The Best Private Schools in Royal Oak, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Royal Oak. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Country School
Independent
The Country School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Eastern Shore region, including Royal Oak families. With a 4.8/5 rating from parent reviews, the school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic rigor with character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic fields. Notable programs include their outdoor education curriculum, robust arts program, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school has deep roots in the community and is known for preparing students exceptionally well for secondary education.
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Radcliffe Creek School
Independent
Radcliffe Creek School serves students from across the Eastern Shore, including Royal Oak families, with a specialized focus on students who learn differently. With a 4.7/5 rating, the school is particularly noted for its expertise in supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges through multisensory teaching approaches. The school features a 13-acre campus with specialized learning spaces and maintains an 8:1 student-teacher ratio. Programs include one-on-one reading instruction using Orton-Gillingham methodology, occupational therapy integration, and comprehensive support services. Parents consistently report transformative educational experiences for their children.
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Saints Peter and Paul School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Saints Peter and Paul School is a Catholic private school serving Talbot County and surrounding areas including Royal Oak. With a 4.6/5 rating, the school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programming. The school features updated technology labs, a dedicated STEM program starting in elementary grades, and foreign language instruction. Parent reviews consistently praise the caring faculty, safe environment, and strong community values. The school maintains small class sizes and offers comprehensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Royal Oak, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Royal Oak, Maryland, and what educational approaches do they offer?
Royal Oak, MD, is served by a few notable private schools, each with distinct approaches. The Country School, located nearby in Easton, is a prominent independent Pre-K through 8th grade school known for its project-based learning and strong arts integration. Saints Peter and Paul School, a Catholic Pre-K through 8th grade school also in Easton, offers a faith-based education with a traditional academic structure. Radcliffe Creek School in nearby Chestertown specializes in serving bright students with learning differences through a personalized, multisensory curriculum. While Royal Oak itself is a small residential community, these schools in the immediate Mid-Shore region provide diverse options, from mainstream independent to specialized and parochial education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Royal Oak, MD, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Royal Oak area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000-$12,000 annually for parish-based Catholic schools to $20,000-$30,000 for independent schools like The Country School. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This can be a crucial financial resource for qualifying families in Royal Oak. Additionally, most private schools in Talbot and Kent Counties offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, so it's essential to inquire directly during the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools near Royal Oak, given its Chesapeake Bay location?
Private schools in the Royal Oak area leverage the unique environmental and cultural resources of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Many integrate Chesapeake Bay studies into their science curricula, with hands-on learning about marine biology, ecology, and conservation. Schools like The Country School often have outdoor education programs and partnerships with local environmental organizations. The region's strong artistic heritage also influences robust visual and performing arts programs. Furthermore, the proximity to historic towns like St. Michaels and Oxford allows for community-based learning and local history projects that are deeply tied to the Delmarva Peninsula, offering an educational experience you wouldn't find in an urban or suburban setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Royal Oak, Maryland families?
The enrollment timeline for private schools in the Royal Oak area generally follows an annual cycle. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid (like the BOOST program) often fall between January and February for admission the following fall. Many schools host open houses in the autumn (October-November). The process typically involves submitting an application, school records, teacher recommendations, and a student visit or assessment day. Given the limited seats, especially in lower grades at popular schools like The Country School, starting the process early is highly advised. For schools with rolling admission, it's still best to apply by the priority deadline to secure a spot, as the local pool of private schools is small and competitive.
For a family in Royal Oak, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (St. Michaels Middle High School district) and a private school?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. The St. Michaels public school district is well-regarded but serves a broader geographic area. A primary differentiator is class size; private schools near Royal Oak often have significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. Parents might choose a private school for a specific religious foundation (Saints Peter and Paul), a particular pedagogical approach like project-based learning (The Country School), or specialized support for learning differences (Radcliffe Creek). Conversely, the public school offers a tuition-free option with robust extracurriculars, including sailing and environmental science programs tied to the Bay. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools usually require personal transportation, while public schools provide busing for Royal Oak residents.
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