The Best Private Schools in Toddville, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Toddville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gunston School
Independent College Preparatory School
The Gunston School is a prestigious coeducational, independent college preparatory school serving the Eastern Shore region including Toddville. With over a century of educational excellence, Gunston offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, arts studios, and waterfront campus for environmental studies. Known for its strong college placement record and comprehensive extracurricular programs including athletics, arts, and community service. The school emphasizes character development and leadership while maintaining a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
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Salisbury School
Independent Day School
Salisbury School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students across the Eastern Shore, including the Toddville area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and strong STEM programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and emphasis on developing well-rounded students through academics, arts, athletics, and character education. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and academic support.
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Saints Peter and Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saints Peter and Paul School is a respected Catholic private school serving the broader Eastern Shore community including Toddville families. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programs from preschool through 8th grade. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM education, fine arts, music, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities with technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Known for its strong community values, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded education that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Toddville, Maryland
What are the primary private school options serving families in and around Toddville, Maryland?
Toddville itself is a very small, rural community, so families typically look to private schools in the broader Eastern Shore region. The most prominent options include The Gunston School in Centreville (a co-ed, college-preparatory day school for grades 9-12), Salisbury School in Salisbury (a co-ed, college-preparatory day school for grades 9-12), and Saints Peter and Paul School in Easton (a Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade). Due to Toddville's location in Dorchester County, parents should be prepared for commutes of 30 minutes to over an hour to access these institutions, making transportation a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools near Toddville, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the top schools serving the Toddville area is generally in line with Maryland independent school averages. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $25,000-$30,000+ for upper schools like Gunston and Salisbury School, while Saints Peter and Paul is lower due to its elementary/middle structure and parish subsidies. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarship programs. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) program, which provides K-12 scholarships for eligible families to attend private schools, a valuable resource for Toddville residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Toddville offer that leverage the local Eastern Shore environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem into their curricula. The Gunston School, for instance, has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program and waterfront campus, offering courses and research in marine biology, environmental science, and sailing. Salisbury School emphasizes leadership and outdoor education. This localized focus provides students with hands-on, experiential learning that is deeply connected to their community, a significant advantage over more generic programs found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Gunston or Salisbury School for a family from Toddville?
The process for these competitive college-preparatory schools begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the fall (September-October) a full year before desired enrollment. The process includes campus visits, interviews, standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), and application submissions typically due in January or February. Admissions decisions are often released in March. Given the distance from Toddville, it's crucial to schedule visits well in advance and inquire about flexible interview options, such as Zoom, to minimize travel during the initial stages.
For a family in rural Toddville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school a significant distance away?
The decision hinges on several Toddville-specific factors. Dorchester County Public Schools offer proximity but may have limited advanced coursework or extracurricular breadth. Opting for a private school like Gunston or Salisbury means committing to a substantial daily commute, which impacts family logistics and student time. However, the trade-off includes smaller class sizes, specialized college-prep resources, and often more robust arts and athletics programs. Families must weigh the value of these educational offerings against the practical challenges of distance, transportation costs, and community connection.