The Best Private Schools in Riverdale, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Riverdale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Academy of the Holy Cross
Independent Catholic College Preparatory School
The Academy of the Holy Cross is a highly-regarded independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women. Located just minutes from Riverdale, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and extensive arts and athletics programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development.
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DeMatha Catholic High School
St. Jerome's Parish/Archdiocese of Washington
DeMatha Catholic High School is a premier all-boys college preparatory school located adjacent to Riverdale in Hyattsville. Renowned for both academic excellence and athletic achievement, DeMatha offers a comprehensive curriculum including 21 Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM programs, and extensive arts offerings. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and features modern facilities including recently renovated science labs, a performing arts center, and championship-caliber athletic facilities. DeMatha consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Jerome Academy
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
St. Jerome Academy is a highly-rated Catholic elementary and middle school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade. Located in nearby Hyattsville, the school offers a classical education model rooted in Catholic tradition while incorporating modern STEM and technology education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong community atmosphere. Facilities include updated classrooms, a chapel, library, and outdoor play areas. St. Jerome Academy prepares students for success in area high schools with a focus on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Riverdale, Maryland
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Riverdale, Maryland, and how do they differ?
Riverdale, MD, offers a concentrated selection of prestigious private schools, primarily faith-based and college-preparatory institutions. The notable schools like The Academy of the Holy Cross (all-girls), DeMatha Catholic High School (all-boys), and St. Jerome Academy (co-ed elementary) are all Catholic-affiliated, emphasizing rigorous academics within a values-based framework. Unlike some larger metro areas, Riverdale does not have a significant number of secular independent day schools. This means families seeking a private education here are typically looking at parochial models with strong athletic and arts programs, particularly at the high school level, and a close-knit community feel.
How does tuition for private schools in Riverdale, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for Riverdale's top private schools is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education, reflecting their reputation and facilities. For the 2023-2024 academic year, high school tuition at DeMatha and Holy Cross ranges from approximately $20,000 to $25,000. St. Jerome Academy, as an elementary school, is somewhat lower. Critically, these schools actively offer need-based financial aid, and many Maryland families utilize the **BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship**, a state-funded program for eligible students attending nonpublic schools. It's essential to apply for financial aid directly through the school's portal (like FACTS) and investigate BOOST eligibility as key steps in managing costs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like DeMatha and Holy Cross in Riverdale?
The enrollment process for Riverdale's premier Catholic high schools is highly structured and begins early. Prospective students for 9th grade typically must take a placement exam (like the HSPT) in the fall or winter of their 8th-grade year, often by December or January. Application deadlines are usually in early winter, with acceptance notifications sent by February or March. The process heavily emphasizes academic records, standardized test scores, recommendations, and often a personal interview. For schools like DeMatha, athletic recruitment for certain sports can also be an early factor. We strongly advise contacting the admissions office the spring before the application year to attend open houses and ensure you meet all deadlines.
Beyond religious education, what specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish private schools in Riverdale?
Riverdale's private schools leverage their proximity to Washington, D.C., to offer unique programs. The Academy of the Holy Cross features a comprehensive STEM program and a renowned Global Education program with international travel and exchanges. DeMatha Catholic is nationally recognized for its athletics, but also boasts strong programs in broadcasting (WDMC radio/TV), engineering, and a vast array of AP courses. St. Jerome Academy follows a classical liberal arts "Great Books" curriculum, which is distinctive in the area. All these schools provide robust service-learning requirements, tapping into the region's numerous cultural, governmental, and nonprofit institutions for internships and projects.
For a family living in Riverdale, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (in Prince George's County) to the area's private schools?
The key considerations involve class size, curriculum focus, and resources. Prince George's County Public Schools are large and diverse, but some parents seek smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, which Riverdale's private schools provide (often with student-teacher ratios below 15:1). Academically, the private options offer a structured, college-prep trajectory with mandatory religious studies, while public schools follow the Maryland state curriculum. Extracurricularly, while large public schools may offer more variety, private schools like DeMatha offer elite-level athletic training. Financially, it's a direct comparison between tuition costs and the tax-funded public system. Many Riverdale families value the specific community, tradition, and disciplinary environment of the local Catholic schools as deciding factors.
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