The Best Private Schools in Phoenix, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Phoenix. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul's School
St. Paul's Schools
St. Paul's School is a prestigious coeducational independent school serving the greater Baltimore area, including Phoenix. Founded in 1849, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern STEM labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities across its 80-acre campus. Known for academic excellence, St. Paul's emphasizes character development, leadership, and community service alongside rigorous academics. The school offers numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts opportunities including theater, music, and visual arts.
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McDonogh School
McDonogh School
McDonogh School is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school located just minutes from Phoenix. Serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, the school combines rigorous academics with character education on its 800-acre campus. McDonogh offers a comprehensive curriculum including numerous AP courses, innovative STEM programs, and extensive arts offerings. The school features outstanding facilities including modern academic buildings, multiple athletic complexes, arts centers, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Known for its strong community values and excellent college placement record, McDonogh emphasizes balanced development through academics, arts, athletics, and service learning.
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Garrison Forest School
Garrison Forest School
Garrison Forest School is an acclaimed independent all-girls school serving the greater Baltimore region, including Phoenix families. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade on its 110-acre campus. Garrison Forest is particularly known for its strong STEM programs, leadership development, and unique equestrian program with extensive riding facilities. The school features small class sizes, personalized attention, and a supportive learning environment that empowers young women. Academic offerings include numerous AP courses, innovative research opportunities, and partnerships with leading institutions. The campus includes modern science and technology centers, arts facilities, and extensive athletic resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Phoenix, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Phoenix, Maryland, and what are their key characteristics?
Phoenix, MD, is part of the greater Baltimore County area with access to several prestigious independent schools. The top options include McDonogh School (coed, Pre-K-12, known for its strong academics, arts, and athletics on a 800-acre campus), St. Paul's School (with separate campuses for St. Paul's School for Girls and St. Paul's School for Boys, offering single-gender education in the lower/middle grades and coed options in upper grades through coordinated programs), and Garrison Forest School (an all-girls day and boarding school for grades K-12, renowned for its equestrian program and leadership focus). While not in Phoenix proper, these schools are major educational institutions that draw many students from the Phoenix and surrounding communities.
How does tuition for private schools near Phoenix, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Baltimore County area, including those serving Phoenix, is significant and often above the Maryland state average for private education. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $35,000 to $40,000+ for upper school grades. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. McDonogh, St. Paul's, and Garrison Forest all award millions in aid annually. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program, a state-funded voucher that provides partial tuition assistance for eligible families to choose nonpublic schools, which can be applied at these institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at private schools accessible from Phoenix, MD?
Families in Phoenix have access to specialized programs that distinguish these schools. Notably, Garrison Forest School offers a premier equestrian program with indoor and outdoor facilities, hosting both interscholastic and international competitions. McDonogh School emphasizes an "Earn and Learn" ethic, incorporating meaningful work program components for older students and exceptional outdoor education. The St. Paul's Schools are known for their Centers of Excellence, such as the STEM Center at the Boys' School and the Institute for Leadership in Science and Ethics at the Girls' School. Their coordinated program allows for shared academic and artistic opportunities in the upper grades, blending single-gender and coed benefits.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Phoenix, MD, area?
The admission process for schools like McDonogh, St. Paul's, and Garrison Forest is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by early January (with deadlines typically between Jan. 10-15), completing student visits and interviews (fall/winter), and taking standardized assessments like the ISEE or SSAT. Admission decisions are usually released in mid-March. Due to the competitive nature, it is strongly advised to initiate research and campus visits 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades.
How do the educational environments and outcomes of private schools near Phoenix compare to the highly-rated public schools in Baltimore County?
Baltimore County Public Schools, including the Dulaney High School zone which serves Phoenix, are consistently highly ranked. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific resources. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+), more individualized attention, distinct mission-driven cultures (e.g., leadership, ethical development), and often more extensive facilities. They typically have greater flexibility in curriculum and offer a wider array of advanced and specialized courses independent of state mandates. Public schools provide a strong, tuition-free education with diverse populations. The decision frequently hinges on a family's priority on specific programs, community values, and the investment in a private education's unique environment and network.
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