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.