The Best Private Schools in Suitland, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Suitland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Schools offer exceptional Montessori education for children ages 2 through 12, serving families throughout Prince George's County including Suitland. Founded on authentic Montessori principles, the school provides individualized learning experiences that foster independence, critical thinking, and academic excellence. The campus features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized materials. With highly trained Montessori guides and low student-teacher ratios, Beddow maintains a reputation for developing confident, capable learners. The school's comprehensive program includes foreign language, music, art, and physical education components.
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The Key School
The Key School
The Key School is a highly respected independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous college preparatory program and diverse student body, the school emphasizes critical thinking, creative expression, and character development. The 15-acre campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Key School maintains a strong track record of college placements at top universities. The school serves families throughout the region, including Suitland area residents seeking exceptional private education.
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St. Mary's School of Piscataway
Archdiocese of Washington
St. Mary's School of Piscataway is a premier Catholic elementary school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just minutes from Suitland, the school provides a values-based education rooted in Catholic tradition while offering strong academic programs. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science labs, and technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. Parents consistently praise the supportive community, dedicated teachers, and strong academic foundation that prepares students for competitive high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Suitland, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Suitland, Maryland?
While Suitland itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families in this Prince George's County community have access to several notable schools in the surrounding area. These include The Beddow Schools, which has a campus in Fort Washington and offers Montessori-based education from preschool through 8th grade. Many Suitland families also consider schools in nearby communities, such as St. Mary's School of Piscataway in Clinton (a Catholic school for grades K-8) and The Key School in Annapolis, which is a Pre-K through 12 independent school with a strong college preparatory program. Transportation logistics to these nearby schools are an important consideration for Suitland residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Suitland, MD area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving the Suitland area varies widely based on the school's grade levels and affiliations. For example, parish-based Catholic schools like St. Mary's School of Piscataway often have lower tuition (typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually) compared to independent schools like The Key School, where tuition can exceed $30,000 for upper grades. Maryland offers several state-specific financial aid options, including the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. Many schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Suitland, MD offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the greater Suitland region offer distinct educational approaches that cater to diverse learning styles. The Beddow Schools provide a full Montessori curriculum, emphasizing hands-on, self-directed learning. St. Mary's School of Piscataway integrates faith-based education with a strong standard curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes than many Prince George's County Public Schools. The Key School, though a longer commute, is known for its innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum, extensive arts programs, and waterfront campus that supports unique environmental science and sailing programs. These specialized approaches can be a major draw for Suitland families seeking alternatives to the standard public school model.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Suitland, Maryland families?
The enrollment process and timeline can differ significantly between schools. For the upcoming school year, most private schools in the area begin accepting applications in the fall (September-November) for the following academic year. Key steps often include: 1) Attending open houses (typically held in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by a deadline (often between January and March), 3) Completing student assessments or interviews, and 4) Receiving admission decisions by March or April. For popular schools like The Key School, the process is highly competitive and should be started early. We recommend Suitland parents contact their schools of interest directly in the early fall to get specific dates and requirements, as some schools, like The Beddow Schools with rolling admissions based on Montessori cycle readiness, may have more flexibility.
For a family living in Suitland, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the area?
Suitland families should weigh several location-specific factors. **Transportation:** Prince George's County Public Schools provide bus service, while most private schools require parents to arrange transportation, which can be significant for schools in Annapolis or Clinton. **Cost:** Compare the tuition and ancillary costs of private school against the potential for enhanced programs (like language immersion or gifted centers) within the public school system. **Community & Continuity:** Attending a Suitland-based public school keeps children in their immediate neighborhood, while a private school may build a community network that is more geographically dispersed. **Academic Focus:** Consider if your child would benefit from a specific pedagogical approach (like Montessori) or a particular religious foundation offered by private schools, which may not be available in the assigned public school. It's highly advisable to tour both your local public school and the private options to feel the environment and culture firsthand.
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