The Best Private Schools in Spencerville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Spencerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Georgetown Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Georgetown Prep is the nation's oldest Jesuit boarding and day school, offering a rigorous college preparatory education for boys in grades 9-12. Located just 15 minutes from Spencerville, the school features a 93-acre campus with state-of-the-art academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and renowned faculty. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship through advanced placement courses, international study programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams and performing arts.
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Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Stone Ridge is an independent Catholic school for girls in grades PK-12, located approximately 20 minutes from Spencerville. The school follows the Sacred Heart educational tradition focusing on faith, intellectual values, social awareness, and personal growth. The 35-acre campus features modern science labs, innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Academic programs include advanced placement courses, engineering and robotics programs, and extensive community service opportunities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Sandy Spring Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Located just 15 minutes from Spencerville, Sandy Spring Friends School serves students from preschool through 12th grade on a scenic 140-acre campus. The school's Quaker philosophy emphasizes community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution while offering rigorous academics including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for upper school students. The campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Unique programs include global travel opportunities, entrepreneurship initiatives, and a comprehensive outdoor education program that utilizes the school's extensive natural surroundings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Spencerville, Maryland
What are the top private school options for families living in Spencerville, MD, and what are their educational philosophies?
Spencerville, MD, is situated in a region with several highly-regarded private schools. The most prominent include Georgetown Preparatory School (an all-boys Jesuit college preparatory school), Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (an all-girls school following the Goals of Sacred Heart education), and Sandy Spring Friends School (a co-educational Quaker school emphasizing community, simplicity, and peace). While these schools are in nearby towns like North Bethesda, Bethesda, and Sandy Spring, they are primary options for Spencerville residents. Each offers a distinct philosophy—Jesuit, Sacred Heart, and Quaker—providing families with choices based on values, single-gender or co-ed preferences, and rigorous academic preparation.
How does tuition for private schools near Spencerville, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools serving Spencerville families is significant, reflecting their national reputations and extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $40,000 to $60,000+ for day students. Georgetown Prep, Stone Ridge, and Sandy Spring Friends all offer robust need-based financial aid programs, with many families receiving grants that substantially reduce the cost. Maryland also has the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, which provides state-funded scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools, an important local financial consideration for qualifying Spencerville residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Spencerville, MD, area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools near Spencerville leverage their campuses and proximity to Washington, D.C., for unique programs. Sandy Spring Friends School utilizes its 140-acre rural campus for environmental science and sustainability initiatives. Georgetown Prep’s location offers unparalleled access to Washington for its renowned Senior Internship Program in government, non-profits, and media. Stone Ridge features a comprehensive STEM program and a global exchange network through the Sacred Heart network. Additionally, all schools have strong athletics competing in the Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) or similar leagues, and arts programs that often include collaborations with D.C. institutions like the Kennedy Center.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Spencerville, MD, region?
The enrollment process for top schools like Georgetown Prep, Stone Ridge, and Sandy Spring Friends is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, applications are typically due in early to mid-January (often January 10-15). The process includes submitting standardized test scores (ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, a parent statement, and a student interview/visit. Admissions decisions are released in mid-March. Given the competitive nature, families in Spencerville are advised to start researching schools and attending open houses in the spring or fall prior to the application year. Sibling and legacy applicants may have slightly different timelines.
For Spencerville residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system (Montgomery County Public Schools) with area private schools?
Spencerville is zoned for the highly-ranked Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), such as Sherwood High School. Key considerations when comparing include: class size (private schools often have 12-15 students per class vs. larger public school classes), educational philosophy (religious or values-based vs. secular), and specialized programs. MCPS offers diverse magnet and IB programs, while private schools offer mission-driven, holistic education with often greater resources per student. Transportation is a major factor—MCPS provides busing, while private schools may require carpooling or private bus services. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific community ethos, religious education, or a particular pedagogical approach not fully available in the public system.
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