The Best Private Schools in Libertytown, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Libertytown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Catholic Prep
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. John's Catholic Prep is a highly-regarded co-educational college preparatory school serving students from Frederick County and surrounding areas including Libertytown. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The 75-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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The Banner School
Independent Private School
The Banner School provides a progressive, student-centered education for preschool through 8th grade students from Frederick County and nearby communities. The school combines strong academic foundations with innovative teaching methods, featuring small class sizes and individualized learning plans. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, foreign language instruction starting in elementary grades, visual and performing arts, and competitive sports. The school's nurturing environment and dedicated faculty have earned strong parent satisfaction ratings, with many graduates attending top regional high schools.
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Gerstell Academy
Gerstell Educational Foundation
Gerstell Academy is a premier private school serving students from Carroll County, Frederick County, and surrounding regions including Libertytown. The school's unique curriculum integrates leadership development throughout all academic programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Features include advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, comprehensive arts programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The 67-acre campus includes state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, and technology resources. The school emphasizes character education, physical fitness, and bilingual education while maintaining strong college placement records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Libertytown, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in and around Libertytown, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Libertytown itself is a smaller community, so families typically look at well-regarded private schools in the broader Frederick County area. The top options include St. John's Catholic Prep in Buckeystown (a college-prep school with a Catholic faith-based curriculum), The Banner School in Frederick (a progressive, independent school focusing on individualized learning), and Gerstell Academy in Finksburg (a leadership-focused academy with a Spanish immersion program and military-style structure). While not in Libertytown proper, these schools draw many students from the area due to their strong reputations and are accessible via carpool or provided transportation.
How does tuition for private schools in the Libertytown, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Maryland state programs?
Tuition in the Libertytown/Frederick region varies significantly by school. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ annually. Beyond school-specific need-based aid and scholarships, Maryland residents can benefit from state programs like the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to eligible students from lower-income households to attend private schools. Additionally, the Maryland Child Care Grant may assist with before/after-care costs. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their financial aid deadlines and requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Libertytown, MD, that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Libertytown offer specialized programs not always available in the public district. Gerstell Academy uniquely integrates leadership training and Spanish immersion from elementary grades. The Banner School emphasizes project-based learning and multi-age classrooms in a small, community-oriented setting. St. John's Catholic Prep offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with theology classes and often more advanced placement (AP) course variety per capita than smaller public high schools. Many also have distinctive offerings like equestrian programs, robust arts departments, or specific athletic focuses that cater to niche interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Libertytown, MD region, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admissions process for competitive private schools in this area often begins a full year in advance. Key steps typically include: attending open houses (usually in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/interviews and school visits. Many schools have priority deadlines in early winter. For families in Libertytown, it's advisable to start research and tours in the fall when your child is in the grade prior to entry. Waiting lists are common, so early application is strongly recommended, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade.
For a family living in Libertytown, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the immediate town?
Since the leading private schools are located in Buckeystown, Frederick, and Finksburg, commuting is a key factor. Most families drive, and carpool networks are often organized through the schools or parent communities. Some schools, like St. John's Catholic Prep, may offer private bus service from centralized locations in Frederick County for an additional fee. The community feel is often built through school events, but being outside the local public school district means your child's immediate neighborhood friends may attend different schools. However, the private school community becomes a significant social hub, with many families traveling from similar suburban and rural areas like Libertytown, creating strong bonds.
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