The Best Private Schools in Marriottsville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Marriottsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McDonogh School
Independent
McDonogh School is a premier independent day and boarding school located just minutes from Marriottsville. Founded in 1873, this prestigious institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a 800-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. McDonogh emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. The school offers robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities, consistently sending graduates to top-tier universities.
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Glenelg Country School
Independent
Glenelg Country School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from age 2 through grade 12, conveniently located near Marriottsville. The school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses, providing rigorous academic challenges. The 90-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Glenelg emphasizes global education and character development, with a strong community atmosphere and personalized attention. The school's comprehensive program includes competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and extensive extracurricular opportunities, preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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Chapelgate Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Chapelgate Christian Academy is located directly in Marriottsville and serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1981, this accredited Christian school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Chapelgate provides a balanced education with strong academics, competitive athletics, and vibrant arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and offers Advanced Placement courses, preparing students for college success while emphasizing spiritual growth and character development within a supportive Christian community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Marriottsville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Marriottsville, Maryland?
Marriottsville itself is a small, rural community, so most of the prominent private schools are located in the immediate surrounding area of Howard and Carroll Counties. The top-tier options frequently considered by Marriottsville families include McDonogh School (in Owings Mills, MD, offering a Pre-K through 12 program), Glenelg Country School (in Ellicott City, MD, offering a Pre-K through 12 program with a strong college preparatory focus), and Chapelgate Christian Academy (in Marriottsville, MD, offering a biblically-based education for grades K-12). These schools provide a range of educational philosophies from college-prep to faith-based, all within a reasonable commuting distance.
How does tuition for private schools in the Marriottsville, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in this region is significant, reflecting the high caliber of schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000-$40,000 for upper schools at institutions like McDonogh and Glenelg Country. Chapelgate Christian Academy, as a parochial school, often has a lower tuition point, typically in the $15,000-$20,000 range. All these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Maryland also offers 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, a key financial consideration for Maryland residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Marriottsville that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this area capitalize on both their campus settings and proximity to Baltimore/Washington corridors. McDonogh School is renowned for its 800-acre campus featuring a working farm and equestrian program, offering unique agricultural and animal science opportunities. Glenelg Country School emphasizes global studies and entrepreneurship, with partnerships in the nearby tech corridors. Chapelgate Christian Academy, located directly in Marriottsville, integrates its rural setting into its community ethos and offers strong athletic programs competing in the MIAA B Conference. All schools provide extensive STEM, arts, and competitive sports, with easy access to cultural and internship opportunities in both Baltimore and Columbia.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like McDonogh or Glenelg Country School for a family from Marriottsville?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (often in winter), and receiving decisions in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for McDonogh and Glenelg, demonstrating a genuine fit through campus visits and understanding each school's specific mission is crucial. Sibling and legacy considerations exist but do not guarantee admission. It's advisable to apply to more than one school.
For a family in Marriottsville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated local public schools (like Marriotts Ridge High) and the nearby private schools?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, individual student needs, and community environment. Howard County Public Schools, including Marriotts Ridge High, are consistently ranked among the best in the nation, offering rigorous academics, extensive AP courses, and large-scale extracurriculars at no direct cost. Choosing a private school like McDonogh, Glenelg, or Chapelgate often involves seeking a specific value proposition: smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, a particular religious or moral foundation (at Chapelgate), a distinct campus culture (like McDonogh's character-focused "We Are One" ethos), or specialized programs not available in the public system. The trade-off is the significant financial investment and, for most, a daily commute out of the immediate Marriottsville area.
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