The Best Private Schools in Saint James, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint James. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mercersburg Academy
Independent Boarding School
Located approximately 25 miles from Saint James in neighboring Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy is a prestigious independent college preparatory boarding and day school. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing exceptional academic opportunities. The 300-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts venues, athletic complexes, and historic architecture. With a diverse student body and exceptional faculty, the school emphasizes global education, character development, and leadership. The school maintains an impressive college placement record and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Saint James School
Independent Episcopal School
Saint James School is an independent Episcopal college preparatory school offering both day and boarding programs. Founded in 1842, it's one of Maryland's oldest private schools with a distinguished academic tradition. The school features a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, small class sizes averaging 10:1 student-teacher ratio, and comprehensive arts and athletic programs. The 800-acre campus includes historic buildings, modern academic facilities, athletic fields, and boarding accommodations. The school emphasizes character development, leadership, and community service alongside academic excellence.
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St. Maria Goretti High School
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Located approximately 15 miles from Saint James, St. Maria Goretti High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with honors and Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM initiatives, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. With a focus on faith-based education and academic rigor, the school maintains high college acceptance rates and emphasizes community involvement and service learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint James, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available in or near Saint James, Maryland, and what distinguishes them?
Saint James, MD, is home to the prestigious Saint James School, a historic Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 8-12 known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum and strong emphasis on character and leadership. Nearby in Hagerstown, you'll find St. Maria Goretti High School, a Catholic co-ed school offering a faith-based education. A short drive into Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy is a highly selective independent boarding school that also accepts day students, renowned for its global perspective and exceptional facilities. This cluster provides a range of religious affiliations, boarding options, and academic intensities within a compact geographic area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Saint James, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in this region varies significantly by school type and boarding status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Saint James School is approximately $30,000-$35,000, while St. Maria Goretti High School is typically lower, around $15,000-$18,000. Mercersburg Academy's day tuition is comparable to Saint James School. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland residents should explore the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to use at participating private schools, including some in this area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Saint James, Maryland, area?
Schools here leverage their unique settings and histories. Saint James School features a distinctive "School of Rhetoric" program for seniors, a strong engineering track, and extensive equestrian programs utilizing its rural campus. St. Maria Goretti High School offers dual-enrollment courses with local colleges like Mount St. Mary's University and a dedicated STEM Institute. Mercersburg Academy provides an immersive global studies program with extensive travel opportunities and a renowned arts conservatory. The proximity to historical sites like Antietam and the Appalachian Trail also influences outdoor education and history programs across these schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Saint James School in this region?
The admission process for competitive schools like Saint James School and Mercersburg Academy begins 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in fall), submitting applications by January/February for the following academic year, completing standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), and participating in student interviews and campus visits. St. Maria Goretti may have more rolling admission but encourages early application. For boarding spots at Saint James or Mercersburg, applying early is crucial due to limited space. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently with admission applications.
For families in Saint James, how do the local private school options compare to the public schools in Washington County?
The decision often hinges on class size, specialization, and environment. Washington County Public Schools offer a standard curriculum with larger class sizes. In contrast, private options provide significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios (e.g., 6:1 at Saint James School), allowing for highly personalized attention. The private schools offer more consistent college preparatory tracks, structured environments (including boarding), and distinct philosophical foundations (Episcopal, Catholic, independent). However, they come at a high financial cost. For families in Saint James seeking a rigorous, close-knit academic community with extensive resources, the local private schools present a compelling alternative, though the public schools provide a solid, tuition-free education.
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