The Best Private Schools in Savage, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Savage. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Banner School
Independent
The Banner School serves families throughout the greater Baltimore-Washington corridor, including Savage residents. This independent school offers a progressive education for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, focusing on developing critical thinking skills and creativity. The curriculum integrates arts and technology throughout all subject areas, with specialized programs in music, visual arts, and STEM. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Banner emphasizes small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong sense of community, with many graduates attending top regional high schools.
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Glenelg Country School
Independent
Glenelg Country School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from Savage, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Glenelg emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. The school maintains a diverse community and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, robotics, and community service programs.
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Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy operates multiple campuses throughout Howard County, serving families from Savage and surrounding communities. The school offers programs from infant care through elementary school, featuring a Montessori-inspired approach that encourages independent learning and exploration. The curriculum includes Spanish language immersion starting in preschool, comprehensive STEAM programs, and character education. Facilities include modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and specialized learning spaces for art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong parent community, with many families commuting from Savage for the quality educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Savage, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Savage, Maryland, and what are their key characteristics?
While Savage itself is a small census-designated place, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Howard County area. The top options include **Glenelg Country School** (Pre-K-12, college preparatory with a strong arts and athletics program), **The Banner School** (Pre-K-8 in Frederick, known for its progressive, project-based learning), and **Columbia Academy** (infant-8th grade, with multiple campuses emphasizing early childhood and elementary education). It's important to note that these schools are located in nearby towns like Ellicott City, Frederick, and Columbia, meaning commuting is a standard consideration for Savage residents. Many families also consider private schools in the broader Baltimore-Washington corridor.
How does tuition for private schools near Savage, MD, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Savage/Howard County region is generally at or above the Maryland state average due to the area's high cost of living and the schools' reputations. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $25,000-$35,000+ for upper grades at a school like Glenelg Country School. Elementary grades at institutions like Columbia Academy often start in the mid-teens. Most Maryland private schools, including these, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited. Additionally, Maryland offers the **Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program**, a state-funded voucher for eligible families to use at participating private schools, which can significantly offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Savage offer that leverage the local Maryland environment?
Private schools in this region often integrate Maryland's rich history, proximity to government and biotechnology hubs, and natural Chesapeake Bay watershed into their curricula. **Glenelg Country School**, for instance, may offer environmental science programs utilizing local parks like the Savage Park or the Patuxent River. Schools capitalize on their location between Baltimore and Washington D.C. with specialized STEM partnerships, political science internships, and frequent field trips to museums, NASA Goddard, and the National Aquarium. Furthermore, schools like **The Banner School** emphasize hands-on learning that can include local agricultural studies or Maryland history projects, providing a context-specific education that public schools may not have the flexibility to offer as deeply.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Savage, MD, families?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in this area is structured and often begins over a year in advance. A standard timeline starts with open houses in the early fall (September-October) for admission the following academic year. Application deadlines are typically between January and February, with required components including student assessments/visits, parent interviews, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Notification dates are usually in March. Given the limited seats and the draw from a wide geographic area including Savage, Columbia, and Ellicott City, it is highly advisable to start the process early. Many schools also have waitlists, so prompt response to acceptance offers is critical.
For a family in Savage comparing local public schools (like Bollman Bridge Elementary or Patuxent Valley Middle) to private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this community?
The key decision factors for Savage families often revolve around class size, curricular focus, and commute. Howard County Public Schools are highly ranked nationally, but private options offer smaller class ratios (e.g., 8:1 vs. 25:1) and specialized pedagogies (Montessori, progressive, or classical). For parents working in D.C. or Baltimore, a private school with extended day programs may align better with a commute. Furthermore, while Savage's public schools are part of a large system, private schools offer a distinct community identity and often more flexibility in advanced coursework or learning support. The decision frequently comes down to whether the investment in tuition and commute provides a specific educational philosophy or community environment not found in the excellent, but standardized, public system.
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