The Best Private Schools in Grasonville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Grasonville. 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 highly respected co-educational, independent college preparatory day school serving students in grades 9-12. Located just 15 minutes from Grasonville in Centreville, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. Notable for its waterfront campus on the Corsica River, Gunston emphasizes environmental education and marine science alongside strong college preparatory academics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a diverse student body and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
St. Mary's High School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. Mary's High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in historic Annapolis, approximately 25 minutes from Grasonville. The school offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in Catholic values with strong emphasis on character development and service learning. Academic programs include advanced placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and robust fine arts curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, athletic fields, and performance spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, drama productions, and numerous clubs. Parent satisfaction is high with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities.
Programs:
The Harbour School
Independent Specialized Education
The Harbour School serves students with diverse learning needs through specialized educational approaches, located approximately 20 minutes from Grasonville in Annapolis. The school provides individualized education plans with small class sizes and therapeutic support services. Academic programs are complemented by strong STEM and arts integration, with facilities including specialized learning spaces, technology labs, and outdoor learning environments. The school focuses on developing executive functioning skills and social-emotional learning alongside academic achievement. Extracurricular offerings include athletics, arts programs, and community engagement opportunities. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's supportive environment and effective educational approaches for students who benefit from specialized learning environments.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Grasonville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options for families living in Grasonville, Maryland, and are they located directly in town?
While Grasonville itself is a smaller town on Maryland's Eastern Shore, families have access to several notable private schools in the immediate region. The most prominent are The Gunston School (a co-ed, college-preparatory day school in nearby Centreville), St. Mary's High School (a Catholic, co-ed high school in Annapolis), and The Harbour School (which has a campus in Annapolis focusing on students with learning differences). Most options require a commute to Queen Anne's County or Anne Arundel County, making transportation a key consideration for Grasonville residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Grasonville, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Maryland state programs?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, The Gunston School's upper school tuition is approximately $30,000, while St. Mary's High School is around $19,000. The Harbour School, with its specialized programs, is typically higher. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This state-specific aid can be crucial for Grasonville families, and all mentioned schools accept BOOST funds. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Grasonville offer that leverage the Chesapeake Bay environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the local environment into their curricula. The Gunston School, located on the Corsica River, has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program and a waterfront campus with a marina, offering environmental science, sailing, and rowing. This provides a distinctive, place-based education that connects classroom learning directly to the ecology and culture of Maryland's Eastern Shore—a significant advantage for Grasonville families who value environmental stewardship and outdoor education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Grasonville, MD, like The Gunston School and St. Mary's High School?
The timeline is similar to national private school norms but starts early. For a fall start, applications for schools like Gunston and St. Mary's are often due between January and February, with admissions decisions released in March. Key steps include submitting an application, standardized test scores (SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a campus interview. For Grasonville families, planning for potential entrance exams and scheduling visits (which may involve a 30-60 minute drive) a full year in advance is highly recommended due to competitive seats.
For a Grasonville resident, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local Queen Anne's County public schools and a private school on the Annapolis side of the Bay Bridge?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Queen Anne's County Public Schools are highly rated, offer proximity, and eliminate a stressful daily commute across the busy US-50/301 Bay Bridge. Opting for a private school in Annapolis (like St. Mary's or Harbour) provides specialized curricula, often smaller class sizes, and distinct religious or learning support environments, but requires a significant time and transportation commitment. Parents must weigh the value of the specialized program against the logistical and safety challenges of the bridge commute, including weather-related closures and toll costs, which are a unique daily reality for Grasonville families.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities