The Best Private Schools in Jarrettsville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jarrettsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Highlands School
Independent
The Highlands School is a respected Montessori institution serving families in Jarrettsville and surrounding communities. Established in 1986, the school offers authentic Montessori education for children from preschool through eighth grade. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and development of independent thinking skills. The school features spacious classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized facilities for art, music, and physical education. With small class sizes and highly trained Montessori teachers, the school fosters academic excellence while nurturing social and emotional development. The comprehensive program includes foreign language, technology integration, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Harford Day School
Independent
Harford Day School is a premier independent school serving Jarrettsville families since 1957. The school offers a challenging academic program from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with a focus on developing critical thinking and leadership skills. The curriculum features advanced mathematics, comprehensive science laboratory experiences, and integrated arts programs. The 15-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong community values. Graduates consistently gain admission to top secondary schools and demonstrate exceptional academic preparedness. The school emphasizes character education and community involvement through various service learning projects.
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John Carroll School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
John Carroll School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Jarrettsville area and greater Harford County. Founded in 1965, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM academy. The 82-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes individualized attention and character development. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, robotics, theater, and numerous clubs. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jarrettsville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Jarrettsville, Maryland, and what are their educational models?
While Jarrettsville itself is a more rural community, families here are served by several highly-regarded private schools in northern Harford County and the broader region. The most prominent include John Carroll School in Bel Air (a co-ed, Catholic, college-preparatory school for grades 9-12), The Highlands School in Bel Air (a private, independent school for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences), and Harford Day School in Bel Air (a secular, independent school for pre-K through 8th grade). Many Jarrettsville families also consider schools in neighboring Baltimore County or Pennsylvania. Transportation is a key consideration, as most require a commute, with carpooling being common.
How does tuition for private schools in the Jarrettsville, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Jarrettsville-area private schools varies significantly by grade level and school mission. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ annually. Harford Day School and John Carroll School offer need-based financial aid, with John Carroll also providing merit scholarships. The Highlands School, as a specialized institution, works closely with families and may have different funding structures. Critically, Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools, which can be a significant financial resource for qualifying Jarrettsville families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Jarrettsville offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in northern Harford County often utilize the area's rural and agricultural character. John Carroll School, for instance, has a strong Environmental Science program that can leverage the nearby Rocks State Park and the Gunpowder River for fieldwork. Many schools emphasize outdoor education and stewardship. Furthermore, the proximity to Aberdeen Proving Ground and the burgeoning tech and defense sectors in the corridor influences STEM program development. The Highlands School’s specialized, multisensory curriculum is a unique academic program in itself, serving a specific need in the region. Athletics often feature cross-country, equestrian clubs, and lacrosse, reflecting local interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like John Carroll or Harford Day School for a family living in Jarrettsville?
The enrollment process for these competitive schools begins early. For fall admission, open houses typically run from September to November, with application deadlines between December and February. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (virtual or in-person), 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, 4) Student visits and assessments/interviews (often in January/February), and 5) Admissions decisions released in March. For Jarrettsville residents, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options during the process, as bus service may be limited. Sibling and legacy preferences exist but do not guarantee admission.
For a family in Jarrettsville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (North Harford area) and a private school in Bel Air?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. North Harford public schools are highly rated and offer a comprehensive, no-tuition education with strong agricultural and STEM programs through North Harford High. The main trade-off is the commute to a private school (20-30 minutes to Bel Air), which impacts daily logistics and involvement. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like college-prep at John Carroll or dyslexia support at The Highlands), and often a different community environment. Families should consider the BOOST scholarship to offset private tuition and evaluate whether their child’s needs are specifically met by a private school’s unique offerings versus the robust, community-centered public system.
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