The Best Private Schools in Sandy Spring, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sandy Spring. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Georgetown Preparatory School
Independent Jesuit School
As the nation's oldest Jesuit school and only all-boys Jesuit boarding school, Georgetown Prep serves the Sandy Spring area from its North Bethesda campus. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. The 93-acre campus includes state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic complexes, and residential facilities. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Georgetown Prep provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college matriculation rate to prestigious universities. The school's Jesuit tradition emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to others, making it one of the most respected private schools in the region.
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Sandy Spring Friends School
Independent Quaker School
Sandy Spring Friends School is a prestigious Quaker institution offering a comprehensive college preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a 140-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its rigorous academic program and commitment to Quaker values, the school emphasizes community, integrity, and social responsibility. The Upper School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. The school's diverse student body and emphasis on global citizenship make it a standout choice in the region.
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Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Archdiocese of Washington
Located just minutes from Sandy Spring in Wheaton, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9-12. The school boasts a comprehensive academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, a robust STEM academy, and competitive athletic programs. The 52-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong commitment to faith-based education and academic excellence, Good Counsel maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and prepares students for success in higher education and beyond through its rigorous curriculum and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sandy Spring, Maryland
What are the defining characteristics of the top private schools in Sandy Spring, MD, and how do they differ from each other?
The leading private schools in Sandy Spring each have a distinct identity. **Sandy Spring Friends School** (Pre-K-12) is a Quaker institution emphasizing community, social justice, and experiential learning within a 140-acre campus. **Our Lady of Good Counsel High School** (9-12) is a Catholic, co-ed college-preparatory school known for its strong athletics and broad AP curriculum. **Georgetown Preparatory School** (9-12) in North Bethesda, often considered part of the greater Sandy Spring area, is the nation's only all-boys Jesuit boarding school, offering a rigorous classical education and a residential program. This diversity means parents in Sandy Spring can choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, single-gender vs. co-ed environments, and boarding options.
How does the tuition for private schools in Sandy Spring, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Sandy Spring's premier private schools is generally at or above the Maryland state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day tuition ranges from approximately $40,000 to $55,000, with boarding adding significantly more. All three major schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Maryland also offers the **Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship**, a state-funded voucher program for eligible families earning up to certain income thresholds, which can be applied at participating private schools like Our Lady of Good Counsel. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in the Sandy Spring area?
The process for schools like Good Counsel and Georgetown Prep is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should attend open houses in the fall (September-November) of the student's 8th-grade year. Application deadlines are typically in early to mid-January for the following fall. Requirements almost always include standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, transcripts, a student essay, and a family interview. Admissions decisions are released in March. For Sandy Spring Friends School, which runs from Pre-K through 12th, the timeline is similar for high school, but entry points in lower and middle school grades may have different availability and processes.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by Sandy Spring private schools that leverage their local environment or affiliations?
Yes, several programs are distinctive to the area. **Sandy Spring Friends School** utilizes its extensive rural campus for its **Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Service**, featuring sustainable agriculture programs and outdoor education. Its Quaker affiliation underpins a globally-oriented **Peace and Social Justice** curriculum. **Georgetown Prep's** Jesuit network provides exceptional **global immersion trips** and a renowned classics program. **Our Lady of Good Counsel** leverages its location in the D.C. metro area for strong **STEM partnerships** and a comprehensive **Entrepreneurship Institute**. All benefit from proximity to Washington, D.C., for internships, cultural trips, and academic resources.
For families considering both public and private options in Sandy Spring, what are the key factors in the local context that might influence their decision?
The key local factors include district boundaries, academic specialization, and community environment. Sandy Spring is served by the high-achieving **Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)**, specifically schools like Sherwood High School. The decision often hinges on: 1) **Class Size**: Private schools offer smaller classes (10-15 students) versus larger MCPS classrooms. 2) **Specialized Focus**: Private schools offer specific religious, pedagogical (e.g., Quaker, Jesuit), or intensive college-prep environments that MCPS, by design, does not. 3) **Transportation**: MCPS provides busing, while private schools often require carpooling or fee-based bus services. 4) **Continuity**: Private schools like Sandy Spring Friends offer a single-campus Pre-K-12 experience, whereas MCPS involves transitions between elementary, middle, and high schools.