The Best Private Schools in Towson, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Towson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul's School
Independent
St. Paul's School is a highly-regarded independent school located just minutes from Towson in Brooklandville. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-school through 12th grade with exceptional academic rigor. Known for its strong STEM curriculum, competitive athletics programs, and extensive arts offerings, St. Paul's maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Gilman School
Independent
Gilman School is a prestigious all-boys independent school located in nearby Roland Park, serving the greater Baltimore area including Towson families. With over a century of educational excellence, Gilman offers a rigorous academic program with extensive honors and Advanced Placement courses. The school is particularly noted for its strong robotics program, championship athletic teams, and comprehensive arts curriculum. Facilities include modern science centers, technology labs, extensive athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Gilman maintains a strong college placement record and emphasizes leadership development and community engagement.
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McDonogh School
Independent
McDonogh School is a highly-respected independent school located in Owings Mills, conveniently accessible to Towson families. Offering both day and boarding options, McDonogh provides a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features exceptional STEM facilities, outstanding performing arts programs, and nationally competitive athletic teams. With a beautiful 800-acre campus, students have access to extensive resources including modern academic buildings, arts centers, athletic complexes, and outdoor learning spaces. McDonogh emphasizes character education, academic excellence, and preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Towson, Maryland
What are the main types of private schools available in Towson, Maryland, and how do they differ?
Towson, MD, offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent college-preparatory day schools and single-sex institutions. The top-tier schools like Gilman School (all-boys), McDonogh School (co-ed), and St. Paul's School (co-ed with single-sex classrooms in lower grades) are all within a short drive of Towson and emphasize rigorous academics, character development, and extensive extracurriculars. Additionally, the area has several parochial schools (e.g., Immaculate Conception School) and specialized independent schools. The major independent schools are known for their sprawling campuses, historic legacies, and strong athletic traditions, setting them apart from smaller private academies in other regions.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Towson, MD, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading independent schools in the Baltimore County area, including those accessible from Towson, is among the highest in Maryland. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $35,000 to $40,000+ for upper school grades. All major schools, including Gilman, McDonogh, and St. Paul's, have robust need-based financial aid programs, with a significant percentage of students receiving assistance. Maryland also offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded K-12 voucher program for eligible families, which can be applied at participating private schools, providing an important financial consideration unique to the state.
What is the typical enrollment and application timeline for competitive private schools in the Towson area?
The enrollment process for schools like Gilman, McDonogh, and St. Paul's is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the spring or summer before the desired fall entry. Key deadlines for applications and standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT) usually fall between December and January for the following academic year. Admissions decisions are typically released in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, it is strongly recommended to attend open houses in the fall and schedule campus tours early. Waiting lists are common at these schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Towson-area private schools?
Private schools near Towson distinguish themselves with specialized programs that leverage their resources and locations. McDonogh School is renowned for its equestrian program and a 800-acre campus with a working farm. St. Paul's School offers a distinctive "Heart of the School" program focusing on social-emotional learning and a renowned Strings music program. Gilman School emphasizes leadership development and a global studies initiative. All three schools have exceptional athletic facilities and compete in the prestigious Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) for boys and the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) for girls, a league specific to this region.
For families living in Towson, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system (Baltimore County Public Schools) to nearby private options?
Towson is served by highly-regarded Baltimore County Public Schools, like Towson High School. Key considerations for comparing include class size (private schools often have 15:1 ratios vs. larger public school classes), educational approach (private schools offer mission-driven, often traditional college-prep with more curriculum flexibility), and resource allocation. Private schools provide extensive arts, athletics, and technology funded by tuition and endowments. Transportation is another factor; while BCPS provides buses, private schools may offer limited shuttle services from central locations. The decision often hinges on a family's preference for a specific educational philosophy, community, and the desire for a consistent K-12 pathway, which private schools in this area provide.
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