The Best Private Schools in Shady Side, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shady Side. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Key School
The Key School
The Key School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Shady Side, it offers a rigorous academic program with both IB and AP options. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Known for its diverse community and strong college preparatory program, Key School emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship. The waterfront campus provides unique marine science and environmental education opportunities relevant to the Chesapeake Bay region.
Programs:
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-school through 12th grade. Located about 20 miles from Shady Side, the school offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic rigor with extensive arts and athletics programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. Indian Creek is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong sense of community. The school emphasizes character education and leadership development alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
St. Mary's Elementary School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
St. Mary's Elementary School provides Catholic education for students from pre-K through 8th grade. Located approximately 25 miles from Shady Side, the school offers a faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals. The curriculum includes religion classes alongside core subjects, with additional programs in Spanish, technology, and STEM. The school features modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground facilities. St. Mary's emphasizes character development, community service, and family involvement, creating a supportive learning environment with a strong track record of preparing students for high school success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shady Side, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Shady Side, Maryland, and what are their educational approaches?
Shady Side, MD, is served by several notable private schools, though many are located in nearby communities. The Key School in Annapolis (approximately 12 miles away) is a prominent Pre-K through 12 independent school known for its progressive, student-centered curriculum and strong arts and athletics. Indian Creek School in Crownsville (about 10 miles away) offers a co-ed, college-preparatory education from Pre-K to 12th grade with a focus on community and character. St. Mary's Elementary School in Annapolis is a Catholic school offering Pre-K through 8th grade education with faith-based values. For Shady Side residents, these schools are common choices, but transportation is a key consideration given the commute.
How does tuition at private schools near Shady Side, MD, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Maryland families?
Tuition in the Annapolis-area private schools serving Shady Side varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $25,000 - $40,000+ for upper schools at institutions like The Key School and Indian Creek School. Elementary grades at these schools and at St. Mary's are typically lower but still substantial. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland residents should explore the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools, which can be a crucial resource for qualifying families in Shady Side.
Given Shady Side's coastal location, do any local private schools offer specialized programs in marine or environmental science?
Yes, Shady Side's unique setting on the Chesapeake Bay influences local educational offerings. The Key School has a strong environmental science program and utilizes its proximity to the Bay for experiential learning. More directly, the nearby Chesapeake Bay is a living laboratory for many schools. Indian Creek School emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and often incorporates environmental stewardship into its curriculum. While no school in the immediate Shady Side village has a dedicated marine science high school program, the location means field trips and project-based learning related to ecology, aquaculture, and conservation are common features in the science curricula of these area private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Indian Creek or The Key School for a family residing in Shady Side?
The enrollment process for top-tier private schools near Shady Side is highly competitive and begins early. For fall admission, the process typically starts in the preceding August or September with open houses and inquiry forms. Application deadlines are often in January for the following academic year. The process includes submitting an application, standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT for middle/upper schools), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Shady Side families, it's important to factor in travel time for visits and interviews to Annapolis or Crownsville. We strongly recommend initiating contact with admissions offices 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry-grade levels.
How do the private school options near Shady Side compare to the highly-rated public schools in Anne Arundel County?
This is a key consideration for Shady Side families. Students in Shady Side are zoned for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, which include well-regarded schools like Southern High School. The choice often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific programs. Private schools like The Key School and Indian Creek offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, and distinct curricular philosophies (progressive vs. traditional college-prep). They may also offer more robust arts, athletics, and extracurriculars relative to their size. Public schools provide a tuition-free option with diverse populations and strong Advanced Placement programs. For many Shady Side parents, the decision involves weighing the commute and financial investment against the desire for a specific educational environment and community.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities