Choosing a private school in Howard County is less about finding the school with the most impressive brochure and more about finding the place where your particular child can do well. Some families want small classes. Others need a religious community, Montessori education, strong arts or athletics, an International Baccalaureate program, or support for a learning difference.
This updated guide covers private schools in Howard County, Maryland, plus a few nearby schools that Howard County families commonly consider. I checked school websites while updating it in June 2026, but admissions, grade levels, tuition, transportation, and available seats can change. Always confirm the details directly with a school.
Private schools in Howard County at a glance
| School | Location | Grades or ages | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glenelg Country School | Ellicott City | Age 2-grade 12 | Independent, college preparatory |
| Maryland International School | Elkridge | Grades 1-12 | IB and STEM |
| Columbia Academy | Howard County locations | Early childhood and elementary programs | Private, child-centered |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Ellicott City | Pre-K-grade 8 | Catholic |
| Trinity School | Ellicott City | PK3-grade 8 | Independent Catholic |
| St. Louis School | Clarksville | Pre-K-grade 8 | Catholic |
| St. John’s Parish Day School | Ellicott City | Age 3-grade 5 | Episcopal |
| St. Augustine School | Elkridge | Pre-K3-grade 8 | Catholic |
| Bethel Christian Academy | Savage | Preschool-middle school | Christian |
| Chapelgate Christian Academy | Marriottsville | Kindergarten-grade 12 | Christian, college preparatory |
A note about age and grade ranges: schools sometimes reorganize divisions or campuses. Columbia Academy, in particular, now emphasizes preschool, kindergarten, and elementary education on its public website; parents who remember its former middle-school program should ask admissions which grades are currently offered at the campus they are considering.
Independent and specialty private schools
Glenelg Country School
Glenelg Country School is a coeducational independent school in Ellicott City serving children from age 2 through grade 12. It has separate primary, lower, middle, and upper school divisions on a large campus, so it is one of the few local options where a child can potentially remain through high school.
Both of my daughters attended Glenelg for several years. What stood out to me was that families came from well beyond Ellicott City, and the school felt more geographically and culturally varied than I initially expected. No school is right for every child, but Glenelg deserves a serious visit if you want a traditional independent-school program with academics, arts, athletics, and a full pre-K-through-high-school path. Review current tuition and financial aid and ask for this year’s transportation routes rather than relying on an old bus map.
Maryland International School
Maryland International School in Elkridge serves grades 1-12 and combines STEM education with the International Baccalaureate framework. Its website lists the IB Primary Years Programme for grades 1-5, Middle Years Programme for grades 6-10, and Diploma Programme for grades 11-12. This is a particularly interesting option for a student who enjoys inquiry, projects, global topics, and an academically connected path through high school.
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy operates early-childhood programs in the area and promotes kindergarten and elementary education. My child attended for a year, and our experience was positive overall. Her teachers knew her well and were willing to give her more challenging work when she was ready for it. Because the school’s campuses and grade offerings have evolved, confirm the exact program, extended-care hours, and continuity between campuses before applying.
Catholic, Episcopal, and Christian schools
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is an Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic school in Ellicott City serving pre-K through grade 8. The school highlights elementary and middle-school divisions, faith formation, technology, and a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Its website also notes National Blue Ribbon recognition in 2016 and 2024.
Trinity School
Trinity School is an independent Catholic school in Ellicott City for PK3 through grade 8. “Independent Catholic” is an important distinction: families can ask how the school balances its Catholic identity with its independent governance and curriculum. Trinity also runs summer programs, which can be a low-pressure way for a child to experience the campus.
St. Louis School
St. Louis School in Clarksville is a Catholic parish school serving pre-K through grade 8. It is centrally located for many western and southern Howard County families. Ask admissions about parish and non-parish tuition, financial assistance, before- and after-care, and how many students typically continue to Catholic versus public high schools.
St. John’s Parish Day School
St. John’s Parish Day School is an Episcopal school in Ellicott City serving children from age 3 through grade 5. Its shorter grade span may appeal to families who want a small elementary-school experience but expect to make a separate middle-school decision later.
St. Augustine School
St. Augustine School in Elkridge serves pre-K3 through grade 8. The school offers early education, elementary, and middle-school programs along with extended care. It can be a practical option for families in Elkridge, Hanover, Jessup, and eastern Columbia.
Bethel Christian Academy
Bethel Christian Academy in Savage offers preschool and elementary/middle-school education in a Christian setting. Its site highlights STEM, extended care, and scholarship or tuition-reduction information. Families should ask how faith is incorporated into daily subjects as well as chapel and community life.
