The Best Private Schools in Riva, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Riva. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Martin's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Martin's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located just minutes from Riva. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The curriculum includes robust STEM programs, comprehensive language arts, and dedicated music and arts education. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent satisfaction ratings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction. The school community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Severn School
Independent
Severn School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the Riva area with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics programs, and extensive arts offerings. With state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, Severn provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Parent and alumni satisfaction is exceptionally high, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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Key School
Independent
The Key School is an acclaimed independent school located in Annapolis, serving families in the Riva area with its innovative International Baccalaureate program. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and global perspectives across all grade levels. Key School's campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, dedicated arts spaces, and science laboratories. The school is particularly noted for its strong arts integration and commitment to community service. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, Key School provides a challenging yet supportive educational environment that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Riva, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Riva, Maryland?
Riva itself is a small, unincorporated community, so families typically look to the broader Annapolis and Anne Arundel County area. The most prominent local options include St. Martin's Lutheran School (a private Christian school in Annapolis), Severn School (a prestigious K-12 independent school in Severna Park), and Key School (a progressive, independent school in Annapolis). Additionally, families in Riva often consider schools in nearby Arnold, Edgewater, and even have access to private options in the greater Baltimore and Washington, D.C., corridors. The choice often depends on educational philosophy, commute, and grade level needs.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Riva, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Riva/Annapolis area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Severn School and Key School have tuition ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+ for upper grades, while St. Martin's Lutheran School is often more moderate. Maryland has several financial aid resources, including the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides scholarships for eligible students to attend nonpublic schools. Most independent schools also offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school's financial aid service (like SSS) and investigate BOOST eligibility early in the application cycle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Riva, Maryland?
Private schools in this region leverage their proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, state capital, and major cities. Severn School has a renowned River Program focusing on environmental science and leadership on the Severn River. Key School emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning and a strong arts curriculum. St. Martin's Lutheran offers a faith-based education with a focus on community service. Many schools also have robust sailing, rowing, and marine biology programs due to the waterfront location, as well as strong connections for internships in Annapolis's government, legal, and maritime sectors.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Riva, Maryland?
The timeline for schools like Severn and Key is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. The process typically starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in early to mid-January. Required steps usually include submitting an application, teacher recommendations, school records, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and a family/student interview. Admissions decisions are commonly released in March for the following academic year. For schools like St. Martin's, the process may be more rolling but still benefits from early inquiry. Given the competitive nature, starting the process in the fall of the year before desired entry is critical for Riva-area families.
For families in Riva, what are the key considerations when choosing between the high-performing public schools in Anne Arundel County and local private schools?
This is a significant decision for Riva residents, who are zoned for highly-regarded Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), such as South River High School. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (e.g., International Baccalaureate at Key, AP/advanced tracks at Severn), and distinct missions (religious, progressive, college-prep). **Consistency and Focus:** Private schools provide a consistent educational environment from K-12, whereas public school assignments in Riva can change with redistricting. **Logistics and Cost:** Public schools offer a tuition-free option with extensive resources, but private schools require a major financial investment for perceived added value in community, facilities, and individualized attention. Many families base their choice on the specific needs of their child, desired community ethos, and the value placed on specialized programs not as readily available in the public system.
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