The Best Private Schools in Fulton, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fulton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Fulton School at St. Albans
Independent
The Fulton School offers a unique educational approach combining Montessori principles with project-based learning for students ages 2 through 8th grade. While located in nearby Bethesda, the school serves families throughout the region including Fulton. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and individualized instruction with strong STEAM integration. The school features specialized learning environments, outdoor classrooms, and small student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing atmosphere and innovative educational approach that fosters independence and academic excellence.
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Glenelg Country School
Independent
Glenelg Country School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from age 2 through grade 12. Located just minutes from Fulton, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Glenelg emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular activities.
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Chapelgate Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Chapelgate Christian Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education for students in preschool through grade 12. Serving the Fulton area with a Christ-centered approach, the school combines academic rigor with spiritual development. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 42-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Chapelgate emphasizes community service and character education while maintaining strong college placement records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fulton, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available directly in Fulton, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Fulton, MD, is home to a small but distinguished cluster of private schools, each with a distinct focus. The top options include Glenelg Country School (a Pre-K through 12 college-preparatory school with a strong arts and athletics program), Chapelgate Christian Academy (a Pre-K through 12 school offering a biblically-integrated curriculum), and The Fulton School at St. Albans (a Montessori-based school serving toddlers through 8th grade). While Fulton itself has limited options, its location in Howard County provides easy access to many other prestigious private schools in nearby Ellicott City, Columbia, and Baltimore, making it a hub for families seeking private education.
How does tuition at Fulton, MD, private schools compare to the Maryland state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Fulton's private schools is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education, reflecting the area's high cost of living and the schools' robust programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $35,000 depending on the grade level and school. All major schools in the area, including Glenelg Country, Chapelgate Christian, and The Fulton School, offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, Maryland's Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to use at participating private schools, which can significantly offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Fulton area that leverage its location in Howard County?
Private schools in Fulton leverage their proximity to the biotechnology corridors of Columbia and Baltimore/Washington, as well as Howard County's focus on STEM. Glenelg Country School, for instance, features advanced STEM labs and partnerships with local tech firms. Chapelgate Christian Academy emphasizes leadership and service programs connected to local churches and community organizations. The Fulton School’s Montessori approach integrates with the natural environment of the area. Furthermore, many schools have robust arts programs that utilize venues like the Merriweather Post Pavilion and partnerships with the Howard County Center for the Arts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Fulton, MD, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Fulton private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools, like Glenelg Country and Chapelgate Christian, have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. The process usually includes a submitted application, school records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT for upper grades), and a family/student interview. Admission is competitive, particularly for entry into middle and high school grades, due to the schools' strong reputations and limited seats. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority. It is strongly advised to attend fall open houses and begin the process a full year in advance.
For families moving to Fulton, how do the local private schools compare to the highly-rated Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)?
This is a key consideration for Fulton families. The HCPSS is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in the nation, with schools like Reservoir High School serving the area. Choosing a private school in Fulton is often less about escaping a failing system and more about seeking a specific educational approach. Parents opt for private schools for reasons such as a desire for a religious foundation (Chapelgate), a Montessori or progressive pedagogy (The Fulton School), smaller class sizes, or a particular focus on college preparation and athletics (Glenelg Country). The decision typically hinges on values, learning style, and community fit rather than academic quality alone, as both sectors offer excellent outcomes.
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