Chapelgate Christian Academy
Chapelgate Christian Academy in Marriottsville offers a Christian college-preparatory program extending from kindergarten through grade 12. It is worth comparing with Glenelg and Maryland International if remaining at one school through high school is important to your family.
Montessori schools in and near Columbia
“Montessori” is not one single experience. Ask whether teachers hold recognized Montessori credentials, how much uninterrupted work time children receive, how the classroom handles reading and math progression, and what transition support is available when students leave for a conventional school.
- Love of Learning Montessori School in Columbia offers a Montessori setting for younger children. Confirm the current age range and schedule directly.
- Bryant Woods Montessori Children’s House in Columbia currently describes its program as serving ages 3-6, from pre-K through kindergarten.
- Columbia Montessori School is a longstanding Columbia program. Ask about current classroom levels, full-day options, and extended care.
- Children’s Manor and Children’s Magnet Montessori Schools operate several Maryland campuses, including Howard County-area locations. Verify the grade span at the specific campus; not every location offers the same program.
Schools for learning differences and specialized support
A specialized school should not be chosen from a short online description. Ask who the school is designed to serve, which students it cannot appropriately support, how therapies are delivered, whether enrollment is private-pay or placement-based, and how progress is measured.
- PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel provides specialized education and related services for students whose needs have not been met in a traditional setting. Talk with the school and your child’s educational team about eligibility and placement.
- The Legacy School is just over the county line in Sykesville and focuses on students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Its program is intended to help students build skills and prepare for a future return to a mainstream school when appropriate.
Nearby schools some Howard County families consider
- McDonogh School in Owings Mills is a coeducational college-preparatory school with lower, middle, and upper divisions and a five-day boarding option for upper-school students. Ask for the current Howard County transportation routes before deciding that the commute is workable.
- Sandy Spring Friends School in Montgomery County is a coeducational Quaker school serving preschool through grade 12, with a boarding option in the upper grades. Its progressive, inquiry-oriented approach is distinct enough to justify the drive for some families.
What does private school cost in Howard County?
There is no useful single average. Parish schools, small Montessori programs, specialized schools, and full independent schools operate on very different budgets. Published tuition may also exclude application fees, enrollment deposits, uniforms, meals, devices, transportation, extended care, athletics, trips, and after-school activities.
Do not assume you will not qualify for aid. Independent schools may offer need-based financial aid, while religious schools may have parish rates, scholarships, multi-child discounts, or outside grant programs. Ask for a written estimate of the total first-year cost, not just the tuition line.
Questions to ask during a school tour
- What does a normal day look like for a student in my child’s grade?
- How large are classes in practice, not just in the school’s target ratio?
- How do teachers respond when a child is ahead, behind, anxious, or disengaged?
- What learning support and counseling are included, and what costs extra?
- How much homework is typical on an ordinary weeknight?
- Where do students usually go after the school’s final grade?
- What are the actual hours for drop-off, classes, and extended care?
- Is transportation available from your neighborhood this year?
- How much faculty turnover has there been over the past two years?
- What is the full annual cost after fees, transportation, meals, and care?
Pay attention to the less polished moments on a tour. How do adults speak to children in the hallway? Do students seem comfortable asking questions? Is student work genuinely varied, or does every project look identical? Those details often reveal more than a presentation.
More resources for Howard County families
School is only one part of a child’s week. RingJing also has guides to after-school and weekend activities in Howard County, Maryland homeschool field trips, and educational gifts for curious kids.
Frequently asked questions
What private schools in Howard County continue through high school?
Glenelg Country School, Maryland International School, and Chapelgate Christian Academy offer programs through grade 12. Nearby McDonogh School and Sandy Spring Friends School also continue through high school.
Are there Montessori schools in Howard County?
Yes. Local options include Love of Learning Montessori, Bryant Woods Montessori Children’s House, Columbia Montessori School, and Children’s Manor or Children’s Magnet Montessori programs. Grade ranges vary by school and campus.
Do Howard County private schools offer financial aid?
Many do, but the type of assistance differs. Independent schools commonly offer need-based aid. Religious schools may provide parish tuition rates, scholarships, grants, or sibling discounts. Apply early because aid budgets can be limited.
When should families apply?
Many schools begin tours and applications in the fall for the following school year, with major deadlines during winter. Some accept applications later when space remains. Families seeking financial aid or a seat in an entry grade should start earlier.
Last researched and updated June 2026. This guide is editorial and is not a ranking or paid school directory.