The Best Private Schools in Temple Hills, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Temple Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rockbridge Academy
Association of Classical Christian Schools
Rockbridge Academy is a highly-rated classical Christian school serving families throughout the broader Maryland region, including Temple Hills. Founded in 1996, the school offers education from Kindergarten through 12th grade using the classical trivium method combined with Christian worldview integration. The academy is known for its rigorous academic program that includes Latin instruction, logic, rhetoric, and comprehensive humanities education. The 40-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. While located in Millersville, the school serves families from Temple Hills and surrounding communities, with many parents commuting for the exceptional classical education and strong college preparatory program.
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St. Mary's School of Piscataway
Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School of Piscataway is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Temple Hills area from its Clinton location. Founded in 1976, the school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a robust curriculum that includes STEM education, language arts, and religious studies. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and the quality of education that prepares students for high school and beyond. The campus includes well-maintained classrooms, a library, computer lab, and athletic facilities.
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The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Educational System
The Beddow Schools has been serving the Temple Hills community since 1979, offering Montessori-based education from infancy through elementary grades. This family-owned private school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and developing the whole child. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials true to Montessori methodology. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its caring teachers, structured yet creative learning environment, and strong academic foundation. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extended care options, making it popular with working families in the Temple Hills area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Temple Hills, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Temple Hills, Maryland?
Temple Hills itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate boundaries, leading many families to look at highly-regarded options in the surrounding Prince George's County and nearby areas. Notable schools include St. Mary's School of Piscataway in Clinton (a Catholic school offering Pre-K through 8th grade), The Beddow Schools in Fort Washington and Marlow Heights (private, secular schools for Pre-K through 8th grade), and Rockbridge Academy in Millersville (a classical Christian school serving K-12). Many Temple Hills families also consider private schools across the border in Washington, D.C. The key is to research based on commute, educational philosophy, and grade availability.
How does tuition for private schools in the Temple Hills, MD area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Temple Hills corridor varies significantly by school type and grade level. For example, area parochial schools like St. Mary's often have lower tuition rates, typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 annually for elementary grades. Independent schools like Rockbridge Academy may have tuition upwards of $15,000-$20,000. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This can be a crucial financial resource for qualifying Temple Hills families. Additionally, many individual schools offer need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique or specialized academic programs are offered by private schools near Temple Hills, Maryland?
Schools in this region offer distinct educational approaches. Rockbridge Academy is known for its rigorous classical, Christian curriculum centered on the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and great books. The Beddow Schools emphasize a structured, back-to-basics academic program with a focus on discipline and character development. St. Mary's School of Piscataway provides a faith-based education integrated with standard and advanced coursework, including Spanish and STEM initiatives. For Temple Hills parents seeking alternatives to the local public school curriculum, these specialized philosophies—classical, structured secular, and Catholic—are the primary differentiators in the immediate area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Temple Hills, MD families?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired school year. For most schools like St. Mary's, The Beddow Schools, and Rockbridge Academy, open houses and tours run from October through January. Application deadlines often fall between January and March, with many schools requiring assessments, student visits/interviews, and records from previous schools. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. Due to competitive seats, especially in the lower grades and at sought-after schools like Rockbridge, Temple Hills parents are advised to start research early, attend open houses, and submit applications well before deadlines. Sibling and parish member (for Catholic schools) priorities often apply.
For a Temple Hills resident, what are the key considerations when comparing local public schools to private school options?
Key considerations include academic performance, class size, educational philosophy, and cost. Prince George's County Public Schools, which serve Temple Hills, have varied performance metrics, leading some families to seek the consistently small class sizes and specialized curricula of private schools. Private options may offer stronger religious or values-based education (e.g., St. Mary's, Rockbridge) or a specific pedagogical structure (e.g., The Beddow Schools). The commute is also a major factor, as many top private choices are not within Temple Hills proper. Parents must weigh the annual financial investment of private tuition against potential benefits, while also exploring the BOOST scholarship and the possibility of being assigned to a public charter or magnet program.
Private Education Insights
Find the Perfect Private Kindergarten in Temple Hills, MD: Your Guide to Top Local Schools
As a parent in Temple Hills, Maryland, beginning the search for a “private kindergarten near me” is an exciting and significant step. This early educational foundation is crucial, and our community offers several distinctive options that blend academic rigor with character development. Understanding the local landscape can help you find the perfect fit for your child’s first formal school experience. The journey often starts with defining what you value most: a faith-based environment, a classical approach, or a nurturing setting with a strong focus on individual growth.
In Temple Hills and the surrounding Prince George’s County area, parents are fortunate to have access to schools with long-standing reputations. St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, for instance, provides a Catholic education that integrates spiritual formation with a solid academic curriculum. For many families, this faith-based community is a cornerstone, offering a sense of continuity and shared values from kindergarten onward. Meanwhile, The Beddow Schools, with campuses nearby, often emphasize a more progressive and individualized learning model. Their programs are designed to foster creativity and critical thinking from the very start, which can be particularly appealing if you’re seeking a private kindergarten near you that adapts to your child’s unique learning style.
Another exceptional option in our region is Rockbridge Academy, located a short drive away in Millersville. While not in Temple Hills proper, it is a compelling consideration for families who prioritize a classical Christian education. This approach introduces young learners to the great books, logical thinking, and rhetorical skills through age-appropriate methods, setting a profound trajectory for their entire academic journey. When searching for a “private kindergarten near me,” it’s important to consider commute times, but also the long-term educational philosophy. A slightly longer drive may be worthwhile for a program that deeply aligns with your family’s goals for the next thirteen years.
Beyond the specific schools, there are local considerations unique to our Temple Hills community. Visiting campuses is essential; schedule a tour during a school day to observe classroom dynamics and ask about teacher-student ratios. Inquire about before- and after-care programs, which are vital for working parents in our area. Don’t hesitate to ask current parents at local parks or community centers about their experiences—personal referrals are invaluable. Financial planning is also key, as many private schools offer tuition assistance or payment plans. Starting your search early, ideally a full year before enrollment, gives you ample time to navigate applications, assessments, and financial arrangements. Finding the right private kindergarten near you is about matching your child’s needs with an environment where they will thrive, building confidence and a lifelong love for learning right here in our Maryland community.