The Best Private Schools in Ewell, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ewell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Worcester Preparatory School
Independent
Worcester Preparatory School is a highly acclaimed independent school serving students across the Eastern Shore, including those from Ewell and Smith Island. The school offers an exceptional academic program with 100% college acceptance rate and extensive Advanced Placement offerings. Worcester Prep features state-of-the-art facilities, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts education. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and emphasizes both academic rigor and character development. Many families from coastal communities choose Worcester Prep for its comprehensive transportation system and boarding options for remote students.
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Salisbury School
Independent
Salisbury School is a premier independent day school serving the entire Eastern Shore region, including students from Ewell and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings and a robust arts curriculum. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, Salisbury School features modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and a commitment to character development. The school provides transportation options for students from outlying areas and has a proven track record of college placements.
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Crisfield Academy and School
Independent
Crisfield Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the lower Eastern Shore region, including Ewell and Smith Island communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with specialized programs in marine science that directly benefit students from Chesapeake Bay communities. With small class sizes and personalized attention, the school maintains strong academic outcomes and has partnerships with local colleges for dual enrollment opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education while preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ewell, Maryland
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Ewell, Maryland, and are there any located directly on Smith Island?
There are no private schools physically located within the town of Ewell on Smith Island due to its very small, remote population. Families in Ewell typically look at private day and boarding schools on the mainland in Somerset County and the broader Eastern Shore region. The top options often considered include Crisfield Academy and School in nearby Crisfield, Salisbury School in Salisbury, and Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin. For Ewell residents, attending these schools involves a significant daily commute via ferry and car, making boarding options at schools like Salisbury School a practical consideration for many families.
How does the unique geographic location of Ewell, Maryland, impact tuition and additional costs for private school?
The geographic isolation of Ewell on Smith Island significantly impacts the total cost of private education. Beyond the published tuition (e.g., ~$10,000-$25,000+ annually for the mentioned schools), families must budget for substantial transportation costs. This includes daily or weekly ferry fares for the student and potentially a parent, fuel and maintenance for vehicle transport on the mainland, and potentially extra fees for late pick-up due to ferry schedules. Some Maryland private schools offer geographic scholarships or boarding aid, which Ewell families should actively inquire about to help offset these unique logistical expenses.
What academic or extracurricular programs at Eastern Shore private schools might specifically appeal to a student from a Chesapeake Bay community like Ewell?
Private schools like Crisfield Academy, Salisbury School, and Worcester Prep often have programs that resonate deeply with students from water-centric communities. Many offer robust marine biology, environmental science, and ecology courses that connect directly to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Extracurriculars such as sailing, fishing clubs, and environmental stewardship projects are common. Salisbury School's proximity to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art and its environmental track can be a particular draw. These programs allow Ewell students to academically formalize and expand upon the lived experience of their unique island environment.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for an Ewell family, and how should we plan for logistics like interviews and testing?
The enrollment process for mainland private schools requires careful logistical planning from Ewell. Key steps (open houses, entrance exams, interviews, and shadow days) typically occur between October and February for the following fall. Families must coordinate these appointments around the state-run ferry schedule, often requiring full-day or overnight trips to the mainland. It is crucial to initiate contact with admissions offices at schools like Worcester Prep or Salisbury School very early, explain your situation, and try to cluster multiple visits on consecutive days. Many schools are accustomed to accommodating families from remote parts of the Eastern Shore and may offer flexible scheduling or virtual interview options.
How do the private school options for Ewell residents compare to the public school pathway through Somerset County Public Schools?
For Ewell students, the public school pathway involves a lengthy daily commute via ferry and bus to Washington High School in Princess Anne. This can result in 3+ hours of daily travel time. Private schools like Crisfield Academy or Salisbury School may offer a comparable or even shorter total commute, especially if utilizing boarding options. Academically, private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, more specialized programs, and different extracurricular opportunities. The decision often hinges on whether the family values the specific private school environment enough to justify the significant financial investment and logistical complexity, versus the no-tuition but travel-intensive public school route. The deeply close-knit community of Smith Island is also a factor, as boarding can mean less time at home.
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