The Best Private Schools in Potomac, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Potomac. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
BASIS Independent McLean
BASIS Curriculum Schools
BASIS Independent McLean is part of the nationally recognized BASIS Curriculum Schools network, offering a rigorous, STEM-oriented education for grades K-12. Serving the broader Potomac area, the school is known for its advanced academic standards, expert teachers, and exceptional student outcomes. The curriculum includes early exposure to complex subjects, advanced placement options, and enrichment in arts and languages. The campus features cutting-edge labs, collaborative spaces, and athletic facilities. With a focus on critical thinking and innovation, BASIS McLean consistently ranks among the top private schools for academic excellence and parent satisfaction, with
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St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Independent
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a highly regarded coeducational independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and inclusive community values, the school emphasizes character development and holistic education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Andrew's offers robust programs in STEM, humanities, visual and performing arts, and competitive sports, consistently achieving high college placement rates and parent satisfaction.
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The Field School
Independent
The Field School is a progressive independent school located in Washington, D.C., serving grades 6-12 and widely attended by students from Potomac. It is celebrated for its student-centered approach, innovative curriculum, and strong sense of community. The school focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth through experiential learning and interdisciplinary studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, art studios, and technology resources. With high teacher engagement and a supportive environment, The Field School excels in preparing students for college and beyond, with notable strengths in the arts, humanities, and leadership development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Potomac, Maryland
What are the primary private school options for Potomac, MD residents, and are there many schools actually located within the town boundaries?
While Potomac is renowned for its affluent communities and high-performing public schools, there are very few private school campuses physically located within the town's boundaries. Most families in Potomac look to nearby areas for private education. Top-tier options very close by include St. Andrew's Episcopal School (in Potomac, MD), which offers a rigorous college-prep program from preschool through 12th grade. Other highly sought-after schools in the immediate region include The Bullis School (Potomac, MD), and nearby in McLean, VA, you'll find BASIS Independent McLean and The Potomac School (despite the name, located in VA). It's common for Potomac families to consider schools across the Washington D.C. metro area, including Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. itself.
How does tuition for private schools in the Potomac, MD area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Potomac area is among the highest in Maryland, reflecting the cost of living and the caliber of institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, upper school tuition at schools like St. Andrew's Episcopal or Bullis can range from approximately $45,000 to $55,000. This is significantly above the Maryland private school average. However, most of these schools have substantial financial aid endowments. For example, St. Andrew's awards over $6 million in need-based aid annually. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, a state-funded K-12 scholarship for eligible families to choose nonpublic schools, which can provide additional financial support for qualifying Potomac residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Potomac, MD region?
Private schools in the Potomac region often leverage their proximity to Washington, D.C., to create distinctive programs. Many have strong focuses on global studies, diplomacy, and STEM. For instance, St. Andrew's Episcopal School features a renowned Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning and a robust Global Education program with travel opportunities. The Bullis School offers specialized programs like the Institute for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (iSTEM) and a comprehensive Conservatory for the Arts. Schools in the area frequently have partnerships with federal agencies, research institutions, and non-profits in the D.C. metro area, providing unparalleled internship and mentorship opportunities for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Potomac, MD families?
The admission process for top private schools in the Potomac area is highly structured and begins very early. The key timeline is as follows: Inquire and tour in the fall (September-November) a full year before desired entry. Application deadlines are typically in early to mid-January. This includes submitting standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, transcripts, and often a student interview and visit. Admission decisions are released in mid-March. For highly competitive grades like kindergarten, pre-K, and 9th grade, waitlists are common. Given the competitive landscape, many Potomac families apply to multiple schools. It's crucial to attend open houses and connect with the admission office well in advance.
For families in Potomac with excellent public schools, what are the main reasons to consider a private school in the area?
While Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), including the Wootton and Churchill clusters in Potomac, are consistently top-ranked, families often choose private schools for specific reasons. Key differentiators include smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), more individualized attention, and greater flexibility in curriculum. Private schools can offer specialized teaching philosophies (e.g., Episcopal, progressive, or classical), more extensive arts and athletics facilities per student, and a defined community culture. For families seeking a particular religious education, a project-based learning approach, or a program tailored for unique learning styles, private options provide alternatives that the standardized public system may not. The decision often hinges on finding the best "fit" for a child's specific needs and a family's educational values.
Private Education Insights
Affordable Private Education in Potomac: Top Schools Near You
When families in Potomac begin their search for “cheap private schools near me,” they quickly discover that the term ‘cheap’ is relative in our high-achieving community. Potomac is renowned for its exceptional public schools, which sets a remarkably high bar for private institutions. Therefore, the conversation here shifts from simply finding the lowest tuition to identifying schools that offer outstanding value—where the investment translates directly into personalized attention, unique programs, and educational outcomes that align with your family’s specific goals. The quest becomes about maximizing return on investment within the private education landscape.
Understanding the local context is crucial. The notable private schools in and around Potomac, such as St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, The Field School, and BASIS Independent McLean, represent a significant financial commitment. However, viewing them through a purely cost-centric lens can be misleading. Instead, consider what these schools offer that is distinct from the excellent Montgomery County Public Schools. For instance, a school might offer a particular pedagogical approach, like project-based learning, or have a focus on social-emotional development that resonates with your child’s needs. This alignment is where the true value lies, making the cost an investment in a tailored educational experience rather than just an expense.
A practical strategy for Potomac parents is to broaden the geographic search slightly. While Potomac itself is home to several prestigious and higher-tuition options, looking at schools in neighboring communities like North Bethesda, Rockville, or even parts of Northwest D.C. can reveal institutions with slightly lower price points due to different operational costs or funding models. Many of these schools are still within a very reasonable commute. Furthermore, it is essential to dig deep into financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities. Most reputable private schools, including those mentioned, have robust financial aid programs aimed at creating socioeconomically diverse student bodies. A school’s stated tuition is rarely the final number for many families; a proactive inquiry into aid can make a seemingly expensive school much more accessible.
Finally, redefining “cheap” to mean “high value” is the most empowering approach for Potomac families. This involves asking detailed questions during tours and open houses. How small are the average class sizes? What is the level of individual college counseling? Does the school have specialized facilities or programs in areas where your child excels, like robotics, theater, or environmental science? Sometimes, a school with a moderately lower tuition but requiring extensive additional costs for tutoring, extracurriculars, or transportation may offer less real value than a comprehensive program at a different institution. Your search for affordable private education in Potomac is ultimately a search for the right fit—a place where your child will thrive and where the community’s values mirror your own. By focusing on value, financial aid, and a slightly wider geographic net, you can find an exceptional private school education that is a prudent and rewarding investment for your family.
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