The Best Private Schools in Fort Howard, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fort Howard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Calvert Hall College High School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Calvert Hall is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school for young men with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses, extensive athletic programs, and diverse extracurricular activities. Located approximately 15 miles from Fort Howard, it serves students throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area with a focus on developing leadership skills and moral character. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, athletic complexes, and technology resources.
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Indian Creek School
Independent School
Indian Creek School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from pre-school through 12th grade. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside advanced placement courses, with a strong emphasis on personalized learning. The 114-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and waterfront access for marine science programs. Located about 20 miles from Fort Howard, the school provides transportation options for families throughout Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas.
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St. Paul's School for Girls
St. Paul's Schools
St. Paul's School for Girls is an independent Episcopal school offering a rigorous college preparatory education for young women in grades 5-12. The school emphasizes leadership development, academic excellence, and character education. The campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Located approximately 18 miles from Fort Howard, the school serves students from throughout the Baltimore region with a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced placement courses and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fort Howard, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Fort Howard, Maryland, and how accessible are they?
While Fort Howard itself is a small waterfront community, it is part of the greater Baltimore metropolitan area with access to several prestigious private schools. The most notable nearby options include Calvert Hall College High School (an all-boys Catholic school in Towson), Indian Creek School (a co-ed, independent school in Crownsville), and St. Paul's School for Girls (an all-girls independent school in Brooklandville). Accessibility from Fort Howard typically involves a commute of 20-45 minutes via I-695 (the Baltimore Beltway) or I-97. Many families in Fort Howard form carpools. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer private bus services that extend into the broader Baltimore County area.
How does tuition for top private schools near Fort Howard, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Maryland state programs?
Tuition for the top-tier schools near Fort Howard varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ for upper schools. In addition to need-based financial aid offered directly by each school, Maryland residents can benefit from state-specific programs. The most significant is the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the state's free and reduced-price meal program. Families in Fort Howard should apply for both institutional aid and the BOOST program, with deadlines typically in the early spring.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Fort Howard area offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Several private schools near Fort Howard integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem into their curricula. Indian Creek School, for instance, has a strong environmental science program and may utilize nearby waterways for marine biology studies. Schools like St. Paul's and Calvert Hall often have robust outdoor education and crew/rowing teams that train on local rivers and the Bay. This regional focus allows for hands-on learning about environmental stewardship, maritime history, and local ecology—a distinctive advantage for Fort Howard students who live in a coastal community. When visiting schools, ask about specific partnerships with local marine labs or environmental organizations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key admission requirements for competitive private high schools serving Fort Howard, Maryland?
The admission process for schools like Calvert Hall, Indian Creek, and St. Paul's is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts with open houses in the fall (September-October) of a student's 7th or 8th grade year. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January. Key requirements include a completed application, standardized test scores (often the SSAT or ISEE), current school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. Given the competitive nature, Fort Howard families are advised to start research early, attend virtual or in-person tours, and ensure all materials are submitted well before deadlines.
For a family in Fort Howard considering the choice between the local public school (Edgemere Elementary/Sparrows Point Middle & High) and a private school, what are the major differentiating factors?
The decision often centers on educational approach, resources, and community. Fort Howard is zoned for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), which offer a standard public education. The primary differentiators with nearby private options are: 1) **Class Size & Individual Attention:** Private schools typically have significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios. 2) **Specialized Programs:** Private schools offer distinct philosophies (e.g., single-gender education, religious foundation, progressive independent curricula) that may not be available in the public setting. 3) **Consistency & Resources:** Private schools often have more consistent funding for arts, athletics, and technology. However, this comes at a high financial cost versus the no-tuition public option. Families should also consider the daily commute time from Fort Howard to a private campus versus the local neighborhood school.
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