The Best Private Schools in Galena, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Galena. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gunston School
Independent College Preparatory School
The Gunston School is a premier coeducational, college preparatory day school serving students in grades 9-12 from throughout Kent County and surrounding areas, including Galena. Located on a beautiful 35-acre waterfront campus on the Corsica River, the school offers rigorous academic programs with a focus on environmental science and leadership development. The curriculum includes 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Gunston is known for its exceptional college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes character education and community engagement.
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Kent School
Independent School
Kent School is a highly-regarded independent school located just 15 minutes from Galena, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, providing personalized attention and strong academic foundations. Their comprehensive curriculum includes robust STEM programs, integrated arts education, and extensive outdoor learning opportunities on their 15-acre campus. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere that prepares students exceptionally well for high school and beyond.
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Saints Peter and Paul High School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saints Peter and Paul High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across the Eastern Shore, including Galena families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with a strong emphasis on both faith formation and academic excellence. Their curriculum includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's supportive community, dedicated faculty, and strong college preparation, with graduates regularly accepted to selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Galena, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Galena, Maryland?
Galena itself is a small town, but it is situated in Kent County on Maryland's Eastern Shore with access to several well-regarded private schools. The most prominent options include Kent School (a Pre-K through 8th grade independent school in Chestertown), The Gunston School (a co-ed, college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 9-12 in Centreville), and Saints Peter and Paul High School (a Catholic, college-preparatory school in Easton). Many Galena families also consider schools in nearby Delaware. The choice often depends on the desired grade level, educational philosophy, and commute tolerance, as these schools are typically a 20-40 minute drive from Galena.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Galena, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Galena region is generally competitive but can vary significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Kent School's tuition ranges approximately from $12,000 for lower grades to $20,000 for middle school. The Gunston School's day student tuition is around $30,000, and Saints Peter and Paul High School is approximately $15,000. These figures are often below the average for major Baltimore or Washington, D.C. metro private schools but are a significant consideration for local incomes. All three schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, a key state-specific resource for Galena families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Galena that leverage the Eastern Shore location?
Private schools in the Galena area uniquely integrate the Chesapeake Bay and rural environment into their curricula. Kent School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with direct access to river ecosystems for hands-on learning. The Gunston School has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program and a waterfront campus supporting sailing, rowing, and marine biology. Saints Peter and Paul High School offers strong college-prep academics with a values-based education, and its location facilitates community service projects throughout the Shore. These programs provide an educational experience deeply connected to the local environment and community, which is a distinctive advantage over many inland schools.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools serving Galena, Maryland?
Admission processes for schools like Kent, Gunston, and Saints Peter and Paul typically begin in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key deadlines for application submissions and financial aid requests are often between January and February. Requirements generally include a completed application, teacher recommendations, school records, a student visit/interview, and standardized testing (such as the SSAT or ISEE for Gunston and Kent). For Saints Peter and Paul, placement tests are common. Given the limited seats, especially in popular entry grades, Galena families are advised to start the process early, often 12-18 months in advance for high school. Open houses in the fall are critical for visiting these campuses, which require planning due to their distance from Galena.
For a family in Galena, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Kent County Public Schools) and the available private options?
The decision often centers on class size, specialized programs, and educational philosophy. Kent County Public Schools, like Galena Elementary, offer a no-tuition, community-based education. The private options provide much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized programs like the ones mentioned above, and different religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., Kent School's progressive elementary/middle model, Gunston's rigorous college-prep). The commute is a major practical factor—public schools are very local, while private schools require daily driving to Chestertown, Centreville, or Easton. Financially, the cost of private tuition versus potential need for tutoring or supplements in public schools is weighed. Many families choose private schools for consistent, small-group attention through 12th grade, as Kent County's public high school options are limited to one comprehensive high school.
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