The Best Private Schools in Knoxville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Knoxville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakdale School
Oakdale School
Oakdale School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Knoxville area from nearby Ijamsville. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on STEM education and arts integration. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Oakdale provides personalized attention to students from preschool through high school. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards, diverse extracurricular offerings, and strong college placement record.
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New Life Christian School
New Life Christian Schools
New Life Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Knoxville and greater Frederick County area. The school provides a comprehensive education rooted in Christian values while maintaining strong academic standards. Their college preparatory program includes advanced placement courses, fine arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to character development, academic excellence, and supportive community environment.
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St. John Regional Catholic School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. John Regional Catholic School is a long-standing private Catholic institution that serves families throughout Frederick County, including the Knoxville area. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. Their curriculum includes specialized STEM programs, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and robust music and arts education. The school features well-maintained facilities, dedicated faculty with extensive experience, and a strong sense of community. The school is particularly noted for its transitional kindergarten program and strong middle school preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Knoxville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available specifically within Knoxville, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Knoxville, MD, is a small, rural community, so its private school options are limited but distinct. The primary institutions are Oakdale School (a private, non-sectarian school), New Life Christian School (a private Christian school), and St. John Regional Catholic School (a Catholic school serving the broader region). Oakdale often emphasizes a more progressive, project-based approach, while New Life integrates a biblical worldview into its curriculum, and St. John provides a structured, faith-based education following Catholic traditions. Due to Knoxville's size, many families also consider private schools in nearby larger towns like Frederick or Brunswick, expanding their options significantly.
How does tuition at Knoxville, MD private schools compare to the Maryland state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Knoxville's private schools is generally below the state average for Maryland, reflecting the area's rural setting. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 annually, compared to state averages that can exceed $15,000-$20,000 in urban/suburban areas. All three major schools offer need-based financial aid, and St. John Regional Catholic School participates in the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship program, a Maryland-state funded initiative that provides scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools. Parents should inquire directly about parish subsidies (for Catholic schools) and internal scholarship funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Knoxville-area private schools offer that leverage their local environment?
Private schools in the Knoxville area often utilize their proximity to the Potomac River and the C&O Canal National Historical Park for unique experiential learning. Oakdale School may incorporate environmental science and outdoor education into its curriculum through local field studies. New Life Christian School and St. John Regional Catholic School often emphasize community service projects that engage with local Knoxville and Frederick County organizations. Additionally, given the smaller class sizes, these schools can offer personalized learning tracks and may have strong partnerships with local farms or historical sites for hands-on activities that a large urban school might not facilitate as easily.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Knoxville, Maryland, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Knoxville's private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with deadlines for financial aid applications often in early spring. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces are limited, and popular grades (especially kindergarten and early elementary) can have waitlists. St. John Regional Catholic School gives priority to parish members and siblings of current students. A key local consideration is that many families from surrounding areas seek enrollment, so applying early is crucial. Most schools require a campus tour, application, student assessment/interview, and records review. It's advisable to contact schools by November to understand their specific timeline.
For families in Knoxville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (which is part of Frederick County Public Schools) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on class size, religious education, and educational approach. Knoxville is zoned for Brunswick Elementary/Middle and Brunswick High School, which require a bus or car commute. The public schools offer a wide array of standard programs and resources as part of a large county system. In contrast, Knoxville's private schools offer much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), a close-knit community feel, and specific religious or value-based instruction. A major practical consideration is transportation, as Frederick County Public Schools provide busing, while private schools do not, placing the commute responsibility on parents. Families seeking a distinct faith-based environment or a more individualized academic setting may prefer private, while those prioritizing no tuition cost, extensive extracurriculars, and specialized county programs may choose public.
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