The Best Private Schools in Edgewood, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Edgewood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harford Day School
Independent
Harford Day School is an accredited independent school serving students from preschool through eighth grade, drawing families from throughout Harford County including Edgewood. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong foundation in core academics complemented by arts, athletics, and character education. The curriculum includes daily Spanish instruction beginning in pre-kindergarten, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school is known for its nurturing environment and excellent preparation for competitive high schools.
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The John Carroll School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
The John Carroll School is a highly-regarded Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school serving the greater Harford County area, including Edgewood. With a strong academic reputation, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. The 72-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for its strong community values and college acceptance record, with graduates regularly attending top-tier universities.
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The Highlands School
Independent Catholic
The Highlands School is an independent Catholic school offering a classical education rooted in Catholic tradition while serving families from across Harford County, including Edgewood. The school features a comprehensive academic program with emphasis on critical thinking, virtue formation, and intellectual development. The curriculum includes Latin instruction, strong mathematics and science programs, fine arts, and competitive sports. The school is particularly noted for its strong sense of community, character development, and academic rigor that prepares students well for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Edgewood, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Edgewood, Maryland, and what grade levels do they cover?
While Edgewood itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families in the area are served by several highly-regarded institutions in nearby communities. The most prominent include The John Carroll School in Bel Air (a Catholic, co-ed college preparatory school for grades 9-12), Harford Day School in Bel Air (a secular, co-ed school for Pre-K through 8th grade), and The Highlands School in Bel Air (an independent school specializing in students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences for grades 1-12). These schools draw significantly from the Edgewood, Bel Air, and greater Harford County area, making them the primary private options for local families.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Edgewood, MD area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Edgewood/Harford County area varies by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $10,000-$18,000 for elementary/middle schools like Harford Day, and $20,000-$25,000 for high schools like The John Carroll School. The Highlands School, due to its specialized programming, may have a different tuition structure. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This can be a significant financial resource for qualifying Edgewood families. All schools also typically offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Edgewood, MD?
Schools in the region offer distinct programs that cater to diverse interests. The John Carroll School features a robust STEM program, extensive AP course offerings, and a strong slate of athletics and arts. Harford Day School emphasizes a progressive, hands-on curriculum with Spanish instruction beginning in Pre-K and a focus on community engagement. The Highlands School provides a unique, research-based Orton-Gillingham approach for dyslexic learners, with small classes and multi-sensory instruction that is difficult to find in public school settings. For Edgewood families, proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground also means some schools have students from military families and may offer related support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Edgewood, Maryland region?
The admissions process for competitive schools like Harford Day and The John Carroll School often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, completing student assessments or visits, and receiving decisions in March. Rolling admissions may be available for later applications or certain grades. For The Highlands School, the process includes a comprehensive educational evaluation to ensure the program is an appropriate fit. Edgewood parents are advised to start research early, as some schools have waiting pools, especially for entry-level grades.
For an Edgewood resident, what are the major considerations when comparing the local public schools (Harford County Public Schools) with the nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on several factors specific to the Edgewood area. Harford County Public Schools, including those in Edgewood, are generally well-regarded but can have larger class sizes. Private options offer smaller, more personalized learning environments and often more consistent college preparatory rigor. A key consideration is the specialized need: if a child has dyslexia or similar challenges, The Highlands School offers a targeted program unmatched in the public system. Transportation is another factor; while HCPS provides buses, private schools may require carpooling or paid bus services from Edgewood. Finally, the community aspect differs—private schools often create a close-knit community drawn from a wider geographic area, which can be a benefit for networking and friendships beyond the immediate neighborhood.
Private Education Insights
Edgewood Parents: Understanding the True Cost of K-12 Private Academy
For parents in Edgewood, Maryland, considering the educational journey for their child, understanding the landscape of k12 private academy cost is a crucial first step. It’s more than just a tuition figure; it’s an investment in a tailored educational experience, and in our community, that investment comes with distinct considerations. While Edgewood itself is home to excellent public options, many families look to neighboring areas for private institutions, making factors like transportation and community part of the overall cost equation. Let’s explore what you can expect financially and how to navigate this significant decision.
When we talk about k12 private academy cost in the Harford County area, it’s essential to look at the range. Local benchmarks include esteemed institutions like The John Carroll School in Bel Air, Harford Day School, and The Highlands School in Bel Air. For the current academic year, tuition for these day schools typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $25,000 annually. This variance reflects different educational philosophies, campus resources, and class sizes. A K-12 continuum, like that offered by The Highlands School, represents a long-term financial commitment but also provides remarkable stability and a consistent learning environment for a child’s entire academic foundation. It’s vital to view these numbers not in isolation but as part of a comprehensive package that often includes smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and values-based education.
Beyond the headline tuition, the true k12 private academy cost includes several additional factors. For Edgewood families, transportation is a practical reality. While some schools offer bus services that may reach parts of our area, many parents factor in daily commuting time and fuel costs to Bel Air or other locations. Other fees can include registration, technology, books, lab fees, and mandatory fundraising or annual giving campaigns. Additionally, consider the costs associated with extracurricular activities, uniforms, and field trips. We recommend creating a detailed budget that includes all these ancillary expenses to avoid surprises. The good news is that financial assistance is widely available. Most schools, including those mentioned, have robust need-based financial aid programs and sometimes merit scholarships. The process requires planning, as deadlines for aid applications are often many months before the school year begins.
Ultimately, assessing k12 private academy cost is about measuring value against your family’s priorities and finances. We encourage Edgewood parents to schedule tours, ask detailed questions about what tuition encompasses, and speak openly with admissions officers about financial planning. The intimate learning environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community found at these local academies can provide an exceptional return on investment, shaping not just students but future leaders. By approaching the cost with clear-eyed research and utilizing available resources, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s goals, ensuring this investment paves the way for a lifetime of learning and opportunity right here in our corner of Maryland.
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