The Best Private Schools in Elkridge, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elkridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Glenelg Country School
Independent
Glenelg Country School is a prestigious independent school serving the Elkridge area and greater Howard County. Established in 1954, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, allowing for personalized attention. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM initiatives, and extensive arts offerings. Extracurricular activities range from competitive athletics to community service programs. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor and supportive community environment.
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Chapelgate Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Chapelgate Christian Academy has been serving families in the Elkridge region since 1981, offering a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school combines rigorous academic preparation with spiritual development, featuring a college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities. The 42-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Programs include competitive athletics, fine arts, STEM initiatives, and mission trips. Parent reviews highlight the strong community values and excellent college placement record.
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The Columbia Academy
Independent Private School Network
The Columbia Academy serves the Elkridge community with its comprehensive private education programs from infancy through middle school. Founded in 1998, the school combines Montessori principles with traditional academic excellence. The campus features purpose-built classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized facilities for arts and sciences. The curriculum emphasizes individualized learning paths, critical thinking development, and character education. Programs include foreign language instruction, STEM enrichment, performing arts, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and has earned recognition for its innovative educational approach. Parent satisfaction surveys consistently show high ratings for academic quality and student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elkridge, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Elkridge, Maryland, and how do their educational philosophies differ?
Elkridge itself is home to a few private options, but families commonly look to highly-regarded schools in the immediate surrounding area of Howard County. The top choices include Glenelg Country School (a Pre-K-12 college preparatory school with a secular, rigorous curriculum and extensive arts/athletics), Chapelgate Christian Academy (a Pre-K-12 school offering a biblically-integrated curriculum and a Reformed Christian perspective), and The Columbia Academy (with a focus on early childhood and elementary education through a Montessori-inspired approach). This range provides Elkridge parents with distinct choices between secular college-prep, faith-based, and progressive early learning philosophies, all within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Elkridge, MD area compare to the Maryland state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Elkridge is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education, reflecting the high cost of living and academic caliber of Howard County. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower grades at some schools to over $30,000 for upper grades at college-preparatory institutions. Importantly, all major schools like Glenelg Country and Chapelgate Christian offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to use at participating private schools, including several in this region.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Elkridge vicinity offer that leverage the local Maryland environment?
Schools in the Elkridge/Howard County area often integrate Maryland's unique resources into their programs. Glenelg Country School, for instance, leverages its 90-acre campus for environmental science and sustainability initiatives, connecting to the Patapsco River watershed. Many schools have strong STEM partnerships with nearby institutions like The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and the University of Maryland. Furthermore, Chapelgate Christian Academy and others offer distinctive programs in cybersecurity and computer science, tapping into Maryland's status as a national hub for technology and defense. Proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C. also facilitates extensive internship and cultural enrichment opportunities not always available elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Elkridge, Maryland, and when should parents start?
The admission process for sought-after private schools in the Elkridge area is highly structured and competitive. Parents should ideally begin research and school visits 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date (e.g., spring/summer before the application year). Key deadlines are typically in early winter (January/February) for the following fall. The standard process includes submitting an application, standardized assessments (like the ISEE or school-specific tests), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and a review of academic records. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Due to limited seats, especially in entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, early application is strongly advised to secure a spot in Elkridge's preferred feeder schools.
For an Elkridge resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools in Howard County to the nearby private school options?
Elkridge is zoned for the nationally top-ranked Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), which is a major consideration. The decision often hinges on specific family priorities. Private schools near Elkridge offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), specialized curricular approaches (Montessori, religious, intensive college-prep), and more individualized attention. They may also provide more consistency if families are concerned about potential HCPSS redistricting. However, this comes at a significant financial cost. Public schools offer a robust, tuition-free education with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) programs and resources. The choice frequently boils down to seeking a specific educational philosophy or community environment that a private school provides versus the excellent, no-cost option of Howard County's public schools.