The Best Private Schools in Lexington Park, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lexington Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The King's Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
The King's Christian Academy is a highly-rated K-12 private school located in Callaway, MD, less than 10 minutes from Lexington Park. It offers a comprehensive education rooted in Christian values, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual growth. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, hands-on STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Facilities feature state-of-the-art classrooms, a gymnasium, and technology labs. Parents praise the school for its supportive community, low student-teacher ratio, and robust extracurricular offerings including sports, music, and mission trips. Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, it consistently achieves high standardized test scores and college placement rates.
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The Calverton School
Independent Private School
The Calverton School is an esteemed independent private school serving students from preschool through grade 12, located about 25 minutes from Lexington Park in Huntingtown, MD. It is renowned for its International Baccalaureate programs, challenging academics, and inclusive community. The campus boasts expansive facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and a nature trail. Programs emphasize critical thinking, global awareness, and leadership, with strong outcomes in college admissions. Parent reviews highlight exceptional teacher dedication, a wide range of extracurriculars like robotics and theater, and a focus on individual student growth. Accredited by the Middle States Association, it maintains a reputation for fostering well-rounded, confident graduates.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Ryken High School is a co-educational Catholic high school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong college preparatory programs. Located just 10 minutes from Lexington Park, it serves students in grades 9-12 with a focus on faith-based education and character development. The school features modern facilities including science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic fields. Extracurricular activities range from robotics and debate to numerous sports teams. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a 100% college acceptance rate. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association and emphasizes service learning and leadership development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lexington Park, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Lexington Park, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Lexington Park, MD, is served by several notable private institutions, though many are located in the broader St. Mary's County area. St. Mary's Ryken High School in nearby Leonardtown is a co-ed Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12. The King's Christian Academy, also in St. Mary's County, offers a Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The Calverton School, located in Huntingtown (Calvert County), is an independent, co-ed day school for students from age 2 through grade 12. While Lexington Park itself has a strong public school system via St. Mary's County Public Schools, these private options provide religious and independent alternatives for families in the region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lexington Park, MD, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland?
Tuition in the Lexington Park area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Ryken High School tuition is approximately $19,000, The King's Christian Academy ranges from around $7,000 for elementary to $10,000 for high school, and The Calverton School's upper school tuition exceeds $20,000. Maryland offers several financial aid avenues, including the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families at Ryken, and merit-based scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Lexington Park, given the area's proximity to Naval Air Station Patuxent River?
Private schools near Lexington Park often tailor programs to the community's strong STEM and defense affiliations. St. Mary's Ryken High School offers a robust Engineering Program and Naval Junior ROTC, which are particularly popular with families connected to Pax River. The Calverton School emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with advanced STEM courses and independent study options. The King's Christian Academy integrates technology and biblical worldview across subjects. All schools provide strong college counseling, with Ryken and Calverton boasting high rates of acceptance to competitive universities, appealing to the transient, highly educated military and civilian workforce in the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lexington Park, Maryland, families?
Enrollment timelines for private schools in this region are crucial due to limited seats. Most schools, like The Calverton School and The King's Christian Academy, begin accepting applications in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with priority deadlines often in January or February. St. Mary's Ryken holds open houses in the fall and winter. The process typically involves an application, student transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized testing, and a family interview or student assessment. Given the military turnover at Pax River, many schools have rolling admissions for mid-year transfers, but early application is strongly advised to secure a spot, especially in popular lower grades.
For families in Lexington Park, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated St. Mary's County Public Schools and local private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. St. Mary's County Public Schools, including Great Mills High School, are highly rated in Maryland, offer diverse AP/IB programs, and are tuition-free. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 15-1 student-teacher ratios), distinct religious or values-based education (Catholic at Ryken, Christian at King's), and specialized programs like Ryken's JROTC or Calverton's arts. For families at Pax River seeking continuity amid frequent moves, a private school's consistent curriculum can be a stabilizing factor. The cost of private tuition versus the free, robust public system is a major practical consideration, offset by potential state BOOST scholarships.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Independent Secondary Schools Near Lexington Park, MD | A Parent's Guide
As you begin the search for independent secondary schools near me in Lexington Park, you’re tapping into a rich educational landscape that blends Southern Maryland’s unique character with strong academic traditions. For families here, the decision often extends beyond academics to include community values, logistical considerations of the Chesapeake region, and preparing students for diverse futures. The journey to find the right fit is deeply personal, and understanding your local options is the essential first step.
Lexington Park itself is home to a couple of prominent institutions, with several other highly regarded schools just a short commute away in neighboring communities. This proximity means families have access to varied educational philosophies without leaving the general comfort of the area. St. Mary’s Ryken High School, right here in town, offers a comprehensive college-preparatory experience rooted in the Catholic tradition, featuring a robust slate of athletics and arts that draws students from across the county. For families seeking a faith-based environment with a strong academic record and a sense of longstanding community, it’s a cornerstone option. Similarly, The King’s Christian Academy provides a Protestant Christian education focused on integrating biblical principles with a rigorous curriculum, serving students from kindergarten through high school.
Venturing a bit further, perhaps into Calvert County, opens another dimension. The Calverton School, located in Huntingtown, is a notable independent school that many Lexington Park families consider. It emphasizes a personalized learning approach within a coeducational setting, known for its small class sizes and a strong sense of student individuality. The drive may be part of your weekly routine, but for many, the distinctive educational model is worth the trip. When evaluating these schools, consider the daily rhythm of life in Southern Maryland. Traffic patterns on Route 235 and across the Thomas Johnson Bridge, along with after-school activity schedules, become practical factors in your decision. The close-knit nature of our communities also means that school choice often connects to your family’s social and extracurricular circles.
The process of visiting these independent secondary schools near me is invaluable. Schedule tours, attend open houses, and, most importantly, have your student spend a shadow day if possible. Observe the classroom dynamics, ask about college counseling support, and inquire about how each school fosters student well-being. In Lexington Park, with the presence of NAS Patuxent River, many schools are adept at supporting military families and students who may be navigating transitions. Your search is about finding a place where your teenager will be known, challenged, and inspired. By investing time to explore these local gems, you are paving the way for an enriching secondary education experience tailored to your child’s unique path.
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