The Best Private Schools in Laurel, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laurel. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Banner School
Independent Private School
The Banner School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on individualized learning and academic excellence. While located in Frederick, the school attracts families from throughout Central Maryland, including Laurel. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign language, arts, and technology integration. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school emphasizes character education and community involvement while preparing students for competitive high school programs.
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The Columbia Academy
Independent Private School Network
The Columbia Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving students from infancy through 8th grade, with many families commuting from Laurel. The school offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic rigor with character development and extracurricular enrichment. Features include state-of-the-art technology integration, dedicated STEM labs, art and music programs, and comprehensive athletic offerings. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and has a strong track record of preparing students for competitive high schools. The campus includes modern facilities, playgrounds, and specialized learning spaces.
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St. Vincent Pallotti High School
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
St. Vincent Pallotti High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Founded by the Pallottine Sisters, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM Academy. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development. The school has a strong college acceptance record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laurel, Maryland
What are the primary types of private schools available in Laurel, Maryland, and how do they differ?
Laurel, MD, offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies. You'll find faith-based institutions like St. Vincent Pallotti High School (Catholic, college-preparatory), independent progressive schools like The Banner School (focusing on project-based learning and individual growth), and broader preparatory academies like The Columbia Academy, which has a campus serving the area. Additionally, there are several well-regarded Montessori and other independent schools in the broader corridor between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The key differences lie in curricular approach, religious affiliation (or lack thereof), school size, and specific extracurricular emphases, allowing parents to find a match for their child's learning style and family values.
How does tuition for private schools in Laurel, MD, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private day schools in the Laurel area generally aligns with or slightly exceeds the Maryland state average for private education, reflecting its position in the high-cost Baltimore-Washington corridor. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition can range from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ for day schools, with high schools often at the higher end. Most established schools, including St. Vincent Pallotti and The Banner School, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Maryland also has the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program, a state-funded voucher that provides scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools, which many Laurel-area private schools accept.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools in the Laurel area offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in and near Laurel capitalize on the region's proximity to major government, tech, and cultural hubs. Many offer strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs with partnerships or resources linked to nearby federal agencies like NASA Goddard, the NSA, or Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Schools like The Columbia Academy emphasize global studies and language immersion, relevant to the international community in the D.C. metro area. Furthermore, institutions like Pallotti offer extensive athletic conferences and arts programs that utilize facilities and compete within the competitive private school leagues of central Maryland, providing significant opportunities beyond the classroom.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Laurel, Maryland?
The enrollment process for most private schools in the Laurel area is highly structured and begins early. Critical deadlines for applications and financial aid (like the Parents' Financial Statement) often fall between December and February for the following academic year. The process usually includes an application form, school records, teacher recommendations, a student interview or assessment, and a family interview. Many schools host open houses in the fall (September-November). Due to competitive seats, especially in popular lower and middle school grades, it is strongly advised for parents to begin research and attend open houses a full year before desired enrollment. Rolling admissions may be available if spots remain.
For families considering both options, what are key factors when comparing public schools in Prince George's/Howard County (Laurel) to local private schools?
Key factors include class size, curricular flexibility, and resource allocation. Public schools in the Laurel area (split between Prince George's and Howard counties) offer diverse, tax-funded programs, including language immersion and IB programs, but often have larger class sizes. Private schools offer smaller student-to-teacher ratios, more individualized attention, and often distinct educational missions (e.g., religious, progressive). Another major consideration is transportation; while public schools provide busing, private schools typically require parents to arrange transportation or pay for private bus services. Finally, the consistency of the academic environment and community is a draw for private schools, whereas public schools offer a broader socioeconomic and cultural exposure reflective of the entire Laurel community.
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