The Best Private Schools in Lanham, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lanham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary of the Assumption School
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
St. Mary of the Assumption School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Lanham area with a comprehensive PreK-8 education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring modern STEM labs, strong literacy programs, and dedicated faculty. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes music, art, physical education, and technology integration. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top regional high schools.
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The Beddow Schools - Bowie Campus
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools have been serving Prince George's County families for nearly five decades with their Bowie campus conveniently located for Lanham residents. This private school offers a rigorous academic program for students in grades K-8 with an emphasis on critical thinking, advanced mathematics, and comprehensive language arts. The school features small class sizes, experienced certified teachers, and a nurturing environment that promotes both academic achievement and character development. Their enrichment programs include robotics, foreign language instruction, and extensive extracurricular activities.
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The Academy of the Holy Cross
Independent Catholic College Preparatory School
The Academy of the Holy Cross is a distinguished independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women that serves students from Lanham and throughout the Washington metropolitan area. With an 80-year tradition of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum including 20+ Advanced Placement courses, a robust STEM program, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lanham, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lanham, Maryland, and what are their educational approaches?
Lanham, MD, is served by several notable private schools, though many top-rated institutions are located in nearby communities, making them accessible to Lanham residents. Key options include St. Mary of the Assumption School in Upper Marlboro (a Catholic, co-educational school for Pre-K through 8th grade), The Beddow Schools - Bowie Campus (a private, non-sectarian school offering programs from Pre-K through 12th grade with a focus on college preparation), and The Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington (an all-girls, Catholic college preparatory high school). Lanham's proximity to Bowie, Upper Marlboro, and greater Prince George's County means families have a range of religious, single-gender, and college-prep models to consider within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lanham, MD, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Lanham area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area Catholic elementary schools like St. Mary's often have tuition ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually, while college-preparatory schools like The Beddow Schools or The Academy of the Holy Cross can range from $15,000 to over $25,000 for high school. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the Maryland private school average, partly due to the suburban location. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland residents should explore the **BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship**, a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible families choosing nonpublic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Lanham, MD?
Private schools near Lanham often provide specialized programs leveraging their unique missions and resources. The Academy of the Holy Cross offers a distinctive STEM-focused track for young women, including partnerships with local tech firms. The Beddow Schools emphasize a structured, advanced curriculum with early college credit opportunities through AP and dual-enrollment at nearby colleges like Prince George's Community College. St. Mary of the Assumption integrates faith-based learning with strong foundational academics and community service requirements. Furthermore, many schools benefit from proximity to Washington D.C., offering robust programs in government, internships, and cultural arts that are specific to the National Capital Region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lanham, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region is highly competitive and often begins nearly a year in advance. Most schools, including those listed, open applications in September or October for the following fall. Key steps usually include: attending open houses (held in the fall), submitting an application by January or February, providing records and teacher recommendations, and completing student assessments or interviews. For sought-after schools like The Academy of the Holy Cross, applying early is crucial. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but waiting lists are common. Given Lanham's location within the Prince George's County public school district, private school parents should be mindful of these early timelines to secure placement.
For a family in Lanham, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Prince George's County Public Schools) to private school options?
The decision often hinges on academic focus, class size, and school environment. Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) are large and diverse, offering various magnet and language immersion programs, but can have larger class sizes and variable performance by specific school. Private options near Lanham typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), more individualized attention, and specialized curricular approaches (e.g., religious education, single-gender, or accelerated college prep). Transportation is a key logistical difference; PGCPS provides busing, while private schools usually require parent-provided transportation or offer fee-based bus services from central locations. Financially, the cost of private tuition versus potential costs for tutoring or extracurriculars in the public system should be weighed. Many Lanham families choose private schools for a consistent, mission-driven environment throughout their child's K-12 journey.
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