The Best Private Schools in Olney, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Olney. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter's School
Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
St. Peter's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Olney community for over 50 years. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, Spanish language instruction from Pre-K, and comprehensive arts programs. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent preparation for high school. The school features modern facilities including technology labs, a gymnasium, and extensive athletic fields.
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Sandy Spring Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Located just minutes from Olney in nearby Sandy Spring, this prestigious Quaker school serves students from preschool through 12th grade. The school is renowned for its International Baccalaureate program, exceptional college placement, and commitment to Quaker values. The 140-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, arts centers, and environmental learning spaces. The school emphasizes global citizenship, community service, and individualized attention with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio. Many Olney families choose SSFS for its rigorous academics combined with character education and outstanding arts programs.
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Bullis School
Independent School Association of the Greater Washington Area
Bullis School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from Olney and throughout Montgomery County. Located approximately 15 minutes from Olney in Potomac, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with exceptional academic and athletic facilities. The 102-acre campus includes advanced science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Bullis is known for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts curriculum. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Olney, Maryland
What are the primary types of private schools available in Olney, Maryland, and how do they differ?
Olney, Maryland, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily centered around three distinct models. You have faith-based institutions like St. Peter's School (Catholic), which integrates religious education with a traditional academic curriculum. There are also prestigious independent college-preparatory day schools like Bullis School, located just south in Potomac but drawing heavily from Olney, known for rigorous academics, extensive arts, and athletics. Furthermore, Olney is proximate to unique options like Sandy Spring Friends School, a Quaker boarding and day school emphasizing community, social justice, and experiential learning. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and programmatic focus.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Olney, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Olney corridor varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition can range from approximately $15,000-$20,000 at some parish-based schools to over $50,000 at top-tier independent schools like Bullis. Sandy Spring Friends School's day program also falls in the upper tier. Importantly, Maryland has several financial aid resources. Most of these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid through their own endowments. Additionally, Maryland’s Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools, which many Olney-area families utilize to offset costs.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for competitive private schools serving Olney, Maryland?
For the leading private schools serving Olney families, planning is crucial. Schools like Bullis and Sandy Spring Friends typically have application deadlines in early to mid-January for the following fall, with decisions released in March. Key requirements often include a completed application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, a student essay, and a mandatory campus interview/visit. St. Peter's School may have a slightly more flexible timeline but encourages early application. Due to competitive seats, especially in middle and upper grades, initiating the process 12-18 months in advance is highly recommended for Olney-area parents.
Are there specialized academic or extracurricular programs in Olney-area private schools that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Yes, several schools have developed distinctive programs leveraging the Washington D.C. metro area's resources. Bullis School features a renowned STEM program and a dedicated Global Studies Diploma, with partnerships in nearby federal research institutions and embassies. Sandy Spring Friends School utilizes its 140-acre campus for extensive environmental science and sustainability programs, aligning with Maryland's focus on Chesapeake Bay education. Furthermore, many schools have robust arts partnerships with venues in nearby Silver Spring and Washington D.C., and athletic conferences that include top private schools across Montgomery County and the broader region, providing a highly competitive and enriched environment.
For families zoned for the highly-rated Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), what are the compelling reasons to consider a private school in Olney?
While MCPS is excellent, Olney-area private schools offer distinct advantages. They typically feature smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in MCPS) allowing for personalized attention. Many offer unique educational philosophies—like the Quaker values of community and reflection at Sandy Spring Friends—not found in the public system. Their curricula are often more flexible and accelerated, with broader advanced course offerings and independent study opportunities in high school. Additionally, private schools provide a consistent educational community from kindergarten through 12th grade, avoiding the redistricting that can occur in MCPS. For families seeking a specific religious foundation, a particular pedagogical approach, or a more intimate campus environment, private schools in the Olney area present a tailored alternative.
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