The Best Private Schools in Prince Frederick, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Prince Frederick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Beddall Academy
Independent
The Beddall Academy is a premier private school serving Southern Maryland families, including those in Prince Frederick. Known for its exceptional student-teacher ratios and personalized approach to education, the academy serves students from elementary through high school. The school emphasizes mastery-based learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace while ensuring thorough understanding of all subjects. Programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science exploration, and college preparatory courses. The intimate learning environment and dedicated faculty create an atmosphere where students thrive academically and personally, with many graduates earning admission to competitive colleges.
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The Calverton School
Independent
The Calverton School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school located just minutes from Prince Frederick in Huntingtown. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Calverton offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and technology-integrated classrooms. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and extensive college counseling. With a strong community atmosphere and focus on character development, Calverton consistently graduates students who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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Archbishop Spalding High School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Archbishop Spalding High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from throughout Central Maryland, including Prince Frederick area families. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and renowned fine arts offerings. Spalding's campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and modern classrooms. The school emphasizes faith formation, community service, and leadership development alongside academic excellence. With competitive athletic teams and numerous extracurricular opportunities, Spalding provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Prince Frederick, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Prince Frederick, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Prince Frederick, located in Calvert County, offers a few key private school options, though many families also consider schools in neighboring areas. Within the immediate area, The Calverton School (in Huntingtown, just outside Prince Frederick) is a prominent Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory school. The Beddall Academy serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For Catholic education, Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn (Anne Arundel County) is a popular choice for grades 9-12, though it requires a commute. The private school landscape in Calvert County is more limited than in larger Maryland metro areas, so exploring schools in surrounding counties is common for Prince Frederick residents seeking specific programs or religious affiliations.
How does tuition for private schools in the Prince Frederick, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Prince Frederick area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, The Calverton School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower school to over $25,000 for upper school. Smaller local academies like Beddall Academy may have lower tuition. These figures are generally on par with or slightly below the average for Maryland private schools, which is heavily influenced by higher-cost institutions in the Baltimore and D.C. corridors. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland has several state-funded programs that can help, such as the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship, which provides vouchers for eligible families to use at participating private schools, including some in Calvert County.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Prince Frederick offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Private schools in the Prince Frederick area often integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem into their curricula. The Calverton School, for instance, has a strong environmental science program that utilizes its 80-acre campus and proximity to the Bay for hands-on learning, including wetland studies and sustainability projects. Some schools may partner with local organizations like the Calvert Marine Museum or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for field studies and internships. This localized, experiential learning is a distinctive feature of education in this region, offering students direct engagement with environmental stewardship and marine biology that is specific to Southern Maryland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Calvert County, such as those serving Prince Frederick families?
The enrollment process for private schools like The Calverton School and The Beddall Academy typically begins in the fall, about a year before the desired start date. Key steps include open houses (often held between September and January), submission of applications by January or February, and student assessments/interviews. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in March. It's crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited in this smaller market. Many schools also have rolling admissions for later grades if spaces remain. For high schools like Archbishop Spalding, which draws from a wider region, the competitive timeline is similar, with entrance exams often required.
For Prince Frederick parents considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the top-rated Calvert County Public Schools and local private school options?
Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) are consistently highly ranked in Maryland, offering a robust, tuition-free education with strong academic outcomes. The primary considerations for choosing a private school in Prince Frederick often revolve around specific educational approaches, smaller class sizes, religious affiliation, or specialized programs. For example, private schools like Calverton offer a more intimate, community-focused environment with average class sizes of 12-15 students, compared to larger public school classrooms. They may also provide more flexibility in curriculum pacing and more extensive college counseling. The decision frequently comes down to a family's preference for a particular pedagogical philosophy (e.g., project-based learning) or a desire for a faith-based education, which the public system cannot provide. The commute is also a factor, as some sought-after private options are outside the immediate Prince Frederick area.
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