The Best Private Schools in Princess Anne, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Princess Anne. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Cross Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Holy Cross Catholic School has been serving the Princess Anne community for nearly seven decades, providing a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum from Pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing character development alongside academic excellence. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive individualized attention. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, a library, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular programs include choir, sports teams, and community service opportunities, fostering well-rounded development in a nurturing Christian environment.
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Worcester Preparatory School
Independent School
Worcester Preparatory School, located just 15 miles from Princess Anne in Berlin, is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school boasts a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and consistently high college acceptance rates. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character education and leadership development through comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, visual and performing arts, and community service initiatives.
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Salisbury School
Independent School
Salisbury School, located approximately 12 miles from Princess Anne, offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features both traditional college preparatory tracks and International Baccalaureate programs, providing diverse academic pathways. With a strong emphasis on STEM education and arts integration, students benefit from innovative learning approaches. The campus includes modern science laboratories, technology centers, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school community is known for its inclusive atmosphere and commitment to developing global citizens through international programs and community engagement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Princess Anne, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Princess Anne, Maryland?
While Princess Anne itself is a smaller town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate Somerset County area and nearby Salisbury. The most prominent local option is Holy Cross Catholic School in Princess Anne, offering a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade. For secondary education, families often consider Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin (about a 25-minute drive) for its rigorous college-prep program, and Salisbury School in Salisbury (about a 30-minute drive), which is a prestigious independent day school for grades 9-12. The private school landscape here involves considering a regional draw, with commuting being a standard part of the consideration for Princess Anne residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Princess Anne, MD area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Holy Cross Catholic School in Princess Anne has a more accessible parish-supported tuition, typically ranging from $5,000-$7,000 annually. In contrast, Worcester Prep and Salisbury School have tuitions that can exceed $25,000 per year, aligning with their extensive facilities and programs. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible lower- and middle-income families to use at participating private schools, including many in this region. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Princess Anne community?
Private schools in this region leverage their Eastern Shore location for distinctive programs. Worcester Preparatory School emphasizes leadership and marine science, with easy access to coastal ecosystems for study. Salisbury School offers a renowned Global Studies Diploma and extensive athletics. Holy Cross Catholic School provides a strong foundational curriculum with integrated faith formation and character education, which is a key draw for local families. Given the area's geography, many schools incorporate environmental science and Chesapeake Bay studies into their curricula. Transportation for extracurricular activities is an important logistical point for Princess Anne families, as some programs may require longer commutes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Princess Anne, Maryland?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For schools like Worcester Prep and Salisbury School, application deadlines are often in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. Holy Cross Catholic School may have a more rolling admissions policy but encourages early application. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or interview. For Princess Anne families, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options early, as most schools do not provide bus service from the town itself. Sibling and parishioner (for Holy Cross) status can influence priority in admissions.
For a family in Princess Anne, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Somerset County Public Schools serve Princess Anne, and while they offer standard curricula, some families seek alternatives for smaller class sizes, specific religious education (via Holy Cross), or a more intensive college-preparatory environment (via Worcester Prep or Salisbury School). The commute is a major practical consideration; attending a private school often means a 25-45 minute drive each way. Financially, the BOOST scholarship can make private school more accessible for Maryland residents. Additionally, the community aspect is different: a local private school like Holy Cross offers a tight-knit, community-based setting, while the preparatory schools offer a regionally diverse student body drawn from across the Eastern Shore.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Non-Religious Private Schools Near Princess Anne, MD
For parents in Princess Anne, Maryland, the search for the right educational environment for your child is a deeply personal journey. You may be specifically exploring options that align with a secular or non-sectarian worldview, leading you to search for "non religious private schools near me." While our charming historic town on the Eastern Shore is home to excellent faith-based institutions like Holy Cross Catholic School, finding a truly independent, non-religious private school requires looking just a short drive into the broader region. This expansion of your search radius opens doors to some of the most respected preparatory schools on the Delmarva Peninsula, offering unique educational philosophies without a religious affiliation.
The concept of a non-religious private school is often centered on an independent curriculum that is not bound to the doctrines of a particular faith. These schools emphasize critical thinking, ethical development based on humanistic principles, and a rigorous academic program designed to prepare students for top-tier universities. For families in Princess Anne, this means considering schools where the morning meeting might focus on community service or current events rather than chapel, and where science and humanities are explored through multiple lenses without a prescribed theological framework. The daily environment is built around shared values of integrity, respect, and intellectual curiosity, rather than religious observance.
Two standout options within a reasonable commute from Princess Anne are Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin and Salisbury School in Salisbury. Worcester Prep, located about a 30-minute drive east, is a premier independent day school known for its strong college preparatory program and vibrant student life. Its mission is firmly secular, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals through academics, arts, and athletics. Similarly, Salisbury School, roughly a 25-minute drive west, offers a coeducational, independent education with a focus on leadership and personal responsibility. Both institutions represent the gold standard for non-religious private education on the Shore, providing a structured yet open-minded environment where students from diverse backgrounds thrive.
Choosing this path involves practical considerations for Eastern Shore families. The commute is an investment, but one many parents find worthwhile for the specific educational community it provides. It’s crucial to visit these campuses, sit in on classes, and speak directly with faculty and current parents. Ask detailed questions about the school’s philosophy on character education, how they handle ethical discussions, and the diversity of thought within their student body. For a child in Princess Anne, attending such a school also means becoming part of a slightly broader geographic community, which can enrich their social and extracurricular experiences.
Ultimately, your search for "non religious private schools near me" from Princess Anne leads to a discovery of exceptional independent institutions just beyond the town limits. These schools offer a compelling alternative, marrying high academic expectations with a commitment to secular, values-based education. By exploring Worcester Preparatory School and Salisbury School, you are investing in an environment where your child’s intellectual and personal growth is nurtured through inquiry, excellence, and a deep respect for individual perspective—all within a manageable distance from the comforts of home.