The Best Private Schools in Great Mills, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Great Mills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chesapeake Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Chesapeake Montessori School, while located in Centreville, serves families throughout the broader region including those from Great Mills seeking exceptional private education. Founded in 1998 and accredited by the American Montessori Society, the school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. The school features beautifully prepared Montessori classrooms, highly trained guides (teachers), and a curriculum that fosters independence, critical thinking, and love of learning. The campus includes outdoor learning environments, gardens, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its nurturing environment, individualized learning approach, and strong sense of community, with many families commuting from Southern Maryland for the quality Montessori experience.
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The King's Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
The King's Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving Southern Maryland, including Great Mills. Established in 1978, TKCA offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent college placement record.
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Leonardtown Baptist Christian School
Leonardtown Baptist Church
Leonardtown Baptist Christian School serves families throughout St. Mary's County, including Great Mills, with a Christ-centered educational approach. Founded in 1993, LBCS offers programs from preschool through 12th grade with a strong academic foundation integrated with biblical principles. The school features experienced teachers, comprehensive college preparatory courses, and specialized programs in mathematics and sciences. Campus facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its family atmosphere, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through academic rigor, spiritual growth, and extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Great Mills, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Great Mills, Maryland?
Great Mills, located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, is served by a few key private institutions in the immediate and surrounding area. The most prominent are The King's Christian Academy (a K-12 interdenominational Christian school in Callaway), Leonardtown Baptist Christian School (a K-12 Baptist school in Leonardtown), and Chesapeake Montessori School (a preschool and elementary program in Lexington Park). While Great Mills itself has a limited number of campuses, these nearby schools are the primary choices for families seeking private education. Many families in Great Mills also consider private schools in the broader Southern Maryland region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Great Mills, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Great Mills/St. Mary's County area is generally competitive but can vary significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually for day schools. This is often below the state average for major metropolitan areas like Baltimore or Bethesda but is a significant consideration for local families. Financial aid is commonly offered through need-based scholarships, sibling discounts, and sometimes church subsidies for faith-based schools. Maryland also has programs like the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible lower-income families to attend private schools, a crucial resource for many in the community.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Great Mills offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Great Mills area offer distinct educational approaches that cater to diverse needs. The King's Christian Academy provides a rigorous college-prep curriculum integrated with a Christian worldview and offers dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Leonardtown Baptist Christian School emphasizes a Bible-based education with structured phonics and traditional learning. Chesapeake Montessori School is the local hub for Montessori education, focusing on child-led, hands-on learning for younger children. These specialized environments—faith-based instruction, classical education, and Montessori—provide alternatives to the St. Mary's County Public School system, allowing parents to choose a pedagogy that aligns closely with their values and their child's learning style.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Great Mills, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region often begins in the winter for the following fall semester, with many schools hosting open houses from October to February. Application deadlines can be as early as February or March, though rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to the smaller size of these schools, particularly in the upper grades, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is strongly advised. Some schools, like Chesapeake Montessori, may have waitlists for popular primary levels, so contacting them a year in advance is not uncommon for preschool placement.
For families in Great Mills, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools and the available private school options?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Great Mills is zoned for St. Mary's County Public Schools, which include Great Mills High School. Families may consider private alternatives for reasons such as seeking a specific religious foundation, desiring smaller class sizes than those in the growing county system, or preferring a distinct educational philosophy like Montessori. Transportation is a practical consideration, as private schools do not provide county bus service, requiring family coordination for the commute to Leonardtown, Callaway, or Lexington Park. Additionally, the private options offer continuity from K-12 in a single, often close-knit community, which can be appealing compared to transitioning between larger county elementary, middle, and high schools. Evaluating the academic offerings, extracurriculars, and overall school culture in person is essential to this very personal decision.
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