) experience transfer cycles, so communicating your family's military status (if applicable) during enrollment can be helpful for planning.
For a family in rural Drayden, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (like Dynard Elementary or Esperanza Middle) with the available private schools?
The key considerations involve educational approach, commute, and community. Drayden is zoned for St. Mary's County Public Schools, which provide a solid, no-cost education but may involve longer bus rides due to the rural setting. Private options offer smaller class sizes, specific religious or pedagogical foundations (like Montessori or Catholic), and often require a daily commute of 20-40 minutes to Leonardtown or Great Mills. The decision may hinge on whether you seek a particular faith-based education, desire an alternative learning model, or prioritize the extensive extracurricular and Advanced Placement offerings of a larger private high school like St. Mary's Ryken versus the programs at the public Chopticon High School.
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