By Eddie Franklin Finding the right private school in Annapolis, Maryland, can be an important step toward securing a child’s academic development, personal growth, and future opportunities. Fortunately, families in Annapolis and the surrounding Anne Arundel County area have access to a range of private educational institutions with different curricula, teaching philosophies, religious affiliations, and student-support programmes.
Some schools focus on college preparation, while others provide Christian education, Montessori learning, elementary education, or specialised academic support. Understanding these differences can help parents identify schools that match their children’s needs.
This guide explores 20 private schools in Annapolis and nearby communities, highlighting their educational focus, grade levels, and general admission requirements.
The schools are presented as options rather than a ranked assessment of educational quality. Grade offerings and admissions procedures should be confirmed directly with each school because they may change.
Top 20 Private Schools in Annapolis and Nearby Communities
1. The Key School
The Key School is an independent school located at 534 Hillsmere Drive in Annapolis. It serves students from kindergarten through Grade 12, offering families the opportunity to consider a single institution for several stages of their children’s education.
Parents researching the school can explore its academic curriculum, extracurricular activities, student support, and approach to preparing learners for further education.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Submit previous academic records where applicable.
- Participate in any required student visit, assessment, or interview.
- Provide recommendations and supporting documents if requested.
- Complete the enrolment process and satisfy applicable financial requirements.
2. St. Anne’s School of Annapolis
St. Anne’s School of Annapolis is an Episcopal-affiliated school at 3112 Arundel on the Bay Road. It serves kindergarten through Grade 8.
The school may interest families looking for an independent educational environment with an Episcopal tradition. Parents should investigate its academic programme, school culture, extracurricular opportunities, and transition arrangements for students entering high school.
Admission requirements:
- Submit a completed application.
- Provide previous school records where applicable.
- Attend any required school visit or student assessment.
- Submit recommendations or additional documents if requested.
- Confirm tuition, deadlines, and enrolment procedures.
3. Annapolis Area Christian School
Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) provides Christian education for students from kindergarten through Grade 12 across its campuses in Annapolis and Severn.
The school combines academic instruction with Christian education and character development. Families considering AACS should examine its elementary, middle, and high-school programmes to determine which campus and grade level meet their needs.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application process.
- Submit academic records and student information.
- Provide recommendations or other supporting documents when required.
- Participate in any required assessment or admission meeting.
- Review the school’s faith-related expectations, tuition, and enrolment deadlines.
4. St. Mary’s Elementary School
St. Mary’s Elementary School is a Catholic school in Annapolis serving prekindergarten through Grade 8.
It is an option for parents who want their children to receive elementary and middle-school education within a Catholic educational setting. Families should ask about religious instruction, academic expectations, student activities, and the school’s transition arrangements for high school.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application and registration forms.
- Provide proof of age and health documentation as required.
- Submit previous school records for transferring students.
- Complete any required assessment or meeting.
- Confirm grade availability, tuition, and enrolment policies.
5. St. Mary’s High School
St. Mary’s High School is located at 113 Duke of Gloucester Street in Annapolis and serves students in Grades 9–12.
Families considering this Catholic high school can investigate its academic curriculum, religious formation, extracurricular activities, and preparation for college or other postsecondary opportunities.
Admission requirements:
- Submit a completed high-school application.
- Provide middle-school transcripts and other requested records.
- Complete any required placement assessment or interview.
- Submit recommendations or supporting documents if requested.
- Confirm tuition, application deadlines, and enrolment requirements.
6. Chesapeake Montessori School
Chesapeake Montessori School is located at 30 Old Mill Bottom Road North in Annapolis and serves kindergarten through Grade 8.
The Montessori approach generally emphasises independence, hands-on learning, purposeful activity, and developmentally appropriate classroom experiences. Parents interested in this educational philosophy should ask how it is implemented at different grade levels.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Arrange a school visit or observation if required.
- Provide previous academic records where applicable.
- Participate in any required student assessment or family meeting.
- Confirm age eligibility, available places, and tuition.
7. Book of Life Academy
Book of Life Academy is located at 913 Cedar Park Road in Annapolis and serves prekindergarten through Grade 5.
