The Best Private Schools in Hhs, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hhs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Glenelg Country School
Independent
Glenelg Country School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Howard County area, including HHS. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from preschool through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Notable features include state-of-the-art STEM facilities, robust arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive college counseling. The campus spans 90 acres with modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor and supportive community environment.
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Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy has been serving Howard County families for five decades with a strong reputation for academic excellence and character development. The school offers programs from early childhood through middle school with a balanced curriculum that includes advanced academics, technology integration, foreign language instruction, and extensive extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships, with many families from the HHS area choosing this institution for its comprehensive educational approach.
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The Banner School
Independent
The Banner School serves students from Frederick County and surrounding areas including Howard County. This independent school offers a challenging academic program for grades K-8 with particular strengths in gifted education and arts integration. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, project-based learning, and individualized instruction. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. Facilities include specialized classrooms for science, art, and music, along with outdoor learning spaces. Many HHS-area families choose The Banner School for its academic rigor and supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hhs, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in the HHS, Maryland area, and what are their educational approaches?
In the HHS area (serving Howard County), the leading private schools include Glenelg Country School, Columbia Academy, and The Banner School. Glenelg Country School is a prestigious Pre-K through 12 college preparatory school with a rigorous curriculum and extensive arts and athletics. Columbia Academy offers programs from infant care through 8th grade with a focus on individualized learning and character development. The Banner School in nearby Frederick provides a progressive, project-based education for grades K-8. While HHS itself is a public high school (Howard High School), these private institutions provide alternative educational pathways for families in the broader community seeking different pedagogical approaches or earlier grade options.
How does tuition for private schools in the HHS, Maryland area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland?
Tuition in the HHS/Howard County area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Glenelg Country School's tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 for lower school to over $30,000 for upper school. Columbia Academy's tuition is generally between $15,000 and $20,000, depending on the grade level. The Banner School's tuition is around $18,000. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland residents should also explore the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program. This state-funded program provides scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools, which can be a significant financial resource for qualifying families in the HHS area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near HHS, Maryland offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near HHS offer specialized programs not always available in the public system. Glenelg Country School features a renowned Global Studies program, advanced STEM research opportunities, and a comprehensive arts conservatory. Columbia Academy emphasizes its "Whole Child" education with dedicated science labs and Spanish instruction starting in preschool. The Banner School is distinguished by its multi-age classrooms, integrated thematic curriculum, and a strong focus on environmental science and outdoor education. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, and can offer specialized tracks or teaching philosophies that cater to specific student learning styles, which is a key consideration for families in the Howard County area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the HHS, Maryland community?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the HHS area often begins a full year in advance. Most schools, like Glenelg Country School and Columbia Academy, have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. The process typically includes submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and requiring a student visit or assessment day. Many schools host open houses in the fall (September-November), which is the ideal time for parents to start exploring options. Due to the high demand for quality private education in Howard County, it is strongly advised to begin research and tours early, as spaces, particularly in entry-level grades, can fill quickly after admissions decisions are released in March.
For families zoned for Howard High School (HHS), what are the key factors to consider when deciding between the public high school and a private alternative?
The decision between Howard High School (a top-ranked Maryland public school) and a private alternative involves several local factors. Consider HHS's strengths: its extensive AP/IB course offerings, large-scale athletic programs, and diverse student population reflective of the community. Private alternatives like Glenelg Country School offer a consistent educational philosophy from Pre-K through 12th grade, potentially smaller average class sizes (15-18 students vs. 25+), and a different social environment. The choice often hinges on a child's specific needs—such as requiring a more structured environment, seeking a particular religious or values-based education (though the listed schools are nonsectarian), or desiring a different pace or focus than a large, comprehensive public school can provide. Visiting both types of schools is crucial to feel the difference in culture.