The Best Private Schools in Freeland, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Freeland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Gerstell Academy
Gerstell Academy
Gerstell Academy is a premier private school located just 15 minutes from Freeland, offering a unique leadership-focused education from preschool through 12th grade. The school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with comprehensive leadership training, Spanish language immersion from elementary grades, and extensive athletic and arts programs. With a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs and performing arts centers, and a strong emphasis on character development, Gerstell provides a well-rounded education that consistently earns high parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Paul's School
St. Paul's Schools
St. Paul's School is a highly respected independent school located approximately 20 minutes from Freeland, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses, providing exceptional academic rigor. With extensive athletic facilities including multiple playing fields and gymnasiums, robust arts programs, and a commitment to community service, St. Paul's has maintained a strong reputation for academic excellence and student development for over a century and a half.
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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
Beth Tfiloh Congregation
Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School is a highly-regarded private Jewish day school located about 25 minutes from Freeland, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive dual curriculum combining rigorous college preparatory academics with extensive Judaic studies. With modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, competitive athletic teams, and vibrant arts programs, Beth Tfiloh provides a supportive community environment while maintaining high academic standards. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Freeland, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Freeland, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Freeland, MD, is situated in a region with access to several highly-regarded private institutions, though it's important to note that some are located in nearby communities. The top schools often considered by Freeland families include Gerstell Academy (in Finksburg, ~30 min drive), which emphasizes leadership development and bilingual education; St. Paul's School (in Brooklandville, ~40 min drive), known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and extensive athletic programs; and Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School (in Baltimore, ~45 min drive), a premier Jewish day school offering a dual curriculum of secular and Judaic studies. Given Freeland's more rural setting, most private schooling involves commuting, so transportation logistics are a key local consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Freeland, Maryland, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the major private schools accessible from Freeland is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education due to their prestige and extensive programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $35,000 annually depending on the grade level and school. All the mentioned schools—Gerstell Academy, St. Paul's, and Beth Tfiloh—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program, a state-funded K-12 scholarship for eligible families choosing nonpublic schools, which can be a significant financial resource for Freeland residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Freeland region that leverage Maryland's local resources?
Private schools serving the Freeland area often integrate Maryland's unique geographic and economic landscape into their programs. Gerstell Academy, for instance, utilizes its campus near the Liberty Reservoir for environmental science and outdoor leadership training. St. Paul's School offers strong connections to Baltimore's cultural, medical, and tech institutions for internships and partnerships. Many schools also have specialized STEM programs that align with Maryland's prominent defense, cybersecurity, and biotechnology sectors, providing relevant pathways for high school students. The rural character of Freeland itself means some schools may offer equestrian programs or agricultural science as extracurriculars.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Freeland, Maryland, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for top-tier private schools in the Baltimore region, which serve Freeland families, is highly structured and competitive. The timeline typically begins in the fall, 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and receiving decisions in March. For schools like St. Paul's and Gerstell, applying for early grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten) is crucial as spaces are most limited. Given the commute from Freeland, some schools may consider geographic diversity, but strong preparation for entrance exams and a compelling family interview are universally important.
For a family living in rural Freeland, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Hereford High School) and a private school requiring a significant commute?
This is a central decision for Freeland families. The local public schools, part of the highly-rated Baltimore County Public Schools system (Hereford Zone), offer a strong, tuition-free education with a renowned athletic tradition in a close-knit community. The primary trade-off with a private school involves the daily commute of 30-60 minutes each way to schools like Gerstell or St. Paul's. Considerations include: the value of a specific educational philosophy (e.g., leadership, faith-based, or intensive college-prep), smaller class sizes, and specialized programs not available publicly. Families must weigh the time and transportation costs against the perceived benefits. Many opt for private education seeking a different social environment or a curriculum aligned with specific future goals in Maryland's competitive higher education landscape.
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