The Best Private Schools in Stevenson, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stevenson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The McDonogh School
Independent
The McDonogh School is a premier independent day school located just minutes from Stevenson, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. With a 148-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum enhanced by outstanding arts, athletics, and character education programs. The 800-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. McDonogh emphasizes ethical leadership and community service while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and is known for its strong parent community and comprehensive student support services.
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Gilman School
Independent
Gilman School is a highly respected all-boys independent school serving the greater Baltimore area, including Stevenson families. Founded in 1897, Gilman offers a challenging academic program from pre-primary through grade 12 with a strong emphasis on character development and leadership. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and robust arts and athletics programs. The 68-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, arts centers, and athletic facilities. Gilman maintains a strong college counseling program and consistently places graduates in selective colleges and universities. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and alumni network.
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Roland Park Country School
Independent
Roland Park Country School is a distinguished independent school for girls serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with many families commuting from Stevenson. The school offers a rigorous academic program with particular strengths in STEM education, leadership development, and global studies. RPCS features state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, science centers, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes empowering young women through challenging academics, character education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a 21-acre campus in Baltimore's northern neighborhoods, RPCS provides a supportive environment that prepares students for success in college and beyond, maintaining strong college placement records and active alumni engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stevenson, Maryland
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Stevenson, MD, and are there transportation services available?
Stevenson itself is a small, primarily residential community, so most top-tier private schools are located in the greater Baltimore area but are accessible to Stevenson families. The most prominent include The McDonogh School (in Owings Mills, ~15 min drive), Gilman School (in Baltimore, ~25 min drive), and Roland Park Country School (in Baltimore, ~25 min drive). These schools are considered among the best in the state. Most provide extensive bus or van transportation routes that serve Stevenson and surrounding Baltimore County communities, which is a critical factor for daily logistics. Exploring each school's specific transportation map is a key step in the decision process.
How does tuition at leading private schools near Stevenson, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Maryland state programs?
Tuition for the top K-12 day schools in the Baltimore area is significant, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to $35,000+ per year. While Maryland does not have a voucher or tax-credit scholarship program as expansive as some states, it does offer the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program. This state-funded program provides scholarships for eligible K-12 students to attend nonpublic schools, and many families in Stevenson utilize it to offset costs. Additionally, each independent school (like McDonogh, Gilman, and RPCS) has its own substantial need-based financial aid endowment, and they encourage families to apply for aid regardless of income level.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving the Stevenson community, particularly in STEM or the arts?
The private schools accessible from Stevenson are known for their exceptional and distinct programmatic strengths. For instance, The McDonogh School leverages its 800-acre campus for renowned equestrian, environmental, and robotics programs. Gilman School has a celebrated engineering and design lab (The Idea Lab) and a strong focus on character education and leadership. Roland Park Country School is a leader in girls' STEM education, with innovative centers for computer science and entrepreneurship. These schools also offer extensive arts facilities and athletics, often surpassing what is available in local public schools. The specific focus varies, allowing Stevenson parents to match a school's specialty with their child's interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Baltimore area, and when should Stevenson families begin?
The process is highly structured and begins very early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, families should initiate research 18-24 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by early January (often with a common application for Baltimore independent schools), completing student visits and assessments in January/February, and receiving decisions in mid-March. For Stevenson families, it's also common to apply to multiple schools given the competitive nature. Engaging with admissions offices in the spring or summer before the application year is strongly advised to understand each school's specific requirements and feeder patterns.
For families in Stevenson considering the local public school (Stevenson Elementary, part of Baltimore County Public Schools), what are the key differentiating factors of the nearby private school options?
Stevenson Elementary is a highly-rated public school, so the decision often comes down to specific educational priorities. Key differentiators of the private options include: a significantly lower student-to-teacher ratio allowing for more individualized attention; a curriculum that is often accelerated and more flexible; extensive on-campus facilities for arts, athletics, and technology; and a consistent educational pathway from elementary through high school without redistricting. Furthermore, these private schools draw a geographically diverse student body from across the region, which can broaden a child's peer network beyond the immediate neighborhood. The trade-off, of course, is the substantial financial investment versus the free, high-quality public option.
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