The Best Private Schools in Kennedyville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kennedyville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Radcliffe Creek School
Independent
Radcliffe Creek School is a highly-regarded independent school specializing in differentiated learning for students with diverse learning styles. Located just 10 miles from Kennedyville in Chestertown, the school serves students from pre-K through 8th grade with a student-teacher ratio of 4:1. The school is particularly renowned for its Orton-Gillingham based reading program and individualized approach to education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's transformative impact on children who learn differently and the exceptional dedication of faculty.
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Kent School
Independent
Kent School is a prestigious independent school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, located approximately 12 miles from Kennedyville. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. Their 15-acre campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's unique Chesapeake Bay studies program integrates environmental science with local ecology. Kent School is known for its strong academic foundation, character development program, and close-knit community atmosphere that attracts families throughout Kent County.
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The Gunston School
Independent
The Gunston School is a highly respected co-educational, college preparatory day school serving students in grades 9-12. Located about 20 miles from Kennedyville in Centreville, the school features a 35-acre waterfront campus on the Corsica River. Gunston offers a rigorous academic program with advanced placement courses and distinctive programs in environmental science and marine biology. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and character education. Facilities include modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with college placement results and the school's nurturing yet challenging environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kennedyville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Kennedyville, Maryland?
Kennedyville, located in Kent County, MD, is served by several well-regarded independent day schools. The most prominent are Radcliffe Creek School (in nearby Chestertown), which specializes in differentiated learning for students with diverse learning styles; Kent School (also in Chestertown), a PK-8 school with a strong emphasis on experiential and environmental education; and The Gunston School (in Centreville), a college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 9-12. Given Kennedyville's rural setting, most families consider schools within a 20-30 minute drive in northern Queen Anne's and Kent counties. There are no large private school campuses within Kennedyville's immediate town limits.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kennedyville, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in the Kennedyville area is generally below the average for major Maryland metropolitan areas but is significant relative to local median incomes. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $15,000-$25,000 for day schools, with boarding options at The Gunston School higher. Maryland has several state-authorized financial aid programs that families in Kennedyville can access, most notably the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship, which provides vouchers for eligible families to use at private schools. Additionally, all the mentioned schools have their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kennedyville, MD offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in this region deeply integrate the Chesapeake Bay's unique ecosystem into their curricula. Kent School has a renowned "Chesapeake Bay Studies" program and an on-campus wetland, while The Gunston School features a waterfront campus with a robust marine science program and competitive rowing. Radcliffe Creek School utilizes hands-on, project-based learning that often incorporates the local agricultural and maritime heritage. This focus on environmental stewardship, maritime history, and hands-on science is a defining characteristic of education in this part of Maryland's Eastern Shore, offering students unparalleled local learning opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kennedyville, MD families?
The admission process for schools like Radcliffe Creek, Kent, and Gunston generally begins in the fall, about a year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in October-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, and completing student visits/assessments in the winter. Notification dates are typically in March for the following academic year. Due to the small size of these schools, especially in the lower and middle grades, waiting lists can form. Kennedyville families are advised to start the process early and be prepared to provide teacher recommendations and school records. Some schools may have rolling admission for certain grades if space permits.
For a Kennedyville resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Kent County Public Schools) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Kent County Public Schools are small, community-centered, and tuition-free, but offer limited advanced coursework or specialized student support. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized teaching approaches (like Radcliffe Creek's focus on learning differences), and more consistent extracurricular and advanced placement offerings. Transportation is a major practical consideration; private schools do not provide district busing from Kennedyville, so commuting is the family's responsibility. Financially, the BOOST scholarship can help bridge the cost gap. Many families choose private schools for a specific program fit or a more consistent college-preparatory track than the fluctuating budgets and offerings of the rural public district can sometimes provide.
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