The Best Private Schools in Trappe, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Trappe. 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 students from across the Eastern Shore, including Trappe. Founded in 1911, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. Situated on a 75-acre waterfront campus on the Corsica River, Gunston provides exceptional environmental science opportunities and extensive waterfront activities. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and offers a comprehensive arts program alongside competitive athletics. With a 100% college acceptance rate, Gunston prepares students for top universities while fostering individual growth and character development.
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The Salisbury School
Independent College Preparatory School
The Salisbury School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school serving students from across the Eastern Shore, including Trappe families. Founded in 1975, the school offers a challenging academic program with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. With a focus on character education and leadership development, Salisbury School provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and strong athletic programs competing in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference.
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Saints Peter and Paul High School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saints Peter and Paul High School is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school serving families throughout Talbot County and surrounding areas, including Trappe. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM programs. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence, SSPP provides a supportive community environment. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, competitive athletic facilities, and a vibrant arts program. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive college counseling, with graduates consistently accepted to prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Trappe, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Trappe, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Trappe, MD, is served by several notable private schools in the immediate and surrounding area on the Eastern Shore. The most prominent are The Gunston School (co-ed, grades 9-12), Saints Peter and Paul High School (co-ed, grades 9-12) in Easton, and The Salisbury School (co-ed, age 2 through grade 12) in Salisbury. While Trappe itself is a smaller town, these schools are key destinations for families seeking private education. There are also various private elementary and parochial options in nearby towns like Easton and Cambridge. The availability emphasizes a need for consideration of commuting, as most options are a 15-30 minute drive from Trappe.
How does tuition for private schools near Trappe, MD, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools on Maryland's Eastern Shore, like those serving Trappe, is often slightly below the state average for similar private institutions, reflecting the regional cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect high school tuition to range from approximately $20,000 to $28,000. Maryland offers several state-specific financial aid programs, such as the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship, which provides K-12 vouchers for eligible families to use at private schools. Additionally, all major schools like Gunston, SSPP, and Salisbury School offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships, with many families receiving assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Trappe, MD, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Trappe area uniquely integrate the Chesapeake Bay and Delmarva Peninsula's resources into their curricula. The Gunston School, located on the Corsica River, has a renowned Chesapeake Bay Studies program and waterfront campus supporting environmental science, sailing, and rowing. Saints Peter and Paul High School offers strong college prep with a focus on community service rooted in the Eastern Shore ethos. The Salisbury School emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurship, connecting with local agricultural and maritime industries. These programs provide hands-on learning distinct from urban private schools, focusing on environmental stewardship, marine biology, and local history.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Trappe, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for schools like The Gunston School, Saints Peter and Paul, and The Salisbury School begins early, often in the fall prior to the desired entry year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (typically September-November), 2) Submitting applications by January or February deadlines, 3) Completing student interviews and standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), and 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently (deadlines usually in January). Admissions decisions are typically released in March. Given the limited seats and competitive nature, especially for boarding students at Gunston, Trappe families are advised to start the process 12-18 months in advance for 9th-grade entry.
For a family in Trappe, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Talbot County Public Schools) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Trappe-specific factors. Talbot County Public Schools, like Easton High School, are well-regarded but may have larger class sizes and less individualized attention than private options. Private schools offer smaller communities (often 200-400 students total), specialized programs (like Gunston's waterfront learning), and potentially more robust college counseling. A major practical consideration is commute: private options require daily driving to Easton or Salisbury. Financially, families must weigh tuition against property taxes funding public schools. For families seeking a specific religious education (like SSPP's Catholic foundation) or a particular pedagogical approach, private schools provide that choice not available in the public system.
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