The Best Private Schools in Owings, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Owings. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Indian Creek School
Independent
Indian Creek School is an acclaimed independent school serving the Owings area from Crownsville, providing a balanced education for students in grades K-12. It focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and character development through a liberal arts curriculum enhanced by technology integration and robust athletic programs. The school features excellent teacher-student ratios, state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs and arts studios, and a wide range of extracurriculars. High parent satisfaction stems from its inclusive community and consistent academic achievements.
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Chesapeake Academy
Independent
Chesapeake Academy is a respected private school in Arnold, easily accessible from Owings, offering programs from early childhood through middle school. It is known for its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation, with a focus on individualized learning, technology integration, and hands-on enrichment activities. The school boasts small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and facilities that support arts, sciences, and physical education. Parent reviews highlight its supportive community and emphasis on whole-child development, making it a top choice for families in the region.
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The Calverton School
Independent
The Calverton School is a highly regarded independent school located just minutes from Owings in Huntingtown, offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for grades K-12. Known for its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes academic excellence with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Parent satisfaction is high due to its supportive community, extensive extracurricular activities, and a track record of graduates attending top colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Owings, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Owings, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
Owings, MD, is served by several notable private schools, though most are located in nearby communities. The Calverton School, located in Huntingtown just minutes from Owings, is a prominent Pre-K through 12 independent school with a college-preparatory focus and a strong sense of community. Indian Creek School, situated in Crownsville, offers a rigorous, student-centered education from Pre-K to 12th grade, with a notable emphasis on arts and athletics. Chesapeake Academy, located in Arnold, is an independent Pre-K through 8th grade school known for its small class sizes and project-based learning. For Owings residents, these schools are common choices, offering varied educational approaches within a reasonable commute in Southern Maryland.
How does tuition for private schools in the Owings, MD, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland families?
Tuition in the Owings area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $15,000-$25,000 for lower schools and $25,000-$35,000+ for upper schools at institutions like Calverton and Indian Creek. All major private schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland residents may also benefit from state-specific programs. Notably, the **Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program** is a Maryland state-funded initiative that provides K-12 scholarships for eligible students to attend nonpublic schools, which can significantly offset costs for qualifying families in Calvert and Anne Arundel Counties.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Owings, MD, offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem into their curricula. The Calverton School, for instance, utilizes its 150-acre campus near the Patuxent River for environmental science programs, including outdoor labs and sustainability initiatives. Indian Creek School has a strong marine science program and utilizes its proximity to the Bay for field studies. Chesapeake Academy emphasizes experiential learning with outdoor education components that take advantage of the local waterways and forests. This regional focus provides students with hands-on environmental science and stewardship opportunities that are distinctive to living in Southern Maryland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Calverton or Indian Creek for a family moving to Owings?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Owings is competitive and follows an annual cycle. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments and interviews. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently. For families moving to Owings mid-year, it's essential to contact admissions offices directly, as some schools may have rolling admission or waiting lists for specific grades. Given Owings' location, planning for transportation is also a crucial part of the process, as bus service may be limited or offered via private consortiums.
For an Owings resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local Calvert County Public Schools and a private school like The Calverton School?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Calvert County Public Schools are highly rated in Maryland, offering a robust, tuition-free education with modern facilities. Choosing a private school like Calverton often involves seeking smaller class sizes, a specific religious or philosophical approach (though Calverton is non-sectarian), or specialized college preparatory programs. Practically, Owings parents must consider the daily commute to a private school versus the local public school bus route, the annual financial investment, and the desired community environment. Private schools may offer more flexibility in curriculum and extracurricular depth, while public schools provide strong programs aligned with state standards and easier access for neighborhood-based social connections.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Right Private Middle School in Owings, MD: A Parent's Guide
For families in Owings, the transition from elementary to the pivotal middle school years is a significant consideration. The search for a private middle school is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that nurtures your child’s growing independence, fosters their unique interests, and provides a supportive bridge to high school. Here in Southern Maryland, with our blend of rural charm and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Washington D.C., parents have access to several exceptional institutions that understand the needs of the young adolescent.
The local landscape offers distinct choices, each with its own character. A school like The Calverton School, nestled on a beautiful campus, emphasizes a holistic approach where the middle school program is designed to challenge students intellectually while encouraging artistic expression and athletic participation. Its setting provides a serene, focused environment that many Owings families appreciate. Meanwhile, Indian Creek School, while a short drive away, offers a robust middle school experience with a strong emphasis on project-based learning and community engagement, preparing students to think critically about the world around them. Closer to home, Chesapeake Academy provides a foundational, nurturing environment where the middle school years are seen as a critical time for building confidence and core skills. The benefit for Owings residents is the ability to choose a school whose philosophy aligns with their child’s learning style and their family’s values.
When evaluating a private middle school in our area, consider the daily logistics. The commute from Owings is a practical reality. Many schools offer bus routes or have carpool networks organized by parent communities, which can be a wonderful way to build connections. Also, look beyond the brochure to the extracurricular offerings. Does the school leverage our local environment? Are there science programs focused on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, outdoor education trips, or history classes that utilize Annapolis and D.C. as living classrooms? These local ties can deeply enrich the curriculum. The middle school years are also when many children discover a passion for the arts, technology, or a specific sport. Investigating the strength of these programs—whether it’s a state-of-the-art STEM lab or a thriving theater department—is crucial.
Ultimately, the best way to gauge fit is through a visit. Schedule a tour, observe classes in session, and, most importantly, have your child attend a shadow day. Listen to how current middle school students talk about their teachers and their projects. Speak to admissions directors about how their school supports the social and emotional development of students during these often-turbulent years. For parents in Owings, investing in a private middle school education is an investment in a structured, values-driven community that can provide personalized attention during a transformative time. It’s about placing your child in an environment where they are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow into their best selves, right here in our corner of Maryland.
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