It is an option for families seeking a private elementary-school environment. Parents should explore the curriculum, classroom structure, student development programmes, and school-day arrangements before applying.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the application and registration process.
- Provide birth and health records as required.
- Submit previous educational records where applicable.
- Participate in any required assessment or parent meeting.
- Confirm age eligibility, tuition, and grade availability.
8. The Maven Academy
The Maven Academy is located at 1908 Forest Drive in Annapolis. It serves students across middle- and high-school grade levels, with directories listing Grades 3–12.
Families should investigate its current academic offerings, instructional approach, class structure, and support for students transferring from other schools.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application and relevant student information.
- Provide transcripts and previous academic records.
- Complete any required assessment or interview.
- Submit recommendations or supporting documents if requested.
- Confirm grade placement, tuition, and application deadlines.
9. The Harbour School at Annapolis
The Harbour School at Annapolis is located at 1277 Green Holly Drive and serves students in Grades 1–12. It is a specialised educational institution for families exploring alternatives to conventional school settings.
Parents should discuss their child’s learning profile and support requirements with the school to understand whether its programmes and services are appropriate.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application and intake process.
- Provide educational records and relevant assessments.
- Share information about the student’s learning and support needs.
- Participate in any required meetings or evaluations.
- Confirm eligibility, programme suitability, available services, and tuition.
10. Chesterton Academy of Annapolis
Chesterton Academy of Annapolis is located at 31 Rowe Boulevard and serves students in Grades 9–12.
The academy offers a Catholic high-school option for families interested in faith-centred education. Parents should ask about the curriculum, religious formation, academic expectations, extracurricular activities, and preparation for college.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the academy’s application.
- Submit previous academic records.
- Participate in any required interview or assessment.
- Provide recommendations or other supporting documents if requested.
- Review tuition, deadlines, and school expectations.
11. St. Martin’s School of Annapolis
St. Martin’s School of Annapolis is located at 1120 Spa Road and serves kindergarten through Grade 8.
It is an option for families seeking private elementary and middle-school education in Annapolis. Parents can investigate its curriculum, classroom environment, student activities, and approach to supporting children’s academic development.
Admission requirements:
- Submit the school’s application.
- Provide previous academic records where applicable.
- Complete any required student visit or assessment.
- Submit health documentation and other requested forms.
- Confirm tuition, grade availability, and enrolment deadlines.
12. St. Margaret’s Day School
St. Margaret’s Day School is located at 1605 Pleasant Plains Road in Annapolis. It is listed as a kindergarten-level institution.
Parents considering the school should ask about its kindergarten curriculum, age eligibility, daily schedule, classroom environment, and arrangements for children transitioning to elementary school.
Admission requirements:
- Confirm the child’s age eligibility.
- Complete the application and registration forms.
- Provide health and immunisation records as required.
- Attend any required family meeting or school visit.
- Confirm tuition, availability, and enrolment deadlines.
13. Acton Academy Annapolis
Acton Academy Annapolis is located at 461 College Parkway in Arnold, near Annapolis. It is listed as serving kindergarten through Grade 12.
Families interested in learner-driven education can explore the academy’s instructional model, expectations for student independence, classroom activities, and approach to academic progress.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Attend an information session or school visit if required.
- Participate in any required student or family interview.
- Provide previous academic records where applicable.
- Confirm grade availability, tuition, and enrolment procedures.
14. Indian Creek School
Indian Creek School is located at 1130 Anne Chambers Way in Crownsville, within the wider Anne Arundel County area. It serves kindergarten through Grade 12.
The school is an option for Annapolis-area families willing to consider a nearby community. Parents should explore its academic curriculum, student activities, school culture, and support for students moving between grade divisions.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application for the appropriate grade.
- Provide transcripts and previous academic records.
- Complete any required assessment, interview, or school visit.
- Submit recommendations and supporting documents if requested.
- Confirm application deadlines, tuition, and financial-aid availability.
15. Severn School
Severn School is located in Severna Park and serves kindergarten through Grade 12. Its location makes it a potential option for families willing to commute from Annapolis.
Parents can investigate its academic offerings, extracurricular activities, student support, and preparation for higher education.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s application.
- Provide previous school records and transcripts.
- Participate in required assessments, interviews, or visits.
- Submit recommendations or other documents as requested.
