The Best Private Schools in Piney Point, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Piney Point. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Leonardtown Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Located approximately 20 minutes from Piney Point in Leonardtown, this accredited Montessori school serves students from infancy through elementary grades. The school offers a child-centered approach to education with individualized learning plans and hands-on materials. Facilities include specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and gardens. The school emphasizes development of independence, critical thinking skills, and social responsibility. With small class sizes and highly trained Montessori teachers, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and whole-child development in Southern Maryland.
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Evergreen Elementary and Middle School
Evergreen School
Evergreen Elementary and Middle School is a private institution located approximately 30 minutes from Piney Point, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education and literacy development. Features include small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a nurturing environment. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, computer facilities, and outdoor recreation areas. The school maintains high academic standards while fostering character development and community involvement, making it a popular choice for families throughout St. Mary's County.
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The Key School
The Key School
The Key School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 45 minutes from Piney Point, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development, Key School consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities. The 65-acre campus provides extensive outdoor learning environments and athletic facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Piney Point, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Piney Point, Maryland, and what are their educational philosophies?
While Piney Point itself is a small waterfront community, families typically look to nearby schools in the broader Southern Maryland region. The most prominent options include The Key School in Annapolis (a 45-60 minute drive), which offers a progressive, college-preparatory education from Pre-K through 12th grade. Closer options include Leonardtown Montessori School in Leonardtown (approx. 30 minutes away), providing authentic Montessori education for early childhood and elementary students, and Evergreen Elementary and Middle School in Huntingtown (approx. 45 minutes away), which is a private, non-sectarian school. Due to Piney Point's location in St. Mary's County, many families also consider commuting to schools in Lexington Park or across the bridge to Calvert County. Transportation is a key logistical consideration for Piney Point residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Piney Point, MD, area compare, and are there any Maryland-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Southern Maryland region varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, The Key School's tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 for lower school to $38,000 for upper school. Leonardtown Montessori and Evergreen Elementary and Middle School are generally more affordable, often ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 annually. A critical resource for Maryland residents is the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts. Piney Point families should apply for financial aid directly through the school and the FACTS management system, which most institutions use.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Piney Point, MD, that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Several schools integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay and maritime environment into their curricula. The Key School, with its campus near water, emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, often involving students in oyster gardening and watershed studies—programs highly relevant to Piney Point residents. Schools closer to St. Mary's County, like Leonardtown Montessori, may incorporate local history and ecology into their hands-on learning. Furthermore, the proximity to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and associated STEM industries influences many private schools in the area to offer robust science, technology, and engineering programs, sometimes with partnerships at local bases or environmental organizations, providing unique experiential learning opportunities not always found in public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Piney Point, Maryland, families, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the region generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key dates include open houses from September to November, application deadlines between January and February, and admission decisions released in March. The Key School is considered the most competitive, requiring assessments, student visits, and parent interviews. Schools like Leonardtown Montessori and Evergreen may have rolling admission but encourage early application due to limited space, especially for popular early childhood programs. For Piney Point families, it's crucial to plan for potential commute times, as some schools may require in-person interviews and visitation days. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so applying early is strongly advised.
For a Piney Point resident, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local St. Mary's County public schools and a private school option that may require a significant commute?
The decision hinges on several Piney Point-specific factors. St. Mary's County Public Schools, like Evergreen Elementary School (public, not to be confused with the private Evergreen), are highly rated and offer proximity, with no commute. However, private options provide alternative educational philosophies (Montessori, progressive), often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs. The commute to schools like The Key School or Evergreen Elementary and Middle School can be 45-90 minutes round-trip daily, impacting family logistics and student fatigue. Parents must weigh the desired educational approach against the quality of local public schools, the value of community-based versus regionally-drawn peer groups, and the financial cost of tuition plus transportation. Many families choose private options for a specific pedagogical match they cannot find locally.
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