The Best Private Schools in Severn, Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Severn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Key School
Independent
The Key School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just across the Severn River in Annapolis, this school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside strong arts and athletic programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic fields. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Key School provides personalized attention and has an excellent college placement record, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Mary's Elementary & High School
Catholic
St. Mary's is one of the oldest and most respected Catholic schools in the region, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in historic Annapolis, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, athletic facilities, and historic chapels. St. Mary's emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and has strong community involvement, serving families throughout the Severn area.
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Indian Creek School
Independent
Indian Creek School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-school through 12th grade. Located in Crownsville, just minutes from Severn, the school offers a balanced educational experience with strong academic programs, extensive arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The 114-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Indian Creek emphasizes project-based learning and character education, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention and strong college counseling programs for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Severn, Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Severn, Virginia?
Severn, Virginia, is served by several well-regarded private institutions, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the immediate area in neighboring communities. Top options include The Key School in Annapolis (a Pre-K through 12 progressive, independent school), St. Mary's Elementary & High School in Annapolis (a Catholic, co-educational school), and Indian Creek School in Crownsville (an independent, co-educational day school). Due to Severn's location in Anne Arundel County, many families also consider private schools in the broader Annapolis region. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools typically do not provide bus service from Severn.
How does tuition for private schools in the Severn, VA, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Virginia?
Tuition in the Severn/Annapolis area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $35,000 annually. Parochial schools like St. Mary's are generally on the lower end of that spectrum, while independent schools like The Key School and Indian Creek School are at the higher end. Virginia does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, but all major private schools offer need-based financial aid through their own endowments. Additionally, Virginia's Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits Program can provide indirect support, as donations to approved scholarship foundations yield tax credits, increasing available funds for need-based scholarships that Severn families can apply for.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Severn that leverage the local Chesapeake Bay environment?
Private schools in the Severn/Annapolis area uniquely integrate the Chesapeake Bay and maritime culture into their curricula. The Key School has a strong environmental science program with local ecosystem studies and a sailing team. Indian Creek School emphasizes experiential learning with outdoor education and environmental stewardship projects relevant to the Bay watershed. St. Mary's, with its Annapolis location, often incorporates local history and naval heritage into its social studies programs. This regional focus provides students with a distinctive, place-based education that connects classroom learning directly to their surrounding environment, a significant advantage for families in Severn.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Severn, Virginia, families?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Severn area is highly structured and begins early. Most schools, including The Key School, St. Mary's, and Indian Creek, have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. The process typically involves an online application, parent interviews, student assessments or visits, and submission of records and teacher recommendations. Due to competitive admissions, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), it is strongly advised for Severn parents to begin research and attend open houses in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Rolling admissions may be available for upper grades if space permits.
For a family in Severn, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Anne Arundel County Public Schools) to the nearby private school options?
The key considerations for Severn families include educational philosophy, class size, and specialized programs. Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) are generally well-regarded but operate with larger class sizes and a standardized curriculum. Private options offer smaller, more personalized learning environments (often with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio) and distinct philosophies—progressive at The Key School, faith-based at St. Mary's, or a balance of traditional and innovative at Indian Creek. The decision often hinges on a desire for a specific religious foundation, an alternative pedagogical approach, or more robust arts/athletics. The trade-off is the significant financial investment for private school versus the no-cost public option, alongside the daily commute to schools located in Annapolis or Crownsville.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Non-Religious Private Schools in Severn, VA: A Parent's Guide
For families in Severn, Virginia, exploring private education opens a world of possibilities beyond the public school system. While the landscape includes excellent faith-based institutions like St. Mary's, a significant number of parents are specifically seeking non religious private schools. This preference might stem from a desire for an educational philosophy centered purely on academic rigor, critical thinking, and personal development without a theological framework. In the Severn area, this search leads to several standout options that align with this secular approach, each offering a unique community and educational pathway.
The Key School, located just a short drive away in Annapolis, is a premier example of a non-religious, independent school serving the Severn community. Its progressive, student-centered philosophy emphasizes experiential learning and intellectual curiosity from pre-K through twelfth grade. For Severn parents, this means access to a curriculum that encourages deep inquiry and collaborative projects, all within a diverse and inclusive environment that doesn't derive its values from a single religious tradition. Similarly, the Indian Creek School in Crownsville presents another compelling, non-sectarian choice. With a focus on nurturing individual potential and fostering resilience, Indian Creek provides a balanced education strong in the arts, athletics, and academics, appealing to families who want a well-rounded, secular environment for their children.
Choosing a non religious private school in the Severn area involves distinct considerations. The investment is significant, so understanding the true value is key. These schools often channel resources directly into innovative academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and low student-to-teacher ratios. The community feel is also a major draw; you're selecting into a network of families who share a commitment to a particular educational ethos, whether it's The Key School's emphasis on creative problem-solving or Indian Creek's focus on character and leadership. The daily commute is a practical factor for Severn residents. While these schools are in neighboring towns, the drive along routes like MD-178 or US-50 is a common part of life for many local families seeking these specialized options.
The process begins with thorough research and campus visits. When you tour a non religious private school, ask specific questions about how they cultivate ethics and community values without a religious foundation. Inquire about their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and how they handle social-emotional learning. For Severn families, the ultimate benefit of these institutions is the tailored, challenging education that prepares students not just for college, but for a complex world as informed, empathetic, and independent thinkers. It’s about finding a school where your child’s intellectual and personal growth is the unwavering mission, creating a foundation for success that is built on humanistic principles and academic excellence, right here in our broader Chesapeake community.