The Best Private Schools in Stevensville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stevensville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Wye River Upper School
Specialized Independent School
Wye River Upper School specializes in serving bright students with learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety. Located in Centreville, approximately 20 minutes from Stevensville, the school serves grades 8-12 with a highly personalized approach. The curriculum focuses on college preparation while providing comprehensive support services. The school features small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio), innovative teaching methods, and a supportive environment that helps students build confidence and academic skills. Many families from Kent Island choose Wye River for its specialized approach and proven success with diverse learners.
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The Key School
Independent School
The Key School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Stevensville, it offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum with exceptional college preparation. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Key School emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and individualized learning. The school has strong cross-bay transportation options serving Eastern Shore families.
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The Country School
Independent School
The Country School in Easton serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and is a popular choice for Eastern Shore families, including those in Stevensville. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning with extensive outdoor education programs that leverage its Eastern Shore location. Features include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong sense of community with individualized attention and prepares students exceptionally well for competitive high schools. Many families commute from Kent Island and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stevensville, Maryland
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Stevensville, MD, and what are their general educational approaches?
While Stevensville itself is a smaller town on Kent Island, families have access to several notable private schools in the broader Queen Anne's County and Annapolis areas. The most prominent include The Key School in Annapolis (a Pre-K through 12 progressive, independent school), The Country School in Easton (a Pre-K through 8 school with a focus on experiential learning), and the Wye River Upper School in Queenstown (serving grades 9-12 and specializing in students with learning differences like ADHD and dyslexia). For Stevensville residents, these schools typically involve a commute across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It's important to research each school's philosophy, as they range from college-preparatory progressive to specialized support environments.
How does tuition for private schools near Stevensville, MD, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the top private schools accessible from Stevensville varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as approximately $30,000+ for upper grades at The Key School, around $25,000 for The Country School, and tailored tuition at Wye River Upper School. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded initiative that provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This can be a crucial financial resource for Stevensville families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and it's essential to apply early as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Stevensville offer that leverage the Chesapeake Bay location?
Several schools capitalize on the unique Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay environment. The Key School has a renowned marine science program and utilizes its proximity to the water for environmental studies. The Country School, located near the Tred Avon River, incorporates outdoor education and environmental stewardship into its curriculum, with activities like oyster gardening and creek studies. Wye River Upper School uses the local setting for project-based learning and outdoor experiential education that builds confidence and practical skills. These programs provide a distinctive, place-based education that public schools may not be able to replicate as intensively.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Stevensville, MD, families, and how far in advance should we apply?
The admission process for competitive schools like The Key School, The Country School, and Wye River Upper School generally follows an annual cycle. Applications for the following fall semester typically open in September, with deadlines between January and February. The process often includes a campus tour, parent interview, student visit/assessment, and submission of records and recommendations. For Stevensville families, planning at least a year in advance is strongly advised, especially for entry into popular grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade. Given the commute, attending open houses (usually held in the fall) is a critical first step to assess logistics.
For a family living in Stevensville, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Queen Anne's County) to the nearby private school options?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and specialization. Queen Anne's County Public Schools are well-regarded, but private options offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. 20-30) and more individualized attention. If your child has specific learning needs, Wye River Upper School provides a specialized environment not found in the public system. The trade-off is cost and commute. Attending a private school in Annapolis or Easton means a daily drive across the Bay Bridge, impacting family logistics and time. Parents must weigh the unique programs and personalized approach of private schools against the convenience, cost-free nature, and community integration of the local public schools.
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