The Best Private Schools in Severna Park, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Severna Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Severn School
Independent
Severn School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1914, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Severn emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts. The school has a long tradition of academic achievement with graduates attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Indian Creek School
Independent
Indian Creek School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Severna Park in Crownsville, the school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. The 114-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Indian Creek is known for its innovative STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts curriculum. The school emphasizes global citizenship and community engagement, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention for each student.
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St. Mary's High School
Archdiocese of Baltimore
St. Mary's High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in nearby Annapolis, serving students from Severna Park and surrounding communities. Founded in 1860, the school combines rigorous academics with character formation in the Catholic tradition. The curriculum includes honors and AP courses, a comprehensive STEM academy, and robust fine arts programs. The historic campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, and athletic facilities. St. Mary's emphasizes service learning and leadership development, with a strong track record of college acceptance and academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Severna Park, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Severna Park, Maryland, and what are their key characteristics?
Severna Park is served by several prestigious private institutions, most notably Severn School (Pre-K through 12), Indian Creek School (Pre-K through 12, located in nearby Crownsville), and St. Mary's High School (9-12, in Annapolis). Severn School is known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum and strong waterfront programs on the Severn River. Indian Creek emphasizes a progressive, student-centered approach and a sprawling campus. St. Mary's is the only private, Catholic, co-ed high school in Southern Maryland, offering a values-based education. While Severna Park itself has limited on-campus private high schools, these top-tier schools draw heavily from the community due to proximity and reputation.
How does tuition for private schools in the Severna Park, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Severna Park corridor is significant, reflecting the high caliber of schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $30,000-$40,000 for upper school and $20,000-$30,000 for lower school. All major schools—Severn, Indian Creek, and St. Mary's—offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Maryland also has the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, a state-funded K-12 scholarship for eligible families to attend private schools, which can be a crucial resource for Severna Park residents. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Severna Park area that leverage the local environment?
Severna Park's location on the Chesapeake Bay watershed profoundly influences private school programs. Severn School's signature "River" program integrates Chesapeake Bay studies, sailing, rowing, and environmental science directly into its curriculum. Indian Creek School features a strong STEM focus with its "Creek 2 Bay" environmental initiative and partnerships with local tech firms. St. Mary's High School offers unique marine biology courses and internships tied to the Annapolis maritime community. These schools utilize the region's natural and technological resources far more extensively than a standard curriculum would allow.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland?
The admission process for top Severna Park-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For a fall start, the key timeline is: September-December (attend open houses and tours), January (application deadlines, including standardized testing like the ISEE or SSAT), January-February (student interviews and shadow days), and March (admission decisions released). Severn School and its peers often have waiting pools, especially for popular entry grades like Pre-K, 6th, and 9th. It is highly recommended that Severna Park families initiate the process at least 18 months before the desired enrollment date due to competitive demand.
For families in Severna Park, what are the main considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public school system and a local private school?
Severna Park is renowned for its excellent public schools, so the decision is nuanced. Private schools like Severn or Indian Creek often offer smaller class sizes (12-18 students vs. 25+ in public), specialized college counseling, distinct educational philosophies (e.g., project-based learning), and religious education (at St. Mary's). The public system provides a top-tier, tuition-free education with strong athletics and arts. The choice frequently hinges on a desire for a specific learning environment, a particular program (e.g., intensive arts or independent research), or values-based education. Many families consider the logistical and financial commitment of private tuition versus the convenience and community connection of the local public schools.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated K-12 Private Schools Near Severna Park, MD
As a parent in Severna Park, Maryland, beginning the search for “k 12 private schools near me” can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re not just looking for a school; you’re seeking a community and an educational partnership that will guide your child from their earliest learning years through to young adulthood. Fortunately, our area is rich with exceptional private institutions, each offering distinct pathways for academic and personal growth. Understanding the local landscape is the first step in finding the right fit for your family’s values and your child’s unique potential.
The concept of a continuous K-12 journey is a significant advantage offered by several schools in our community. This model provides remarkable consistency, allowing educators to develop a deep understanding of each student over time, fostering a stable and supportive environment free from the transitional hurdles of switching schools. In Severna Park, when you explore “k 12 private schools near me,” you’ll find options that embody this seamless approach. For instance, Indian Creek School, located just a short drive away in Crownsville, offers a cohesive Pre-K through 12th grade experience on one campus, emphasizing project-based learning and community engagement. This continuity can be incredibly reassuring, providing a stable academic home where lasting relationships are built with teachers and peers alike.
Of course, the definition of “near me” in Severna Park often includes a blend of our tight-knit community and the broader Anne Arundel County area. While we have renowned institutions like Severn School right here in our town, it’s important to consider the daily rhythm of your family’s life. Severn School, serving students in grades 6-12, is deeply woven into the fabric of our community, with its campus bordering the Severn River. Its rigorous college-preparatory environment and strong athletic traditions make it a cornerstone for many local families. Meanwhile, St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis offers a faith-based, co-educational option for grades 9-12, presenting a compelling choice for those seeking a values-centered education within a reasonable commute.
When researching “k 12 private schools near me,” practical considerations specific to Severna Park come into play. Traffic patterns on Ritchie Highway or College Parkway can influence commute times, making proximity a valuable asset. Many local families also value schools that complement our active, community-oriented lifestyle, with programs that leverage our natural setting near the Chesapeake Bay. Engaging with the school community is crucial; we recommend attending open houses, connecting with current parents at local spots like the Severna Park Community Center or the Farmers Market, and observing how each school’s philosophy aligns with your child’s learning style. The investment in private education here is not just in tuition, but in a partnership that nurtures resilient, curious, and compassionate individuals prepared for the world beyond our beautiful peninsula. Your search is the first step toward finding that perfect educational home where your child will thrive for years to come.
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