- Review grade-specific deadlines, tuition, and financial-aid procedures.
16. Archbishop Spalding High School
Archbishop Spalding High School is located at 8080 New Cut Road in Severn and serves students in Grades 9–12.
This Catholic high school may interest families exploring faith-based secondary education in the Annapolis region. Parents should compare its academic programmes, religious environment, student activities, and postsecondary preparation with their family’s expectations.
Admission requirements:
- Submit the high-school application.
- Provide middle-school transcripts and academic records.
- Complete any required placement testing or interview.
- Submit recommendations and additional documents if requested.
- Confirm tuition, deadlines, and enrolment policies.
17. Arnold Christian Academy
Arnold Christian Academy is located at 365 Jones Station Road in Arnold and serves kindergarten through Grade 8.
It is an option for families seeking Christian elementary and middle-school education near Annapolis. Parents should ask about the curriculum, faith-based activities, student support, and transition arrangements for high school.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the application and registration forms.
- Provide previous academic records where applicable.
- Submit birth, health, and immunisation documentation as required.
- Participate in any required assessment or family meeting.
- Confirm the school’s faith-related expectations, tuition, and available places.
18. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School
St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School is located at 4B Wallace Manor Road in Edgewater and serves kindergarten through Grade 8.
The school offers another option for families considering faith-based education in the wider Annapolis area. Parents should investigate its academic curriculum, religious activities, school culture, and student-development opportunities.
Admission requirements:
- Submit the school’s application.
- Provide student information and previous academic records where applicable.
- Complete any required assessment or meeting.
- Submit health documentation and other requested records.
- Confirm tuition, admission deadlines, and enrolment procedures.
19. The Pathways School – Anne Arundel
The Pathways School – Anne Arundel is located at 1819 Bay Ridge Avenue in Annapolis. It is a specialised school serving students in Grades 5–12.
Families exploring specialised education should contact the school to discuss its programmes, admission criteria, and the types of educational needs it is equipped to support.
Admission requirements:
- Complete the school’s intake and application procedures.
- Provide educational records and relevant assessments.
- Discuss the student’s individual learning and support needs.
- Participate in required meetings or evaluations.
- Confirm eligibility, placement, available services, and costs.
20. The Summit School
The Summit School is located at 664 East Central Avenue in Edgewater, near Annapolis. It serves students in Grades 1–8 and is listed among Anne Arundel County’s specialised educational options.
Parents should contact the school to learn about its educational approach, available student support, curriculum, and admission criteria. A discussion about the child’s individual learning needs can help determine whether the programme is appropriate.
Admission requirements:
- Submit an application and relevant student records.
- Provide educational assessments or supporting documentation if requested.
- Participate in any required family meeting, student visit, or evaluation.
- Confirm programme eligibility and grade placement.
- Ask about tuition, services, and enrolment deadlines.
General Admission Requirements for Private Schools in Annapolis
Although each school has its own admission process, parents can prepare for several requirements that commonly arise when applying to private schools.
Application Form
Most schools require parents or guardians to complete an application containing the child’s personal details, educational background, intended grade, and family contact information.
Academic Records
Students transferring from another school may need to provide report cards, transcripts, progress reports, or other academic documents. These records can help the school evaluate the applicant’s educational background and appropriate grade placement.
Student Assessment
Some institutions require placement tests, student visits, interviews, or other assessments. The format and purpose vary according to the school and the applicant’s grade level.
Recommendations
Certain schools may request teacher recommendations, references, or additional supporting documents, particularly for students applying to middle or high school.
Birth and Health Documentation
Parents may be asked to provide proof of age, immunisation records, health forms, and emergency contact information before enrolment.
Interview or School Visit
A school may invite the student and family to visit the campus, meet staff, or discuss the school’s educational philosophy and expectations.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Private schools charge tuition, although some offer financial assistance. Families should request the current tuition schedule and ask about application fees, payment plans, scholarships, and financial-aid deadlines.
Grade-Level Eligibility
Not every school serves every age group. Parents should confirm that the institution offers the required grade and has availability before submitting an application.
How to Choose a Private School in Annapolis
Consider Your Child’s Educational Needs
Think about your child’s learning style, academic interests, social development, and any additional support they may need. A school’s suitability depends on how well its programme aligns with those needs.
