The Best Private Schools in Severn, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Severn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chesapeake Academy
Independent
Chesapeake Academy is an independent private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Severn and surrounding communities. The school combines Montessori principles with traditional academic excellence, offering small class sizes and individualized learning paths. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school offers extensive enrichment programs in music, art, foreign language, and technology, along with competitive sports teams and community service opportunities for older students.
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Severn School
Independent
Severn School is a prestigious independent day school serving students in grades 6-12, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence in the Severn area. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses and unique programs like marine science utilizing their waterfront location. The 22-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and performing arts centers. Severn emphasizes character education and leadership development through advisory programs and community service. The school maintains a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers robust athletic programs with 45 teams across 16 sports, along with extensive arts and extracurricular opportunities.
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Archbishop Spalding High School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Archbishop Spalding High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, Global Studies, and Entrepreneurship. The 52-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and has a 99% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include 26 varsity sports, robotics team, and numerous clubs and service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Severn, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Severn, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Severn, MD, is home to several notable private institutions, each with distinct offerings. **Severn School** is a prominent coeducational, college-preparatory day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade on its two campuses. **Archbishop Spalding High School** in Severn is a Catholic, coeducational school for grades 9-12, drawing students from across Anne Arundel County. While **Chesapeake Academy** is often associated with the area, it's important to note its main campus is in Arnold, MD; however, it serves many Severn families in its preschool and lower school programs. For younger children, there are also several private preschools and Montessori schools within the Severn community.
How does the tuition for private schools in Severn, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Severn's private schools is generally at or above the Maryland state average for similar institutions, reflecting their competitive programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect high school tuition at schools like Severn School and Archbishop Spalding to range from approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Importantly, Maryland offers the **Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program**, a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Most Severn-area private schools actively participate in BOOST and also offer their own need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Severn area?
Private schools in Severn leverage their proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, and Washington D.C. to create distinctive programs. **Severn School** has a renowned **River Program** focused on environmental science and leadership on the Severn River, alongside strong engineering and sailing teams. **Archbishop Spalding High School** emphasizes its **STEM signature program** and boasts a nationally recognized athletics program, particularly in basketball and baseball, competing in the MIAA A Conference. Many schools also integrate leadership and ethical education rooted in their founding principles, with Spalding offering a Catholic-centered education and Severn School focusing on honor and character. This region's focus on maritime, government, and technology influences many course offerings and internships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Severn School and Archbishop Spalding in Severn, MD?
The enrollment process for Severn's top private high schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The key timeline is as follows: **Open Houses** typically occur in the fall (September-November) for admission the following academic year. **Application deadlines** are usually in early to mid-January. This includes submitting standardized test scores (like the HSPT for Spalding or ISEE/SSAT for Severn School), transcripts, recommendations, and often a student interview and essay. **Admission decisions** are released in March, with a family reply deadline in April. For **Archbishop Spalding**, priority is given to students from partner Catholic elementary schools, but spaces are available for the broader community. We strongly recommend attending fall open houses and initiating the financial aid application (like SSS) simultaneously with the admission application.
For families considering both public and private options, what are the key factors that differentiate the educational experience in Severn's private schools from the highly-rated Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS)?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. While AACPS schools like **Old Mill High School** are well-regarded, Severn's private schools offer significantly smaller average class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25+), allowing for more personalized attention. The private schools provide a consistent, mission-driven culture from elementary through high school, whereas public school assignments are based on geographic zones. Private schools also have more flexibility in curriculum design, leading to specialized signature programs (e.g., River Program, STEM focus) and potentially more advanced or niche course offerings. Furthermore, private schools in Severn typically have more extensive extracurricular and athletic requirements/opportunities, fostering a particular community ethos. The trade-off, of course, is the substantial tuition cost versus the free public option.
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