The Best Private Schools in Welcome, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Welcome. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Beddow Schools
The Beddow Educational System
The Beddow Schools provide exceptional private education serving families in Southern Maryland, including the Welcome community. The school offers a comprehensive Montessori-based program from preschool through elementary grades, emphasizing individualized learning and academic excellence. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and social development. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized programs in arts, music, and technology. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation provided to students.
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St. Mary's Ryken High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. Mary's Ryken is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory high school serving Southern Maryland, including the Welcome area. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 19 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development. The 70-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school has a 99% college acceptance rate and strong community involvement.
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St. Peter's School
Catholic Archdiocese of Washington
St. Peter's School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Welcome and wider Charles County area. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programs for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science labs, and technology integration. The school features modern facilities, including a dedicated STEM lab, library, and athletic fields. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Peter's emphasizes character development, academic excellence, and community service, consistently earning high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Welcome, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families in Welcome, Maryland, and what grade levels do they serve?
Welcome, Maryland, offers a few established private school options, primarily clustered in the broader St. Mary's County area. The notable institutions include St. Mary's Ryken High School (grades 9-12), a Catholic college-preparatory school; The Beddow Schools (Pre-K through 8th grade), known for its Montessori and traditional programs; and St. Peter's School (Pre-K through 8th grade), a Catholic parish school. Given Welcome's smaller size, many families also consider private schools in nearby Lexington Park, Leonardtown, or even across the Patuxent River in Calvert County. It's important to research each school's specific location relative to your home in Welcome for commute times.
How does tuition for private schools in the Welcome, MD area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Welcome area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's Ryken High School tuition is approximately $18,000-$20,000, while elementary/middle schools like St. Peter's or The Beddow Schools typically range from $7,000 to $12,000 annually. Maryland offers the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides financial assistance for eligible K-12 students to attend private schools. This can be a crucial resource for Welcome families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members of affiliated Catholic churches.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Welcome, Maryland, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Welcome area often integrate the region's rich maritime, historical, and technological resources into their programs. St. Mary's Ryken High School, given its proximity to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the Chesapeake Bay, offers robust marine science programs and partnerships with naval research facilities. Its engineering track may connect with local defense contractors. The Beddow Schools' Montessori approach often includes environmental education tied to Southern Maryland's ecosystems. St. Peter's School, as part of the Archdiocese of Washington, incorporates local history, including Maryland's colonial Catholic heritage, into its social studies curriculum. Sailing and crew are also popular extracurriculars at the high school level.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Welcome, Maryland families?
The enrollment process for Welcome-area private schools generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. St. Mary's Ryken holds open houses starting in September and October, with application deadlines typically in January for freshmen. The Beddow Schools and St. Peter's School, serving younger grades, often have rolling admissions but encourage applications by early spring as spaces fill. A key step for all is scheduling a campus tour and shadow day, which is highly recommended to experience the school culture. Given that some schools draw from multiple counties, applying early is advised. Most require standardized testing (like the HSPT for Ryken), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a family interview.
For a family in Welcome, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Evergreen Elementary or Dynard Elementary) and the available private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. St. Mary's County Public Schools are well-regarded, but private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and distinct values-based education (e.g., Catholic identity at Ryken and St. Peter's or Montessori at Beddow). For high school, Ryken offers a structured college-prep environment with a 100% college acceptance rate, which may appeal to families seeking a consistent academic track. Transportation is a practical factor; while public schools provide busing, private schools in Welcome usually require parent carpooling or paid bus services. The cost of private tuition versus the no-cost public option, potentially offset by BOOST scholarships, is a major financial consideration unique to Maryland families.
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