Review the Curriculum
Ask about subjects offered, teaching methods, academic expectations, class structure, and preparation for the next stage of education.
Understand the School’s Philosophy
Some families prefer Christian or Catholic education, while others are interested in Montessori, independent-school, or specialised learning environments. Understanding the school’s philosophy can help you determine whether it matches your family’s expectations.
Compare Location and Transportation
Consider daily travel time, transportation arrangements, school hours, and after-school activities. Schools outside Annapolis may require additional commuting.
Ask About Total Costs
Look beyond tuition. Application fees, uniforms, books, meals, transportation, extracurricular activities, and other charges may affect the overall cost.
Arrange a School Visit
Whenever possible, visit the campus, speak with admissions staff, and ask questions about student support, communication with parents, school culture, and academic expectations.
Comparison Table of Private Schools in Annapolis
The following table provides a quick overview of the 20 schools discussed in this guide.
| No. | School | Location | Grades/Level | Main admission considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Key School | Annapolis | K–12 | Application, academic records, school-specific assessment |
| 2 | St. Anne’s School of Annapolis | Annapolis | K–8 | Application, student visit, supporting records |
| 3 | Annapolis Area Christian School | Annapolis and Severn | K–12 | Application, academic information, school requirements |
| 4 | St. Mary’s Elementary School | Annapolis | PK–8 | Application, age eligibility, health records |
| 5 | St. Mary’s High School | Annapolis | 9–12 | High-school application, transcripts, placement requirements |
| 6 | Chesapeake Montessori School | Annapolis | K–8 | Application, school visit, programme suitability |
| 7 | Book of Life Academy | Annapolis | PK–5 | Application, age eligibility, student records |
| 8 | The Maven Academy | Annapolis | 3–12 | Application, transcripts, grade placement |
| 9 | The Harbour School at Annapolis | Annapolis | 1–12 | Intake assessment, educational records, programme suitability |
| 10 | Chesterton Academy of Annapolis | Annapolis | 9–12 | Application, transcripts, interview or assessment |
| 11 | St. Martin’s School of Annapolis | Annapolis | K–8 | Application, records, school-specific requirements |
| 12 | St. Margaret’s Day School | Annapolis | K | Age eligibility, registration, health records |
| 13 | Acton Academy Annapolis | Arnold | K–12 | Application, school visit, programme suitability |
| 14 | Indian Creek School | Crownsville | K–12 | Application, academic records, assessment |
| 15 | Severn School | Severna Park | K–12 | Application, transcripts, school-specific assessments |
| 16 | Archbishop Spalding High School | Severn | 9–12 | Application, transcripts, placement requirements |
| 17 | Arnold Christian Academy | Arnold | K–8 | Application, records, school-specific requirements |
| 18 | St. Andrew’s United Methodist Day School | Edgewater | K–8 | Application, eligibility, supporting documents |
| 19 | The Pathways School – Anne Arundel | Annapolis | 5–12 | Intake assessment, student needs, placement |
| 20 | The Summit School | Edgewater | 1–8 | Application, records, programme eligibility |
Grade ranges are drawn from Maryland’s approved nonpublic-school listings and school directories. Confirm current grade offerings, admissions requirements, and availability directly with each school.
Related
Conclusion
Annapolis and the surrounding Anne Arundel County communities offer private educational options for families with different academic priorities, religious preferences, and student-support needs.
From elementary schools such as Book of Life Academy to secondary institutions such as St. Mary’s High School and Archbishop Spalding High School, parents can explore schools serving different stages of their children’s education.
Families interested in Christian education may investigate Annapolis Area Christian School and Arnold Christian Academy, while those considering Montessori education can explore Chesapeake Montessori School. Parents looking for specialised educational support may also wish to investigate The Harbour School at Annapolis, The Pathways School – Anne Arundel, and The Summit School.
Before making a final decision, confirm each school’s current admission requirements, tuition, grade availability, curriculum, and application deadlines. Visiting the campus and discussing your child’s educational needs with admissions staff can also help you make a well-informed choice.
With careful research and preparation, families can narrow their options and identify a private school that aligns with their children’s educational goals and their family’s expectations.
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