The Best Private Schools in Essex, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Essex. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Perry Hall is a highly-rated early childhood education center serving families in Essex and northeastern Baltimore County. The school offers play-based learning programs for children from six weeks to six years old, focusing on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates STEAM concepts, literacy development, and character education in a safe, nurturing environment. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers managed by experienced early childhood educators with strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Calvert Hall College High School
Private Catholic College Preparatory School
Calvert Hall College High School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Baltimore area, including Essex. Founded by the Christian Brothers, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The 45-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes character development and academic excellence, with 100% of graduates attending college.
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The John Carroll School
Independent Catholic College Preparatory School
The John Carroll School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from Essex and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in STEM, business, and fine arts. The 72-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a commitment to developing the whole person, John Carroll provides a supportive community environment with extensive student support services and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Essex, Maryland
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Essex, MD, and how do they differ?
Families in Essex, MD, have access to several types of private schools, each with distinct educational philosophies. The most prominent are Catholic college-preparatory high schools like Calvert Hall College High School (all-boys) and The John Carroll School (co-ed), which offer rigorous academics, strong athletic traditions, and faith-based education. For younger children, there are early childhood franchises like The Goddard School, which focus on play-based learning. Additionally, there are independent secular and religious day schools in the broader Baltimore County area. The key difference lies in their educational approach, grade levels served, religious affiliation, and campus culture, making it important to visit and align a school's mission with your child's needs.
How does tuition for private schools in the Essex, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Essex area varies significantly by grade level and school type. For high schools like Calvert Hall or John Carroll, annual tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year ranges approximately from $18,000 to $22,000. Early childhood programs like The Goddard School operate on a monthly tuition model, which can range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month depending on the child's age and program schedule. Most private schools in Maryland offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and diocesan assistance for Catholic schools. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Maryland also has programs like the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to use at private schools.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools near Essex, MD?
Private schools in the Essex/Baltimore County region often excel in specialized programs. Calvert Hall is renowned for its STEM initiatives, engineering pathways, and championship athletic programs. The John Carroll School offers a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, advanced arts curriculum, and a distinctive Patriot Scholars program. While not in Essex proper, these schools draw many Essex residents. For younger students, schools like The Goddard School emphasize STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning in early childhood. Many area private schools also leverage their proximity to Baltimore for internships, cultural partnerships, and college-level coursework through local universities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Essex, MD, families?
The enrollment process for sought-after private high schools like Calvert Hall and John Carroll is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall of a student's 8th-grade year with open houses and shadow visits. Application deadlines are usually in December or January, requiring standardized test scores (like the HSPT), transcripts, recommendations, and a personal essay. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in February or March. For preschools like The Goddard School, enrollment is often rolling but with waiting lists for popular age groups, so contacting them 6-12 months in advance is advisable. We recommend starting research at least 18 months before the desired entry date.
How do transportation options for private schools work for Essex, MD, residents, especially since many top schools are located outside the town?
Transportation is a key consideration for Essex families, as schools like Calvert Hall (in Towson) and John Carroll (in Bel Air) are not within walking distance. Most private schools do not provide public bus service directly. However, many families form carpools within the Essex and eastern Baltimore County communities. Some Catholic schools may have privately contracted bus services from central pickup points for an additional fee. Baltimore County Public Schools may provide transportation (via yellow buses or transit passes) to non-public schools if certain distance and ridership criteria are met, but this is not guaranteed. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their transportation resources and to connect with other local parents to coordinate travel.
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