The Best Private Schools in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sparks Glencoe. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Preparatory School
Independent Catholic School
Notre Dame Preparatory School is a premier all-girls Catholic independent school located just minutes from Sparks Glencoe. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive AP course offerings, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and comprehensive arts programs. With small class sizes averaging 14 students, NDP provides personalized attention and strong faculty-student relationships. The campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and holistic education, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
Programs:
St. Paul's School
Independent School
St. Paul's School is a highly respected coeducational independent school serving the greater Baltimore area, including Sparks Glencoe. The school offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development. Their 120-acre campus features exceptional facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The curriculum includes extensive AP offerings, innovative STEM programs, and robust arts education. St. Paul's maintains small class sizes and emphasizes community values while preparing students for competitive college admissions. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence and extracurricular achievement.
Programs:
Calvert Hall College High School
Lasallian Catholic School
Calvert Hall College High School is a distinguished all-boys Catholic college preparatory school conveniently located to serve Sparks Glencoe families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with specialized tracks including STEM Academy, Business Institute, and extensive Advanced Placement courses. Calvert Hall features modern facilities including recently renovated science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes Lasallian values of faith, service, and community while maintaining strong academic standards. With a diverse student body and extensive extracurricular opportunities, Calvert Hall prepares students for college success and leadership roles, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Sparks Glencoe is situated in a region with several highly-regarded private institutions. The notable schools include Notre Dame Preparatory School (an all-girls school for grades 6-12), St. Paul's School (coeducational, Pre-K through grade 12, with separate Schools for Girls and Boys for grades K-8), and Calvert Hall College High School (an all-boys school for grades 9-12). While these schools have Sparks Glencoe mailing addresses, their campuses are part of the broader northern Baltimore County corridor, drawing students from across the region. For younger grades, families also often consider local Catholic parish schools and other independent schools in nearby Towson and Lutherville.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Sparks Glencoe, MD area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Sparks Glencoe area is competitive with top-tier private schools in Maryland. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000 annually. All three major schools—Notre Dame Prep, St. Paul's, and Calvert Hall—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, a state-funded K-12 scholarship for eligible families choosing nonpublic schools, which can significantly offset costs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are typically in early winter.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools in the Sparks Glencoe corridor?
Schools in this area are known for distinctive strengths. Notre Dame Prep emphasizes women's leadership and STEM, with a renowned Engineering Institute. St. Paul's School offers a comprehensive Pre-K-12 continuum on a single campus, with notable programs in global studies, robotics, and a strong arts conservatory. Calvert Hall is recognized for its Lasallian character education, a nationally competitive robotics team (The CHC Cardinal Robotics), and extensive college preparatory support. All three schools leverage their proximity to Baltimore for internships, cultural partnerships, and community service opportunities not commonly found in more isolated suburban settings.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland?
The process is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For 9th-grade admission, families should attend open houses in the fall of their child's 7th or 8th-grade year (typically September-November). Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-December. Required components often include a completed application, transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the HSPT or SSAT), and a student interview. Admissions decisions are typically released in mid-to-late February. For younger grades at schools like St. Paul's, the process is similar but may have earlier deadlines for limited Pre-K and Kindergarten seats.
For families in Sparks Glencoe, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school option (Hereford High School zone) with the area's private schools?
The key comparison is between Hereford High School (part of the highly-rated Baltimore County Public Schools system known for its environmental/agricultural science magnet) and the private offerings. Considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools offer a specific mission (e.g., single-gender, religious foundation) and often smaller average class sizes. **Resources:** Private schools may have more specialized facilities and endowments funding specific programs. **Community:** Hereford provides a strong, geographically consolidated community, while private schools offer a regionally-drawn, often more socio-economically diverse network. **Logistics:** Hereford involves no tuition, while private schools require a significant financial investment, though with potential aid. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks the specialized identity and tailored college-prep focus of a private institution versus the well-supported, comprehensive public experience.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities