The Best Private Schools in Queen Anne, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Queen Anne. 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 prestigious independent day and boarding school serving grades 9-12, renowned for its academic excellence and beautiful waterfront campus on the Corsica River. It offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with standout programs in environmental science, sailing, and the arts. The school emphasizes leadership, community engagement, and personalized education, supported by experienced faculty and extensive extracurricular opportunities. High parent and student satisfaction stems from its strong track record of college placements and inclusive, nurturing environment.
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Indian Creek School
Independent
Indian Creek School is a highly regarded co-educational independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. It emphasizes a rigorous academic curriculum with strong STEM and arts integration, personalized learning plans, and a wide array of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and community service programs. The school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities, fostering a supportive environment that prepares students for college and beyond. Parent satisfaction is high due to its focus on whole-child development and academic excellence.
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St. Anne's School of Annapolis
Independent
St. Anne's School of Annapolis offers a balanced education from preschool through 8th grade, focusing on academic rigor, character development, and hands-on learning. The school features a liberal arts curriculum enhanced by technology integration, arts, and outdoor education. With a commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention, it boasts strong parent satisfaction and a vibrant community atmosphere. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms and outdoor spaces that support its experiential learning approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Queen Anne, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Queen Anne, Maryland, and what are their educational models?
Queen Anne, MD, is centrally located to several well-regarded independent and parochial schools. The most prominent are Indian Creek School (Pre-K-12, co-ed, with a college-prep focus and a campus in Crownsville), St. Anne's School of Annapolis (Pre-K-8, Episcopal-affiliated, located in Annapolis), and The Gunston School (9-12, co-ed, college-prep with a waterfront campus in Centreville). While not within Queen Anne's town limits, these schools are the primary private institutions for families in this part of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Their models range from secular college preparatory to faith-based education, all emphasizing small class sizes and community.
How does tuition for private schools in the Queen Anne, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the schools serving Queen Anne varies by grade level and institution. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges approximately from $15,000 for lower grades at St. Anne's to over $30,000 for upper grades at Indian Creek and Gunston. Maryland offers some unique financial considerations: the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to use at private schools, including these. Additionally, all three schools have their own need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Queen Anne that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the Chesapeake Bay's cultural and ecological resources into their curricula. The Gunston School, with its direct waterfront access on the Corsica River, has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program, including marine biology, environmental science, and waterfront leadership. Indian Creek School emphasizes experiential learning with outdoor education and environmental stewardship projects. St. Anne's incorporates the local history of Annapolis and the Bay into its social studies and science units. This shared focus on place-based education is a distinctive feature of private schools in the Queen Anne area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Indian Creek, St. Anne's, and Gunston for a family in Queen Anne?
The admission process for these schools is competitive and follows an annual cycle. Key steps generally include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following fall, and completing student visits/assessments and parent interviews in the winter. Notification dates are typically in March. Given Queen Anne's semi-rural location, transportation is a key consideration; most families carpool, and some schools offer bus service from designated areas in Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's counties. Starting the process 12-18 months before desired enrollment is highly advised.
For a family in Queen Anne, how do the local public school options compare with the nearby private schools in terms of class size and specialized programming?
Queen Anne's County Public Schools (QACPS) serve the area, with schools like Centreville Middle and Queen Anne's County High School. The primary differences lie in scale and specialization. Public schools offer larger class sizes and a broad curriculum mandated by the state. The private options provide significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 8:1 or 10:1) and more individualized attention. For specialized interests like advanced STEM, intensive arts, or the Bay-focused programs mentioned earlier, the private schools can offer more depth and resources. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for a tailored educational environment versus the no-tuition model of public schools, considering the commute to either type of institution from Queen Anne.