The Best Private Schools in Perryville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Perryville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Tome School
Independent
The Tome School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Perryville and greater Cecil County area. Founded in 1976, this coeducational day school serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a comprehensive curriculum including 14 Advanced Placement courses. Their STEM program is particularly strong, complemented by robust visual and performing arts offerings. The campus includes modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and college placement success.
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St. Mark's High School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
St. Mark's High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Perryville and throughout the region, despite being located across the state line in Delaware. Founded in 1969, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a 100% college acceptance rate. Their STEM Academy provides advanced coursework in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while their comprehensive honors and AP programs challenge high-achieving students. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on service learning and character development, St. Mark's has earned a reputation for academic excellence and has many Perryville-area families who commute for the quality education.
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Immaculate Conception School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Wilmington
Immaculate Conception School is a well-established Catholic school serving Perryville and surrounding Cecil County communities. Founded in 1957, this Pre-K through 8th grade institution provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and literacy programs, along with specialized instruction in Spanish, art, music, and physical education. Technology integration includes 1:1 Chromebooks in upper grades and smart board technology throughout the campus. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong record of preparing students for success in regional high schools. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere and dedicated teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Perryville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Perryville, Maryland?
Perryville, MD, offers a few distinct private school options catering to different grade levels and educational philosophies. The Tome School is a prominent independent, co-educational day school serving grades Pre-K through 12, known for its college preparatory curriculum. Immaculate Conception School is a Catholic parochial school offering education from Pre-K through 8th grade, integrating faith-based learning. For high school, many Perryville families also consider St. Mark's High School in nearby Wilmington, Delaware, which is a Catholic diocesan school serving grades 9-12. The selection is relatively compact, making it important for parents to visit each to understand their specific environments and values.
How does tuition for private schools in Perryville, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Perryville-area private schools is generally competitive with or slightly below the Maryland state average for similar institutions, partly due to the town's location. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$8,000 for elementary parochial schools to $20,000+ for independent college-prep high schools. All major schools offer financial aid programs. The Tome School and Immaculate Conception have need-based assistance, and Immaculate Conception also offers parishioner discounts. Maryland state programs like the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) scholarship provide K-12 tuition assistance for eligible families to use at participating private schools, which can significantly offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Perryville's private schools offer that leverage the local Chesapeake region?
Private schools in Perryville capitalize on their proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the I-95 corridor for unique programs. The Tome School, with its riverside campus, often incorporates environmental science and ecology studies focused on the Bay watershed into its curriculum, alongside robust STEM and arts programs. Its location also facilitates partnerships with local businesses and APG (Aberdeen Proving Ground) for specialized learning. Immaculate Conception School emphasizes community service projects that engage with local Perryville organizations. St. Mark's High School, while in DE, is a common choice for Perryville students and offers extensive athletics and transportation options that accommodate commuters from Cecil County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Perryville, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Perryville private schools typically begins in the fall prior to the desired academic year, with open houses held from September to January. Application deadlines are often in February or March for the following fall. The Tome School and Immaculate Conception School usually require an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in popular early grades, waitlists are common. It's highly advisable to initiate inquiries early. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students. Rolling admissions may be available if spots remain open after the priority deadline.
For a family moving to Perryville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Cecil County Public Schools) and the available private options?
The key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, cost, and transportation. Cecil County Public Schools, like Perryville Elementary and Middle, offer a tuition-free, comprehensive education with standardized state curricula. Private options like Tome or Immaculate Conception provide smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (college-prep or faith-based), and distinct community cultures. For high school, the choice may involve comparing Perryville High School's programs to the college-focused environment at Tome or the Catholic education at St. Mark's. Transportation is a practical factor; while public schools provide busing, private schools often require carpooling or have limited bus routes from central points. Ultimately, the decision hinges on the value a family places on specific academic, religious, or social environments versus the financial investment.
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