The Best Private Schools in Kensington, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kensington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Norwood School
Norwood School
Norwood School is an esteemed independent K-8 school located just minutes from Kensington, known for its progressive educational approach and exceptional facilities. Founded in 1952, the school emphasizes hands-on learning through its comprehensive STEAM program, outdoor education initiatives, and integrated arts curriculum. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, dedicated innovation spaces, extensive athletic facilities, and purpose-built arts studios. The school maintains an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and is particularly noted for its inclusive community atmosphere and developmentally appropriate approach that fosters both academic excellence and social-emotional growth.
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The Heights School
The Heights School
The Heights School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic boys' school serving the Kensington area with a classical liberal arts education. Founded in 1969, the school emphasizes character formation alongside academic excellence through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The 55-acre campus features modern academic facilities, athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, debate, theater, and community service. Parents consistently praise the school's strong moral foundation and exceptional college placement record.
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St. Bartholomew Catholic School
Archdiocese of Washington
St. Bartholomew Catholic School is a premier Catholic elementary and middle school serving Kensington and surrounding communities. Established in 1953, the school provides a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values while offering advanced academic programs including dedicated STEM labs, Spanish language instruction from preschool, and robust fine arts curriculum. The school features modern technology integration throughout classrooms, a newly renovated library, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction remains exceptionally high due to the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and consistent academic achievement results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kensington, Maryland
What are the primary private school options within Kensington, Maryland, and what educational philosophies do they represent?
Kensington, MD, is home to several distinguished private schools, each with a distinct character. The Heights School is an all-boys, college-preparatory school rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, emphasizing classical liberal arts and character formation. St. Bartholomew Catholic School is a co-educational parish school offering a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade, integrating Catholic values with a strong academic curriculum. Just across the town line in Bethesda, the Norwood School is a progressive, co-educational independent school for grades PK-8, known for its child-centered approach, experiential learning, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. This range provides Kensington parents with clear philosophical choices.
How does tuition for Kensington-area private schools compare to the Maryland state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools in and near Kensington is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary parish schools like St. Bartholomew to over $40,000 for independent schools like Norwood and The Heights. Importantly, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Maryland also has the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, which provides state-funded scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools, a key financial consideration for families in the state.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Kensington that leverage the local Montgomery County environment?
Kensington private schools utilize their proximity to Washington, D.C., and the resources of Montgomery County to enhance their programs. The Heights School emphasizes rhetoric and debate, with students regularly competing and attending events in the capital. Norwood School's "Immersion" program includes local and regional fieldwork, with older students engaging in week-long study trips to places like the Chesapeake Bay or historic Williamsburg. St. Bartholomew and other schools integrate service learning with local partners such as the Shepherd's Table in Silver Spring. Furthermore, science and technology programs often benefit from partnerships with nearby federal agencies and tech corridors in Bethesda and Rockville.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Kensington, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Kensington's sought-after private schools is highly structured and competitive, beginning early. The standard timeline involves starting research 12-18 months before desired entry. Applications for the following fall are typically due between December and February, with assessments, student visits, and parent interviews occurring in the winter. Admission decisions are communicated in March. Competition is significant, particularly for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. Schools like Norwood and The Heights have selective admissions, looking for mission-aligned families. St. Bartholomew gives priority to parish members and siblings. Engaging with schools through open houses (often held in the fall) is a critical first step for Kensington parents.
For families considering both, what are the key differentiating factors between Kensington's public schools (in the Montgomery County Public Schools system) and its private school options?
The key differentiators are class size, educational approach, and community scope. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), including Kensington Parkwood Elementary, are highly regarded but feature larger class sizes (often 25+ students) and a standardized curriculum set at the county level. Kensington's private schools offer much smaller classes (often 15-18 students), allowing for highly individualized attention. They also provide distinct philosophical approaches (e.g., classical, progressive, or faith-based) not available in the public system. While MCPS offers extensive resources and diversity, private schools offer a specific, close-knit community and often more flexibility in curriculum depth. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a tailored educational environment versus the comprehensive, no-tuition model of a top-tier public district.
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