The Best Private Schools in Fallston, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fallston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Highlands School
Independent Catholic School
The Highlands School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving Fallston and surrounding communities with a unique Montessori approach for early childhood through traditional middle school education. Founded in 1987, the school emphasizes individualized learning, character development, and academic excellence. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and offers comprehensive programs in STEM, language arts, and fine arts. Parent reviews consistently highlight the nurturing environment, strong community values, and exceptional academic preparation that prepares students for competitive high schools.
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Harford Day School
Independent School
Harford Day School is an esteemed independent school serving Fallston and the greater Bel Air area since 1957. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a focus on academic challenge and character development. The curriculum features advanced mathematics, hands-on science research, Spanish language instruction from age 3, and integrated arts programs. The 15-acre campus includes specialized classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. With an average class size of 15 students, the school provides personalized attention and has an outstanding record of preparing students for top secondary schools. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community.
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The John Carroll School
Independent Catholic School
The John Carroll School is a premier independent Catholic college preparatory school serving the Fallston and greater Harford County area. Established in 1964, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The 72-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, robotics, theater productions, and numerous clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's academic excellence, supportive community, and strong college preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fallston, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Fallston, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Fallston, located in Harford County, is served by several notable private institutions. The John Carroll School in Bel Air is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school for grades 9-12. The Highlands School, also in Bel Air, is an independent school offering a Montessori-based program from preschool through 8th grade. Harford Day School in Bel Air is an independent, secular school for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. While these schools have Bel Air addresses, they are the primary private options for Fallston families due to proximity. There are also various smaller parochial and independent schools throughout Harford County that serve the area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Fallston, MD area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland?
Tuition in the Fallston/Harford County area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for lower school at day schools to over $20,000 for upper school at college-preparatory institutions like John Carroll. All major schools offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Maryland has the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools. This is a key financial consideration for Maryland families, and participating Fallston-area schools can guide parents through the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Fallston area that leverage local resources or community partnerships?
Private schools in the Fallston/Harford County area often develop programs that connect students to local industries and the environment. For example, The John Carroll School has strong STEM and entrepreneurship programs that partner with Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and local businesses. The Highlands School emphasizes environmental stewardship with its outdoor classroom and farm-to-table initiatives, leveraging Harford County's agricultural landscape. Harford Day School integrates Chesapeake Bay studies into its science curriculum. Many schools also have robust athletic rivalries within the local Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) or independent leagues, fostering a strong local community feel.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Fallston-area private schools, and are there considerations for siblings or parish members?
The enrollment process for Fallston-area private schools generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Open houses are typically held from September to November, with application deadlines between January and February. Admission decisions are communicated in March. Key considerations include: at parish-based schools, registered parishioners may receive priority; siblings of current students often have an early application period or priority status; and many schools require admissions assessments and student interviews. Given the competitive nature for certain grades, especially kindergarten and 9th grade, Fallston parents are advised to start the process early and attend open houses to understand each school's specific community fit.
For families in Fallston, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the high-performing public schools in Harford County and the local private school options?
This is a key decision for Fallston families. Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), which includes Fallston High School, are consistently highly ranked in Maryland. The choice often comes down to specific educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public), distinct curricular approaches (Montessori, classical, or intensive college-prep), and values-based education. The private school commute from Fallston is typically short, as the main options are in nearby Bel Air. Conversely, HCPS offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, specialized magnet programs, and significant extracurricular diversity at no direct tuition cost. Many families consider both, weighing the personalized environment of private school against the comprehensive, tuition-free offerings of the public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Pre-K Programs in Fallston, MD for Your Child
As a parent in Fallston, Maryland, beginning the search for a “private pre k near me” can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for more than just daycare; you’re seeking a foundational educational experience that aligns with your family’s values and sets your child on a path of lifelong curiosity. In our community, you have the distinct advantage of being close to several exceptional private institutions that offer premier early childhood programs, each with its own unique philosophy and approach to these formative years. Understanding the local landscape is key to finding the right fit for your young learner right here in northern Harford County.
When researching options, it’s important to consider the long-term educational journey. Many families in Fallston appreciate the continuity offered by schools with programs that extend beyond pre-kindergarten. For instance, Harford Day School in Bel Air, just a short drive from Fallston, offers a pre-k program that is an integral part of its larger independent school community, emphasizing a hands-on, experiential curriculum from the start. Similarly, The Highlands School in Bel Air provides a Montessori-based early childhood program, fostering independence and individualized learning in a carefully prepared environment. While The John Carroll School in Bel Air begins at the ninth-grade level, its presence underscores the area’s strong commitment to private education, and many families who choose private pre-k here are already looking ahead to such college-preparatory environments. This forward-thinking perspective is common among Fallston parents who value a cohesive educational pathway.
Your search for a “private pre k near me” in Fallston also involves practical local considerations. Think about your daily commute along routes like MD-152 or Mountain Road, and how a school’s location fits into your family’s routine. The close-knit, semi-rural character of Fallston means many families prioritize a school environment that feels like an extension of their community—safe, nurturing, and connected. Visiting these schools is crucial; you’ll want to observe not just the classroom, but the outdoor play spaces and feel the overall culture. Ask about how the program incorporates the natural beauty of our Maryland seasons and if there are opportunities for family involvement that align with our community’s spirit.
Ultimately, the best private pre-k program for your child is one where they feel joyfully engaged and seen as an individual. It’s about finding a place where play and purposeful learning intersect, guided by teachers who understand the profound importance of these early years. As you visit campuses and talk to directors, trust your instincts about where your child will thrive. The investment in a high-quality private pre-k experience in the Fallston area is an investment in building a solid academic and social-emotional foundation, making the search for that perfect “near me” fit a profoundly important first step in your child’s educational story.
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