The Best Private Schools in Hughesville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hughesville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken is a premier Catholic, coeducational college preparatory high school serving Southern Maryland, including Hughesville families. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, specialized academies in STEM and global studies, and comprehensive athletic and arts programs. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes character development through its Xaverian values.
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The Beddow Schools - Waldorf Campus
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools have been serving Charles County families for decades, including those from Hughesville. This accredited Montessori school offers programs from infancy through elementary grades, focusing on individualized learning and hands-on experiences. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized areas for art, music, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong academic foundation that prepares students for future success. The school's convenient Waldorf location makes it accessible for Hughesville commuters.
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Archbishop Neale School
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
Archbishop Neale School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving Southern Maryland communities including Hughesville. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, language arts, and Spanish instruction from early grades. The school features modern technology integration, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains strong parent satisfaction and student achievement records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hughesville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Hughesville, Maryland, and what are their key characteristics?
While Hughesville itself is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby institutions. The most prominent options include St. Mary's Ryken High School (9-12, co-ed Catholic college preparatory in Leonardtown), The Beddow Schools - Waldorf Campus (Pre-K-8, private, non-sectarian in nearby Waldorf), and Archbishop Neale School (Pre-K-8, Catholic in La Plata). Given Southern Maryland's spread-out geography, commuting is a standard consideration. These schools offer distinct environments: a rigorous high school, a non-religious elementary/middle option, and a parish-based elementary school, providing a range of choices for Hughesville residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hughesville, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range. Archbishop Neale School's elementary tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000, while St. Mary's Ryken High School's tuition is over $20,000. The Beddow Schools will have its own private rate. Importantly, Maryland offers several state-funded financial aid programs applicable to these schools. The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship provides vouchers for eligible families to use at private schools. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members, making private education more accessible for Hughesville families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hughesville offer that leverage the Southern Maryland environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate local resources and heritage into their programs. St. Mary's Ryken High School, for instance, has strong marine science and robotics programs, benefiting from proximity to the Patuxent River and Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Archbishop Neale School integrates local history, including Maryland's Catholic heritage, into its social studies curriculum. Furthermore, many private schools in Charles and St. Mary's counties facilitate partnerships with defense contractors and environmental organizations for internships and projects, offering students unique, place-based learning opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hughesville, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools in Southern Maryland often begins a full year in advance. Critical deadlines are usually in January or February for the following fall. For example, St. Mary's Ryken holds open houses in the fall, with application deadlines in early winter. Archbishop Neale School typically prioritizes parish families and siblings in early admission rounds. Due to limited seats, especially in popular lower grades, waitlists are common. It is highly advised for Hughesville parents to attend fall open houses, submit applications by the priority deadlines, and complete any required entrance assessments or family interviews promptly to secure a spot.
For a family living in Hughesville, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like General Smallwood MS or Lackey HS) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. Hughesville is zoned for Charles County Public Schools. Private options require a daily commute to Waldorf, La Plata, or Leonardtown, which can be 20-45 minutes each way. Academically, private schools like St. Mary's Ryken often offer smaller class sizes, a focused college-prep curriculum, and religious education if desired. Public schools provide larger, more diverse populations, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. A key consideration is the BOOST scholarship, which can offset private tuition, making it a viable alternative for families seeking a different environment than the local comprehensive public high school or middle school.
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