The Best Private Schools in Highland, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highland. 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 Highland and greater Howard County area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from preschool through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. The 90-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Glenelg emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in robotics, visual arts, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college placements at selective universities.
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Chapelgate Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Chapelgate Christian Academy serves families in Highland and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school combines rigorous academic preparation with spiritual development, offering Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The 52-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Chapelgate emphasizes community service and leadership development while maintaining small class sizes and personalized academic support. The school has a strong reputation for college readiness and character formation.
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Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy Schools
Columbia Academy provides private education serving the Highland area with multiple campus locations throughout Howard County. The school offers Montessori-based early childhood programs and progressive elementary education with a focus on whole-child development. Features include specialized art and music studios, STEM labs, outdoor learning environments, and comprehensive enrichment programs. Columbia Academy emphasizes project-based learning, social-emotional development, and individualized academic pathways. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and has built a strong reputation for nurturing young learners while preparing them for academic success in middle school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highland, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Highland, Maryland, and what are their educational approaches?
Highland, MD, is served by several notable private schools, though most are located in nearby communities. The top options include Glenelg Country School (in Ellicott City, ~10 min away), offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum with strong arts and athletics; Chapelgate Christian Academy (in Marriottsville, ~5 min away), providing a Christ-centered education from a Reformed Christian perspective; and Columbia Academy (with campuses in Columbia and Elliott City, ~15 min away), known for its Montessori-based early childhood program transitioning to a traditional elementary model. Given Highland's semi-rural setting, most families consider these nearby schools, which often provide bus transportation from central points in Howard County.
How does tuition for private schools in the Highland, MD, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Highland area is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education, reflecting Howard County's high cost of living and the schools' reputations. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $25,000-$35,000 for upper grades at schools like Glenelg Country. Most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Critically, Maryland has several state-funded scholarship programs, like the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship, which can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are early (often January/February).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Highland, MD, offer that leverage the local environment or community resources?
Private schools in the Highland area capitalize on Howard County's resources. Glenelg Country School, for instance, has a renowned Environmental Sustainability program that utilizes its 90-acre campus and nearby Patapsco Valley State Park. Chapelgate Christian Academy emphasizes STEM with partnerships linked to the region's biotech corridor. Columbia Academy’s Montessori program heavily incorporates nature-based learning, ideal for Highland's wooded, suburban-rural setting. Furthermore, proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C. allows for extensive field studies, internship opportunities, and cultural arts partnerships that are integrated into the curricula, offering an educational experience deeply connected to the broader Chesapeake region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Highland, Maryland, region?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools near Highland is highly structured and begins early. Most schools (e.g., Glenelg Country, Chapelgate) have application deadlines between January and February for the following fall. The process typically includes: 1) Fall open houses (Sept-Nov), 2) Submission of applications with teacher recommendations and transcripts by mid-winter, 3) Student assessments and interviews (often Jan-Feb), and 4) Admission decisions released in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), Highland families are advised to start research and visits at least 12-18 months in advance. Many schools also have waitlists.
For families in Highland, how do the local public school ratings influence the decision to consider private schools, and what are the key differentiators?
Highland is zoned for Howard County Public Schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in Maryland and the nation. This creates a unique dynamic where the choice for private is often about educational philosophy or specific programs rather than dissatisfaction with public quality. Key differentiators leading families to private options include: smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), specialized religious education (e.g., Chapelgate), distinct pedagogical approaches (Montessori at Columbia Academy), or a more intensive college-prep environment with dedicated college counseling. The decision often hinges on seeking a specific community identity or a tailored learning environment that aligns with family values, despite the excellent free public option.
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