The Best Private Schools in La Plata, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Plata. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Archbishop Neale School
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
Archbishop Neale School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Established in 1957, the school provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and Spanish language instruction. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic programs. Parent satisfaction is consistently high with praise for the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong community atmosphere that fosters both academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
The Beddow Schools - Waldorf Campus
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools have been serving Southern Maryland families since 1976, with their Waldorf campus conveniently located to serve La Plata residents. This accredited Montessori school offers programs from infancy through elementary grades, emphasizing individualized learning and hands-on education. The school features spacious classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and comprehensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education. With small class sizes and highly qualified Montessori-trained teachers, the school maintains excellent academic standards and high parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and strong student outcomes.
Programs:
St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from throughout Southern Maryland, including La Plata. Founded in 1980, the school offers a rigorous academic program including International Baccalaureate courses, advanced STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. The 65-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology resources. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college placement results. The school is known for its diverse extracurricular offerings, competitive athletic programs, and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for higher education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Plata, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in La Plata, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
La Plata, MD, offers a few core private school options, each with distinct characteristics. **Archbishop Neale School** is a Catholic parish school serving students in Pre-K through 8th grade. **The Beddow Schools - Waldorf Campus** offers a Waldorf education from early childhood through 8th grade, focusing on experiential and developmental learning. For high school, many La Plata families consider **St. Mary's Ryken High School**, a Catholic college-preparatory school in nearby Leonardtown (about a 30-minute drive), which serves grades 9-12. The proximity to Waldorf also expands options, but within La Plata proper, these are the primary dedicated private campuses.
How does tuition for private schools in La Plata, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in La Plata is generally competitive with or slightly below the Maryland private school average. For the 2023-2024 year, Archbishop Neale School's tuition ranges from approximately $7,000 for parishioners to $9,000+ for non-parishioners in the lower grades. The Beddow Schools' Waldorf-based tuition is structured differently and can be higher, reflecting its specialized methodology. Importantly, Maryland offers the **Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program**, a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance to eligible K-12 students choosing nonpublic schools. All local private schools actively assist families in applying for BOOST and offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do La Plata's private schools offer that leverage the Southern Maryland environment?
Private schools in the La Plata area integrate the region's unique character into their programs. **Archbishop Neale School** emphasizes its strong community and faith-based values, often partnering with local historical sites for field trips. **The Beddow Schools - Waldorf Campus** uniquely leverages its rural Waldorf setting with extensive outdoor education, gardening programs, and arts integrated into all subjects, reflecting Waldorf's holistic philosophy. While not in La Plata, **St. Mary's Ryken High School** capitalizes on its Patuxent River location with renowned Marine Science and Sailing programs. This connection to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and Southern Maryland's history is a distinctive feature of the educational experience here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in La Plata, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process in La Plata begins early, often in the fall prior to the desired school year (January-February is a critical period). **Archbishop Neale School** prioritizes registered parishioners and siblings of current students, so applying as early as possible is crucial. **The Beddow Schools** encourages prospective families to attend observation mornings and parent evenings as a key part of the process. Given the limited number of seats, especially in popular early childhood programs, waitlists are common. It is highly recommended to contact schools by November, complete applications by their winter deadlines, and schedule required family interviews or classroom visits promptly.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between La Plata's public schools (Charles County) and its private school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and educational philosophy. La Plata's public schools, part of Charles County Public Schools, are larger and follow Maryland state standards and testing regimens. The private options offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and more individualized attention. Archbishop Neale provides a structured, faith-based environment with daily religion classes. The Beddow Schools offer a complete alternative with its Waldorf curriculum, which delays standardized academics in early grades in favor of creative play and has no standardized testing. For high school, St. Mary's Ryken offers a college-prep focus with a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate, which some parents prefer over the larger comprehensive high schools in the county. The choice often comes down to desired community size, religious affiliation, and pedagogical approach.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Best Private Middle School in La Plata, MD: A Parent's Guide
For families in La Plata, Maryland, navigating the transition from elementary to high school is a significant milestone, and the choice of a private middle school can profoundly shape this pivotal period. The middle school years are about more than academics; they are a time of immense social, emotional, and intellectual growth. In our community, parents have access to several distinctive educational pathways that prioritize this holistic development, each offering a unique approach to guiding students through these formative years.
One of the primary considerations for La Plata families is the continuum of education. A local option like Archbishop Neale School provides a seamless, faith-based K-8 experience. Enrolling your child in their private middle school program means they can continue learning in a familiar, supportive environment with established peers and teachers who understand their journey. This continuity can be incredibly stabilizing during a time of change, grounding students in values and a close-knit community before they venture out to larger high schools. It’s a model that emphasizes character and academic foundation right here in Charles County.
Alternatively, some families seek a pedagogical philosophy that aligns with a different developmental approach. The Beddow Schools - Waldorf Campus offers just that. Their curriculum for the middle school years is designed to engage the emerging analytical and critical thinking skills of the adolescent in a deeply artistic and experiential way. For a child who thrives on creativity, hands-on learning, and an integration of arts into all subjects, this Waldorf-based private middle school in our area presents a compelling alternative to conventional education. It’s a choice that nurtures the whole child, fostering resilience and a love for learning that is uniquely tailored to this developmental stage.
Looking ahead, the connection between a strong middle school experience and high school readiness is paramount. Many families in La Plata view their private middle school choice as a strategic step toward prestigious secondary institutions. While St. Mary’s Ryken High School is a 9-12 campus, its reputation for academic rigor and college preparation is a beacon for middle school parents. A middle school program that emphasizes strong study habits, critical thinking, and personal responsibility directly prepares students for the challenges and opportunities at schools like Ryken. It’s about building the foundational skills—both academic and organizational—that will allow your child to thrive in a competitive high school environment.
Ultimately, selecting a private middle school in La Plata is a deeply personal decision that hinges on your child’s individual needs, your family’s values, and your educational goals. It’s an investment in these critical years, aiming to provide a structured yet nurturing bridge from childhood to young adulthood. We encourage you to visit these schools, speak with teachers and administrators, and observe the classrooms. Feel the community vibe at Archbishop Neale, explore the creative Waldorf methodology at Beddow, and consider how each program aligns with your vision for your child’s successful transition to high school and beyond. Your engagement in this process is the first step in securing an educational experience that will inspire and challenge your middle schooler right here in our own community.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities