The Best Private Schools in Solomons, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Solomons. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Calverton School
The Calverton School
The Calverton School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving Southern Maryland, including the Solomons area. Founded in 1975, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Calverton emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses. The school's STEM program is particularly strong, complemented by robust arts and athletics offerings. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory high school serving students throughout Southern Maryland, including those from Solomons. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, Global Studies, and Leadership. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. As a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School, St. Mary's Ryken emphasizes faith-based education, character development, and service learning. The school has strong college acceptance rates and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and clubs.
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Annapolis Area Christian School - Lower School
Annapolis Area Christian School
Annapolis Area Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school that serves families throughout the broader region, including those willing to commute from Solomons. The Lower School campus provides education from early childhood through elementary grades with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated science and technology labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. AACS emphasizes academic excellence integrated with biblical worldview, offering strong foundational programs in literacy, mathematics, and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and has earned recognition for its strong parent community and comprehensive educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Solomons, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Solomons, Maryland?
While Solomons itself is a small community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Calvert and St. Mary's County area. The most prominent include The Calverton School (Huntingtown, MD), a Pre-K through 12 independent school; St. Mary's Ryken High School (Leonardtown, MD), a Catholic, co-ed college preparatory high school; and Annapolis Area Christian School - Lower School (Arnold, MD), which is a longer commute. Many Solomons families also consider schools in the greater Southern Maryland region. It's important to note that transportation to these schools is typically the family's responsibility, which is a key logistical consideration for Solomons residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Solomons, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Solomons area is generally competitive with statewide Maryland averages but varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for lower schools to $18,000-$25,000 for high schools like St. Mary's Ryken and The Calverton School. Maryland offers several state-funded financial aid programs that Solomons residents can utilize, most notably the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship, which provides vouchers for eligible families to attend private schools. Additionally, most individual schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Solomons offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Several private schools in the Solomons area integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem into their curricula, providing a distinctive educational advantage. The Calverton School, for instance, has a strong environmental science program and utilizes its proximity to the Bay for hands-on field studies and stewardship projects. St. Mary's Ryken High School offers a renowned Sailing program that trains on the local waterways. This regional focus allows students to engage in marine biology, environmental research, and maritime activities in a way that most inland schools cannot replicate, connecting their education directly to the community and environment of Southern Maryland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Solomons, MD, families?
The enrollment process for schools like The Calverton School and St. Mary's Ryken typically begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include attending an open house (often held in the fall), submitting an application with fees, providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and completing a student interview or assessment. For Catholic schools like St. Mary's Ryken, parish verification may be required for parishioner tuition rates. Given the limited seats and the fact these schools draw from a wide region, Solomons families are advised to start the process early, ideally a full year in advance, to secure placement.
For a family in Solomons, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local Calvert County Public Schools and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on several Solomons-specific factors. Calvert County Public Schools are highly rated in Maryland, offering a strong, tuition-free education at nearby schools like Patuxent Elementary and Mill Creek Middle. Choosing a private school often involves a commitment to a longer daily commute (20-45 minutes) for a specific educational approach, such as The Calverton's independent, project-based learning or St. Mary's Ryken's faith-based college prep. Private schools may offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like the Bay-focused curricula), and a particular community ethos. The cost, commute logistics, and alignment with family values for education and community are the primary differentiators for Solomons residents.
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