The Best Private Schools in Tilghman, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tilghman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Country School
Independent
The Country School offers a comprehensive Montessori-based education serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Easton, this highly-rated school serves families throughout Talbot County including Tilghman Island. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, individualized instruction, and strong community values. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students benefit from a well-rounded curriculum that includes robust arts, music, and outdoor education programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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Saints Peter and Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saints Peter and Paul School is a premier Catholic educational institution serving the broader Talbot County area, including Tilghman families. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, the school combines rigorous academics with strong moral and spiritual formation. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a dedicated STEM lab, chapel, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports teams, choir, and community service programs. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community and excellent teacher-student relationships.
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The Key School
Independent
The Key School is a highly-regarded independent school located in Annapolis, serving families from across the region including the Eastern Shore. This college-preparatory school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, athletic complexes, and technology-integrated classrooms. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The school's waterfront location provides unique marine science and sailing opportunities. Families from Tilghman appreciate the school's academic excellence and comprehensive transportation options serving the broader area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tilghman, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in Tilghman, Maryland, and how accessible are they?
While Tilghman Island itself is a small, rural community, families typically look to private schools in the broader Talbot County and Annapolis areas. The most prominent options include The Country School in Easton (approx. 20-minute drive), which offers a progressive Pre-K through 8th grade education, and Saints Peter and Paul School in Easton (K-8), providing a Catholic education. The Key School in Annapolis (Pre-K through 12) is a highly regarded independent school but requires a significant commute (about 1 hour). Transportation is a key consideration, as most families in Tilghman must provide their own. Exploring carpool networks with other local families is often essential.
How does tuition at private schools near Tilghman, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, The Country School's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for Pre-K to $25,000 for middle school. Saints Peter and Paul School, as a parish-affiliated school, is generally lower, often between $8,000-$12,000. The Key School's comprehensive program commands a higher tuition, exceeding $35,000 for upper grades. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Maryland has several state-funded programs like the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, a crucial resource for Tilghman residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Tilghman offer that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique Eastern Shore environment into their curricula. The Country School, for example, has a renowned environmental science program that includes outdoor classrooms, a working garden, and Chesapeake Bay studies. Its location allows for frequent outdoor exploration and place-based learning. The Key School, with its waterfront campus in Annapolis, offers robust marine science and sailing programs. This focus on environmental stewardship and hands-on learning connected to the local ecosystem is a distinctive feature of private education in the Tilghman area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Tilghman, MD, and how early should parents apply?
The admission process for competitive schools like The Country School and The Key School typically begins in the fall, one year prior to desired entry. Open houses are held from September to January, with application deadlines often in January or February for the following academic year. Rolling admissions may be available at some schools if space permits. For Tilghman families, it's critical to start the process early—often 12-18 months in advance—due to the limited seats and the need to coordinate logistics like transportation. Saints Peter and Paul School may have a more flexible timeline but still encourages early inquiry.
For a Tilghman family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Talbot County Public Schools and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. Talbot County Public Schools, like Tilghman Elementary, offer the convenience of a very short commute and a strong community-focused environment. However, private options provide smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like The Country School's project-based learning or Saints Peter and Paul's faith-based education), and often more resources in arts and individualized attention. The daily commute to Easton or Annapolis is a major factor, impacting family schedules. Many Tilghman families value the intimate, community feel of their local public school but may seek private education for middle school years or for a specific program not available locally.
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