The days feel a little more structured, the pace a bit steadier. Families and communities are settling into routines, finding comfort in the everyday moments that make life flow smoothly.
But for families with children who are a year shy of a big transition (such as moving from preschool to elementary school, or from elementary school to high school), this change of season can bring up a big question: What are we going to do next year?
Public or private schools are always an option, and one that works well for many families. But independent schools—a type of private school governed by a board of trustees—meet an important need for many other families, offering students the benefit of smaller class sizes, more specialized instruction, niche courses of study or a closer sense of community.
With so many independent schools in the Chesapeake region, there’s increased interest among families who may want to pursue this education option.
What Makes a School Independent?
One of the biggest benefits to independent schools over public schools is mainly that they are smaller—this means fewer students in each class, more individualized attention from the teacher and a place where each student (and family) is known personally by the administration.
“Many families will seek an alternative to public school because they are looking for a smaller environment for their child,” says Kim Slade, director of enrollment and outreach at Severn School in Severna Park.
Some people might think of independent schools and private schools as the same, but there’s an important distinction: Although both are independently funded without state government, an independent school is governed by a board of trustees whereas a private school could be run by a for-profit entity or a religious organization.
School Environment
But there’s a lot to consider when you’re looking at all your options. Kate Austin, director of communications at the Key School in Annapolis, encourages starting with the big-picture question: What are you looking for in a school? She says to consider diversity, religious affiliation, teaching philosophy, culture, size and student outcomes.
“Ultimately, you will know which environment best aligns with your family’s needs and values,” she explains. “Every student is different, and so is every school. Being in ‘the best’ school won’t matter if your student feels disconnected, incapable or bored. The goal is for them to be in an environment that nurtures their talents and interests and sets them up to succeed.”
To get a true sense of what the academic and social environment is like at a school, Slade recommends making a campus visit part of the search process.
“This will allow you to get a feel for culture of the school, the environment and the people with whom your child will be interacting every day,” she says.
Austin agrees that taking advantage of the chance to tour campus or even do a shadow day is a great way to find the best fit.
“Websites do a great job conveying information, but nothing beats touring campus, seeing classes in session and talking with current families,” she says.
Cost of Attendance
Although independent schools and other private schools, unlike public schools, do require tuition, families should not assume these schools aren’t an option if the tuition isn’t within their household budget.
“What they often don’t realize is that most, if not all, independent schools have generous financial aid budgets in order to help families afford their schools,” Slade explains. “Don’t let cost close the door before you have had conversations with the admission offices at [schools] in which you are interested.”
Similarly, Austin notes that Key School’s office of admission uses aid to “actively recruit talented students who demonstrate extraordinary academic, athletic, artistic and/or leadership promise.”
Because independent and private schools maintain a nonprofit status, the cost of admission goes to the school’s operating and capital budgets—teacher salaries, utilities, supplies, building and renovations.
Types of Independent Schools
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding an independent school that works for your family, particularly when every family will have their own reasons for pursuing the independent school route. Is it because you want religious instruction in the curriculum? Or is it because you want particular extracurricular activities to be made available?
One of the best ways to begin the search is through online research or by talking to trusted people within your network who can provide recommendations. Once you create a short list of schools that look like a good fit on paper, you can begin the outreach process, talking to someone within the admissions office and trying to plan a day/time to see the campus in person, meet the teachers or even interact with some of the families.
Here are a few of the prominent independent schools in the Chesapeake area divided into religious-based, secular and Montessori categories to help you get started in your search:
Religious-Based Schools
Many independent schools incorporate some aspect of faith-based teaching into their curriculum and are centered in a values-based environment. Families that seek religious instruction alongside core academics may seek one of these independent schools.
Annapolis Area Christian School
Gambrills, Severn and Annapolis
aacsonline.org
Archbishop Spalding High School
Severn
archbishopspalding.org
Chesterton Academy
Annapolis
chestertonacademyofannapolis.org
St. Anne’s School of Annapolis
Annapolis
stannesschool.org
St. John the Evangelist School
Severna Park
stjohnspschool.org
St. Martin’s in-the-Field Episcopal School
Severna Park
stmartinsmd.org
St. Mary’s School
Annapolis
stmarysannapolis.org
Secular Schools
Many independent schools don’t include religious teachings as part of the curriculum, focusing instead on academics and extracurricular activities, such as athletics, arts, student government and college prep.
Gunston
Centreville
gunston.org
The Harbour School
Annapolis
harbourschool.org
Indian Creek School
Crownsville
indiancreekschool.org
Key School
Annapolis
keyschool.org
Severn School
Severna Park
severnschool.com
The Summit School
Edgewater
thesummitschool.org
Montessori Schools
A Montessori education is a specific method that’s been around for more than 100 years, emphasizing hands-on learning based on a child’s natural interests rather than formal teaching methods.
Bambini Montessori Academy
Gambrills
bambinimontessoriacademy.com
Chesapeake Montessori
Arnold and Annapolis
chesapeake-montessori.com
Montessori International
Annapolis
montessoriinternational.org
