The Best Private Schools in Ellerslie, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellerslie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Walsh School
Catholic Schools
Bishop Walsh School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Cumberland area, including Ellerslie families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their STEM Academy provides advanced science and technology education, while their strong athletic programs and fine arts offerings create a well-rounded educational experience. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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Saint John's Catholic Prep
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Saint John's Catholic Prep is a premier college preparatory school serving students from Frederick County and surrounding areas including Ellerslie. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing rigorous academic challenges. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, students receive personalized attention and support. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Heritage Academy
Independent Christian School
Heritage Academy is a respected classical Christian school serving the tri-state area including Ellerslie families. The school provides a comprehensive K-12 education grounded in classical teaching methods and Christian values. Their college preparatory program emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and classical literature. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Heritage Academy is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellerslie, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Ellerslie, Maryland, and what are their core educational models?
Ellerslie, MD, is served by a few notable private schools, though many families also consider options in the broader Cumberland area. The most prominent local institutions include Bishop Walsh School (a private, Catholic K-12 school), Saint John's Catholic Prep (a private, co-ed Catholic high school located in nearby Buckeystown, but drawing regional students), and Heritage Academy (a private Christian school in Hagerstown offering K-12). Bishop Walsh is the most geographically accessible for Ellerslie residents, offering a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with a Catholic foundation. It's important to note that due to Ellerslie's more rural setting in Allegany County, some families may need to commute to neighboring towns for specific private school options.
How does tuition at private schools in the Ellerslie, MD, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in and around Ellerslie is generally below the state average for Maryland's more urbanized regions, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Bishop Walsh School's tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 for elementary to $8,500 for high school. Most schools, including Bishop Walsh and Saint John's Catholic Prep, offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families, and multi-child discounts. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible low- and middle-income families to attend private schools, a crucial financial consideration for Ellerslie residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ellerslie, MD, offer that leverage the local environment or community needs?
Private schools in the Ellerslie area often integrate the region's Appalachian heritage and natural surroundings into their programs. Bishop Walsh School, for instance, emphasizes its STEM curriculum and offers dual-enrollment opportunities with Allegany College of Maryland, providing a direct pathway to college credits. Its location also allows for outdoor education and environmental science projects linked to the nearby mountains and rivers. Furthermore, given the economic landscape of Western Maryland, these schools often focus on strong college and career readiness programs to prepare students for both local opportunities and broader academic pursuits.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Bishop Walsh in Ellerslie, MD, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Ellerslie area typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. For Bishop Walsh School, open houses are held in the autumn, with application deadlines in early winter (January/February). The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. While some grades at Bishop Walsh may have limited space and maintain waitlists, especially in early elementary and popular high school grades, the competitive pressure is often less intense than in major metropolitan areas of Maryland. Early inquiry is always recommended to secure placement and explore financial aid, which has a concurrent deadline.
For families in Ellerslie, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Allegany County Public Schools) and a private school like Bishop Walsh?
The decision often hinges on several Ellerslie-specific factors. Allegany County Public Schools provide a no-cost education with proximity, while private options like Bishop Walsh offer smaller class sizes, a religious foundation (if desired), and a consistent college-preparatory curriculum from K-12. A major practical consideration is transportation, as private schools do not provide county busing, requiring a family commute. Academically, private schools in the area may offer more specialized advanced courses or stable program offerings that can be subject to budget fluctuations in the public system. For families seeking a specific moral or faith-based environment, the private options are the clear choice. Evaluating the investment against the BOOST scholarship eligibility and available financial aid is a critical financial step for Ellerslie parents.
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