The Best Private Schools in Owings Mills, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Owings Mills. 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 highly regarded co-educational independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, including extensive athletic fields, arts centers, and technology labs. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, contributing to high parent satisfaction and college acceptance rates.
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Garrison Forest School
Independent
Garrison Forest School is a premier all-girls independent school offering a challenging college preparatory education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and specialized programs in STEM, arts, and athletics, including a nationally recognized equestrian center. The school fosters leadership, inclusivity, and academic excellence, with strong parent and alumnae support.
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The Jemicy School
Independent
The Jemicy School specializes in educating bright students with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, providing a personalized, multisensory curriculum from lower to upper school. It boasts experienced faculty, innovative teaching methods, and a supportive environment that promotes academic achievement and self-advocacy. The school's programs include technology integration, arts, and athletics, leading to successful college placements and high parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Owings Mills, Maryland
What are the distinctive educational profiles of the top private schools in Owings Mills, Maryland?
The leading private schools in Owings Mills each offer a unique educational focus. **McDonogh School** is a prominent pre-K through 12 co-ed day and boarding school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, extensive arts and athletics, and its "Earn and Learn" work program. **Garrison Forest School** is an all-girls day and boarding school (pre-K-12) with a renowned science and equestrian program, and a coordinate relationship with nearby boys' schools for upper-level classes. **The Jemicy School** specializes in educating bright students (grades 1-12) with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, using a highly individualized, multi-sensory approach. This concentration of diverse, high-caliber options within a small geographic area is a notable feature of Owings Mills.
How does the tuition for private schools in Owings Mills, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Owings Mills' premier private schools is significant and generally at or above Maryland's private school averages. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $35,000 to $45,000 for upper grades at McDonogh and Garrison Forest. Jemicy's specialized programming also commands a premium tuition. However, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid concurrently with admission, as deadlines are strict. Maryland also offers the **BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship**, a state-funded voucher program for eligible families choosing nonpublic schools, which can provide additional financial support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Owings Mills area?
The admission process for schools like McDonogh, Garrison Forest, and Jemicy is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the **late summer or early fall** (12-18 months before desired entry) with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are often in **January** for the following fall, with required components including student assessments, school visits/interviews, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Notification dates are usually in **March**. For The Jemicy School, a comprehensive educational evaluation documenting a language-based learning difference is a core part of the application. Due to the competitiveness, starting early and engaging deeply with each school's specific process is essential for Owings Mills families.
Are there transportation options available for private school students in Owings Mills, given its suburban location?
Transportation logistics are an important consideration in Owings Mills. Most private schools here do not provide public-style bus routes, but they facilitate connectivity in several ways. Many schools, including McDonogh and Garrison Forest, offer **private bus or van service** for an additional fee on designated routes covering areas like Baltimore City, Howard County, and Northern Baltimore County. Carpooling is extremely common and schools often help connect families to organize pools. The central location of Owings Mills near major arteries (I-695, I-795) makes it a accessible hub for families commuting from a wider region. It's important to discuss specific transportation needs and available options directly with the admission office of each school.
How do the private school campuses in Owings Mills leverage their unique Maryland settings for student learning?
Owings Mills private schools are distinguished by their expansive, rural-suburban campuses that provide an immersive educational environment. **McDonogh School's** 800-acre campus includes a working farm, riding stables, and extensive athletic fields, integrating hands-on learning and outdoor education into daily life. **Garrison Forest School's** 110-acre campus features an equestrian center with indoor and outdoor rings, directly supporting its premier riding program. Even **The Jemicy School's** campus is designed with space for movement and multi-sensory learning. This access to significant green space and specialized facilities—a contrast to more urban or densely packed suburban settings—is a hallmark of the Owings Mills private school experience, promoting both focused academics and holistic development.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Kindergarten in Owings Mills, MD: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Owings Mills beginning the exciting journey of formal education for their child, the search for a "private kindergarten near me" is about much more than proximity. It's about finding a foundational learning environment that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique needs, right here in our community. Owings Mills offers a distinctive blend of suburban comfort and educational excellence, with several nationally recognized private schools within a short drive, each providing a different approach to those crucial early years. Understanding the local landscape is key to making an informed decision that feels right for your family.
When researching a private kindergarten near you, it's important to look beyond the basic curriculum. The leading schools in our area emphasize a holistic approach. For instance, a school like McDonogh School, with its sprawling campus, integrates character education and ethical leadership from the very start, fostering a sense of community and responsibility in its youngest learners. Meanwhile, Garrison Forest School offers a single-gender environment for girls in kindergarten, focusing on building confidence and a love for learning in a supportive, dedicated setting. These philosophies represent long-term educational partnerships, so consider which environment will best nurture your child's innate curiosity and social-emotional growth during these formative years.
A critical local consideration for Owings Mills families is the balance between a close-knit community feel and access to broader resources. Many private kindergartens here leverage our location near Baltimore to enrich their programs with cultural and scientific field trips, while maintaining a safe, campus-oriented daily experience. Furthermore, some schools cater to specific learning styles. The Jemicy School, renowned for educating bright students with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, exemplifies how a specialized private kindergarten can provide targeted, multisensory instruction that public options may not offer. This specialization can be transformative, providing the right tools for success from the very beginning.
As you visit campuses, ask detailed questions about the kindergarten day. Inquire about play-based learning versus more structured academics, the student-to-teacher ratio, and how social skills are developed. Observe the classrooms and outdoor spaces—are they inviting and designed for young children? Also, consider the logistical reality for an Owings Mills commute. While "near me" is convenient, a slightly longer drive to a school that is the perfect fit is often a worthwhile investment. Engage with current parents during open houses; their insights about the community, communication, and how their child transitioned into first grade are invaluable.
Ultimately, finding the right private kindergarten near you in Owings Mills is a deeply personal choice. It's about matching your child's personality and needs with a school's mission and culture. The investment goes beyond tuition; it's an investment in a foundation of confidence, creativity, and academic joy. Take the time to explore the exceptional options in our area, schedule tours, and trust your instincts. The vibrant private school community here in Owings Mills is ready to welcome your family and partner with you in launching your child's educational journey on the strongest possible note.
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