The Best Private Schools in Hancock, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hancock. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint James School
Independent Episcopal School
Saint James School is a prestigious co-educational Episcopal boarding and day school serving students in grades 8-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Hancock, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a beautiful 800-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on character development and leadership, Saint James provides a comprehensive education that balances academic excellence with extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Heritage Academy
Independent Christian School
Heritage Academy is a respected Christian private school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, located about 25 minutes from Hancock. The school offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in Christian values with a strong college preparatory focus. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic fields. Heritage Academy emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and offers diverse extracurricular activities including music, drama, sports, and community service programs. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for each student.
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Saint Maria Goretti High School
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Saint Maria Goretti High School is a Catholic co-educational college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Hancock, the school offers a challenging academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM program. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, technology centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. As a Catholic institution, the school integrates faith formation with academic excellence and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, performing arts, and service opportunities. The school maintains a strong college acceptance record and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hancock, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Hancock, Maryland?
Hancock, MD, is a small town, so most private school options are located in the broader Tri-State area. The most prominent local options include Saint James School (a co-ed Episcopal boarding/day school in Hagerstown), Heritage Academy (a Christian school in Hagerstown), and Saint Maria Goretti High School (a Catholic school in Hagerstown). Due to Hancock's rural location, families should expect a commute of 25-45 minutes to these schools. There are very few, if any, private schools physically within Hancock's town limits, so exploring schools in Washington County, MD, and nearby areas of Pennsylvania and West Virginia is common.
How does tuition at private schools near Hancock, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for day students at schools like Saint Maria Goretti High School or Heritage Academy typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000 per year, which is generally below the Maryland state average for private high schools. Saint James School, as a boarding institution, has a higher tuition structure. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This can be a significant financial resource for Hancock-area families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Hancock region offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Hancock area often incorporate the region's geography and culture into their programs. For example, given Hancock's location along the Chesapeake and Ohio (C.O.) Canal and the Potomac River, schools may offer environmental science field studies, ecology programs, or outdoor leadership activities that utilize these local resources. Furthermore, schools like Saint James School, with its historic campus, may emphasize leadership and traditions tied to the region's history. The proximity to three states can also influence unique civics or economics studies comparing local policies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hancock, MD, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Heritage Academy or Saint Maria Goretti typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with application deadlines often between January and March. Given the limited seats and Hancock's location as part of a wider rural draw area, it is advisable to apply early. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the autumn, which are crucial for Hancock families to attend due to the commute, allowing them to evaluate the fit and logistics in person.
For a Hancock resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Hancock Middle-Senior High School) and a private school in Hagerstown?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Hancock Middle-Senior High School is a very small public school (often with graduating classes under 20 students), offering a tight-knit community but limited advanced coursework and extracurricular variety. Opting for a private school like those in Hagerstown means a significant daily commute but access to broader academic programs (AP/IB courses), diverse sports teams, arts programs, and often smaller class sizes than many regional public schools. Parents must weigh the value of specialized religious education (if desired), program breadth, and the financial cost against the convenience and community aspect of the local public school. Transportation is a major logistical factor, as most private schools do not provide bus service from Hancock.
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