The Best Private Schools in Ellicott City, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellicott City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Jemicy School
Independent Specialized School
While located in Owings Mills, The Jemicy School serves students from Ellicott City and throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area who have language-based learning differences. The school is nationally recognized for its expertise in educating students with dyslexia and other learning challenges through multisensory, research-based approaches. The curriculum maintains high academic standards while providing the specialized support needed for success. Facilities include technology-rich classrooms, art studios, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently highlight the transformative impact of the school's specialized approach and the exceptional dedication of faculty.
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Glenelg Country School
Independent
Glenelg Country School is a prestigious independent school serving students from age 2 through grade 12. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in robotics, visual arts, and competitive athletics. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, inclusive community, and excellent college placement record.
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The Columbia Academy
Private School Network
Located just minutes from Ellicott City in Columbia, The Columbia Academy serves families throughout Howard County with its comprehensive private education program. The school features a Montessori-based early childhood program transitioning to traditional elementary and middle school curricula. Highlights include individualized learning plans, foreign language instruction starting in preschool, and robust extracurricular offerings including music, art, and sports. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellicott City, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available within or very close to Ellicott City, Maryland, and what are their key educational focuses?
Ellicott City, MD, is home to several notable private schools, each with distinct strengths. **Glenelg Country School** (located just outside Ellicott City in Glenelg) is a prestigious, co-ed college-preparatory day school offering a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program from preschool through 12th grade. **The Columbia Academy**, with a campus in nearby Columbia, provides a strong, structured curriculum with an emphasis on character development for students from infancy through 8th grade. **The Jemicy School**, located in Owings Mills but serving many Howard County families, is nationally recognized for its specialized programs for bright students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Additionally, the area has several well-regarded parochial schools, such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.
How does tuition for private schools in the Ellicott City, Maryland, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Ellicott City area varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000-$20,000 for lower grades at many parochial and independent schools, to $30,000-$40,000+ for upper grades at elite college-preparatory schools like Glenelg Country School. Most independent schools in Maryland, including those serving Ellicott City, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Maryland also 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 private schools, which many local families utilize.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Ellicott City region that leverage local resources or address community interests?
Private schools in the Ellicott City area often design programs that connect with the region's strong focus on technology, STEM, and its historical character. Many schools, including Glenelg Country School, have advanced STEM labs and robotics teams that compete regionally. Given Howard County's excellent public library system and proximity to Johns Hopkins University and Fort Meade, some schools foster partnerships for research or specialized instruction. Furthermore, schools may incorporate the local history of the Patapsco Valley and the Ellicott City historic district into their social studies and environmental science curricula. Specialized programs like Jemicy's Orton-Gillingham based literacy instruction fill a critical need for families throughout Howard County seeking support for learning differences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Ellicott City, Maryland, families?
The process for most top private schools in the Ellicott City area is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, the key timeline is: **September-December:** Attend open houses and virtual tours. **November-January:** Complete and submit applications, which often include essays, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. **January-February:** Schedule and complete student assessments and interviews (often required for both the student and parents). **March 10th:** Many independent schools in Maryland, following the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) guidelines, issue admission and financial aid decisions on this common notification date. **April 10th:** The common reply date for families to submit enrollment contracts and deposits. We strongly recommend starting your research at least 12-18 months before desired entry.
For families in Ellicott City, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated Howard County Public School System to local private school options?
This is a central question for Ellicott City families, as Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) are consistently ranked among the best in Maryland and the nation. Key considerations include: **Class Size & Individual Attention:** Private schools typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-18 students vs. 25-30+ in public). **Specialized Curriculum:** Private options may offer specific pedagogies (Montessori, IB, religious), or specialized support for learning differences (like Jemicy) that HCPSS may not provide as intensively. **Convenience & Community:** Private schools often offer extended day programs and a close-knit community feel. However, HCPSS provides a tuition-free, diverse education with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, award-winning arts programs, and large-scale athletic conferences. The decision often hinges on a child's specific learning needs, desired educational philosophy, and family budget, weighing the cost of private tuition against the investment in an Ellicott City home for its public school districts.
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