The Best Private Schools in Preston, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gunston School
Independent
The Gunston School is a premier coeducational, independent day school serving students in grades 9-12. Located just 20 minutes from Preston, Gunston offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features a 35-acre waterfront campus on the Corsica River, providing unique environmental science and marine biology opportunities. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, honors tracks, and signature programs in leadership and sustainability. Students benefit from a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, competitive athletics, extensive arts programs, and a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions.
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Saints Peter and Paul High School
Catholic
Saints Peter and Paul High School is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 25 minutes from Preston in Easton, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith formation, character development, and academic excellence. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and outstanding performing arts. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic complex, and performing arts center. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Chesapeake Montessori School
Montessori
Chesapeake Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 8th grade. Located about 25 minutes from Preston in downtown Easton, the school provides a child-centered learning environment that fosters independence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial education, language arts, mathematics, cultural studies, and science. The school features beautifully prepared classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized Montessori materials. Middle school students participate in entrepreneurial projects, community service, and experiential learning opportunities. The school is accredited by the American Montessori Society and serves families throughout the Mid-Shore region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Preston, Maryland?
While Preston itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private institutions in nearby communities. The most prominent include The Gunston School in Centreville (a college-preparatory day and boarding school), Saints Peter and Paul High School in Easton (a Catholic, co-educational high school), and Chesapeake Montessori School in Easton (serving preschool through elementary). Given Preston's rural location in Caroline County, most private schooling requires a commute to Talbot or Queen Anne's counties. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as bus service from Preston may be limited or arranged through private cooperatives.
How does tuition at private schools in the Preston, MD area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Preston area's private schools varies significantly by type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for Chesapeake Montessori School's elementary program to over $30,000 for The Gunston School's upper school. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the average for Maryland's Eastern Shore but can be lower than private schools in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. All the major schools offer need-based financial aid, and some, like Saints Peter and Paul, may offer parishioner discounts. Maryland also has the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, a state-funded scholarship for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools, which can be a crucial resource for Preston-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Preston that leverage the local Eastern Shore environment?
Private schools in the Preston area often integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay region into their curricula. The Gunston School is particularly notable for its signature Chesapeake Bay Studies program and its waterfront campus, offering environmental science, marine biology, and sailing. Saints Peter and Paul High School emphasizes community service projects that engage with local Eastern Shore organizations. Chesapeake Montessori School’s hands-on learning approach often includes nature studies relevant to the Delmarva Peninsula. These programs provide an educational experience deeply connected to the local ecology and community, which is a distinct advantage over more generic curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Preston, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for schools like The Gunston School, Saints Peter and Paul, and Chesapeake Montessori School generally begins in the fall, about a year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held October-January), submitting an application by January or February deadlines, completing student assessments or interviews, and receiving decisions in March. Due to the limited seats and the fact that these schools draw from across the Mid-Shore region, starting early is crucial. Many schools also have waitlists. For Preston residents, it's advisable to inquire about geographic representation in the student body and to plan for the logistics of the daily commute during the application process.
For a family in Preston, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools in Caroline County and the nearby private school options?
The decision hinges on several Preston-specific factors. Caroline County Public Schools offer the convenience of proximity and no tuition. However, private schools in Easton and Centreville may offer smaller class sizes, specialized college-prep or Montessori curricula, and different extracurricular emphases (like waterfront activities). The commute is a major practical consideration—travel to Easton is about 25-30 minutes. Financially, one must weigh tuition against potential state BOOST scholarships. Academically, parents should compare standardized test scores and college matriculation lists. For high school, the choice might be between the programs and community of a larger public school versus the focused environment of a private institution. Visiting both types is essential to feel the difference in culture.
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