The Best Private Schools in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gaithersburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Martin's Catholic School
Archdiocese of Washington
St. Martin's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Gaithersburg. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, Spanish language instruction from kindergarten, and robust arts education. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic programs. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's ability to prepare students for competitive high school programs.
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The Bullis School
Independent
Located just minutes from Gaithersburg in Potomac, The Bullis School is a premier independent college-preparatory school serving grades 3-12. With a 102-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes, Bullis offers one of the most comprehensive private education experiences in the region. The school's academic program includes over 20 AP courses, specialized STEM and entrepreneurship tracks, and a nationally-recognized global studies program. Bullis consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and is known for its exceptional faculty and diverse extracurricular offerings.
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Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Independent Jewish Day School
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, located in nearby Rockville, serves students from Gaithersburg and throughout Montgomery County. This prestigious independent school offers a rigorous dual curriculum combining comprehensive general studies with deep Jewish learning. The Upper School features extensive AP course offerings, a renowned STEM research program where students work with professional scientists, and exceptional arts facilities. The school's 40-acre campus includes modern science laboratories, multiple athletic fields, and specialized learning spaces. CESJDS is recognized for its academic excellence, with graduates regularly attending Ivy League and other selective colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gaithersburg, Maryland
What are the main types of private schools available in Gaithersburg, MD, and how do they differ?
Gaithersburg offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily falling into three categories: independent secular, faith-based, and specialized. Top institutions like The Bullis School represent the independent model, offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum with extensive arts and athletics. Faith-based options include St. Martin's Catholic School, providing a values-based education, and the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, which offers a dual curriculum of general and Jewish studies. Additionally, there are Montessori and other progressive schools in the area. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation (or lack thereof), community culture, and cost structure, allowing parents to find a school that aligns closely with their family's values and academic goals.
How does tuition for private schools in Gaithersburg, MD, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition in Gaithersburg is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private schools, reflecting the area's high cost of living and the prestigious nature of its institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition can range from approximately $15,000 at some parochial schools to over $50,000 at top-tier independent schools like Bullis. Most Gaithersburg private schools, including the three mentioned, have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance for eligible families to choose nonpublic schools, which many Gaithersburg families utilize.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at leading Gaithersburg private schools?
Gaithersburg's private schools are known for distinctive, high-caliber programs. The Bullis School features a renowned STEM program with dedicated labs and partnerships with nearby federal agencies and tech companies, alongside a strong entrepreneurship track. The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School offers a unique Hebrew immersion program and globally recognized Israel studies curriculum. St. Martin's Catholic School emphasizes its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiative integrated with Catholic social teaching. Given Gaithersburg's proximity to the I-270 tech corridor and federal research centers, many schools also have specialized robotics, coding, and science research opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Gaithersburg, MD?
The timeline for Gaithersburg's most sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. For a fall start, the process typically opens in August or September, with open houses held in the fall. Application deadlines are often between December and January for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT for middle/high school), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student visit day. Due to competitive spaces, especially at schools like Bullis and CESJDS, it is strongly advised to begin research and visits at least 12-18 months in advance. Many schools also have sibling and legacy applicant priority, which factors into planning for local families.
For families moving to the area, how do the top public schools in the Gaithersburg/ Montgomery County district influence the decision to choose private school?
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are highly rated, which creates a unique dynamic for Gaithersburg families. The decision often hinges on specific needs rather than a perceived lack of public school quality. Families may choose private schools for smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like the Jewish or Catholic education mentioned), a different pedagogical approach (e.g., project-based learning), or to avoid the lottery system for MCPS magnet programs. The consistency of a private school's community and educational approach can also be appealing compared to potential redistricting in the large MCPS system. For some, the intensive college counseling, unique facilities, and specific athletic or arts programs offered by Gaithersburg's private schools provide a distinct edge that aligns with their child's aspirations.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Affordable Private Schools in Gaithersburg, MD: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the search for “affordable private schools near me” is a common and deeply important journey. You value the smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and strong community values that private education offers, but you also need to balance that with the practical realities of your family budget. The good news is that the Gaithersburg area presents a more nuanced landscape than you might initially think, with a range of options that can make a private education accessible without compromising on quality. Understanding the local context is your first step. Gaithersburg is a diverse, thriving city within Montgomery County, known for its excellent public schools. This very fact creates a dynamic where private schools often differentiate themselves through specific educational philosophies, religious foundations, or specialized programs, rather than simply being an alternative to underperforming public options. This competition can work in your favor as you explore what “affordable” truly means here.
When we talk about affordability in Gaithersburg, it’s essential to look beyond just tuition stickers. Many families find value in schools that offer robust financial aid programs, sibling discounts, or flexible payment plans. A school like St. Martin’s Catholic School, for instance, while having a tuition structure, is typically priced below many independent day schools and is supported by its parish, which often results in a significant financial aid pool for qualifying families. It represents a classic model of parish-based education that has long provided a relatively affordable private pathway for many in the community. Meanwhile, premier institutions like The Bullis School or the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, while representing a higher investment, often have the most substantial endowment-funded financial aid programs. For a family firmly committed to a particular educational vision—be it Bullis’s extensive STEM and arts facilities or CESJDS’s immersive Jewish and Hebrew studies—these aid packages can dramatically alter the affordability equation. It is always worth having a candid conversation with the admissions and financial aid offices to understand the full picture.
Your search should also consider the broader definition of value. A slightly longer commute to a school in a neighboring town like Rockville or North Potomac might open doors to different price points or unique programs. Furthermore, many private schools in the MD-270 corridor are keenly aware of the demographic of working professionals and biotech employees in Gaithersburg and design their schedules and extended care options accordingly, adding practical value that offsets cost. Start your process by clearly defining your non-negotiables: is it a faith-based environment, a language immersion program, or a particular approach to learning? Then, schedule tours and ask direct questions about tuition assistance. The perception that all private schools in our area are out of reach is a myth. By reframing your search from “cheap” to “value-driven” and understanding the mechanisms of financial support available, you can find an excellent, affordable private school near you in Gaithersburg that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s financial plan. The investment is significant, but with research and outreach, it can be a manageable and profoundly rewarding one.
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