Top 10 Private High Schools in Maryland

Direct Answer

The Best Overall private high school in Maryland is Gilman School in Baltimore, an all-boys college-preparatory institution whose rigorous curriculum, low student-teacher ratio, and matriculation to the nation's most selective universities anchor its reputation. The Best Value pick is Mount Saint Joseph High School, a Catholic college-prep school in Baltimore whose tuition runs well below the elite independents while still delivering strong AP offerings, college matriculation, and a robust financial-aid program — the best outcomes-per-dollar private option in the state.

This list is built for families and students weighing independent and parochial options across Maryland, with a focus on academics, college outcomes, and fit. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data on tuition, enrollment, and programs.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against the priorities families tell admissions offices and survey firms they actually care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the College Board, and individual school sites. The weighting:

• Academic performance (AP/IB, curriculum rigor) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost (tuition, aid) — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that charges elite tuition but offers thin programs, or posts strong outcomes for a tiny class but little aid, drops in the ranking. The winners balance rigor, outcomes, and access.

1. Gilman School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Private (all-boys, independent) | Tuition: $37,000/yr (upper school, approximate) | Best for: Boys seeking the most rigorous college-prep environment in the state

Founded in 1897, Gilman School in Baltimore enrolls roughly 1,000 students across all divisions, with an upper school of about 450 boys. Gilman pairs a demanding college-prep curriculum with extensive AP and advanced electives, a student-teacher ratio near 7:1, and one of Maryland's strongest athletics and arts traditions.

Essentially 100% of graduates enroll in four-year colleges, with matriculation to the Ivies, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and top liberal-arts colleges. Gilman's need-based financial aid is substantial, supporting roughly a quarter of students. Its honor code and close advisory system shape a tight, accountable culture.

Pros:

• Near-universal four-year college matriculation to top schools
• Low 7:1 student-teacher ratio with close advising
• Deep AP catalog and advanced electives
• Substantial need-based financial aid

Cons:

• High tuition near $37,000 before aid
• All-boys model is not the right fit for every family

Verdict: Gilman wins on balance — the deepest rigor, smallest classes, and strongest outcomes among Maryland independents.

2. Roland Park Country School

Type: Private (all-girls, independent) | Tuition: $36,000/yr (approximate) | Best for: Girls seeking a rigorous, STEM-strong college-prep school

Roland Park Country School in Baltimore is a leading all-girls independent school enrolling about 650 students, with a strong reputation in STEM and leadership. The upper school offers a wide AP catalog, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and 100% college matriculation to selective universities.

Roland Park's science and engineering programs are standouts, and the school invests heavily in mentoring and college counseling. Need-based aid is available and meaningful.

Pros:

• 100% college matriculation to selective schools
• Strong STEM and leadership programming
• Low 8:1 student-teacher ratio
• Robust college counseling and mentoring

Cons:

• High tuition near $36,000 before aid
• All-girls model is a specific fit

Verdict: The premier all-girls independent in Maryland — rigorous academics with standout STEM.

3. McDonogh School

Type: Private (coed, independent, boarding option) | Tuition: $37,500/yr day (approximate) | Best for: Families wanting a coed campus with day and boarding options

McDonogh School in Owings Mills is a coed independent school enrolling about 1,300 students on a sprawling campus, with both day and limited boarding options. McDonogh offers a broad AP and advanced-elective catalog, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and near-100% four-year college matriculation.

The school is known for its athletics, arts, and entrepreneurship programs, and its large campus supports extensive facilities. Need-based aid supports a meaningful share of the student body.

Pros:

• Near-100% four-year college matriculation
• Coed with day and boarding flexibility
• Strong athletics, arts, and entrepreneurship programs
• Expansive campus and facilities

Cons:

• High day tuition near $37,500
• Large campus can feel less intimate than smaller schools

Verdict: A top coed independent — excellent for families wanting breadth, facilities, and flexible enrollment.

4. Bryn Mawr School

Type: Private (all-girls, independent) | Tuition: $36,500/yr (approximate) | Best for: Girls seeking a historic, academically intense college-prep school

The Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, founded in 1885, is one of the oldest college-preparatory schools for girls in the country, enrolling about 700 students. Bryn Mawr offers a rigorous AP and honors curriculum, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and 100% college matriculation to selective universities.

The school's humanities and writing programs are particularly strong, and it coordinates classes with neighboring Gilman and Roland Park to broaden offerings. Need-based aid is substantial.

Pros:

• 100% college matriculation to selective universities
• Renowned humanities and writing programs
• Coordinated coed classes with Gilman and Roland Park
• Strong need-based aid

Cons:

• High tuition near $36,500 before aid
• All-girls model is a specific fit

Verdict: A historic academic powerhouse for girls — especially strong in the humanities.

5. The Park School of Baltimore

Type: Private (coed, progressive, independent) | Tuition: $35,500/yr (approximate) | Best for: Students who thrive in a progressive, inquiry-based environment

The Park School of Baltimore in Brooklandville is a coed, progressive independent school enrolling about 850 students. Park emphasizes inquiry-based learning over a traditional AP-heavy model, with a student-teacher ratio near 7:1 and strong four-year college matriculation to liberal-arts colleges and research universities.

The school's arts and discussion-based humanities are central to its identity, and it draws families seeking a less competitive, more exploratory culture. Need-based aid is available.

Pros:

• Low 7:1 student-teacher ratio
• Inquiry-based, discussion-driven academics
• Strong matriculation to liberal-arts colleges
• Distinctive arts and humanities culture

Cons:

• Progressive model offers fewer AP courses
• Less emphasis on competitive athletics

Verdict: The progressive standout — ideal for curious students who prefer inquiry over a traditional AP grind.

6. St. Paul's School

Type: Private (coed campuses, Episcopal, independent) | Tuition: $35,000/yr (approximate) | Best for: Families wanting an Episcopal college-prep with strong tradition

St. Paul's School in Brooklandville operates coordinate boys' and girls' campuses with shared upper-school programming, enrolling about 900 students combined. St.

Paul's offers a solid AP catalog, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and near-100% college matriculation. The school's athletics and chorister/music traditions are well known, and its Episcopal identity shapes a values-centered culture. Need-based aid supports a meaningful share of families.

Pros:

• Near-100% four-year college matriculation
• Strong athletics and music traditions
• Values-centered Episcopal culture
• Coordinate-campus model with shared academics

Cons:

• Tuition near $35,000 before aid
• Coordinate model is less common and a specific fit

Verdict: A strong Episcopal college-prep — excellent for families seeking tradition and values alongside rigor.

7. Calvert Hall College High School

Type: Private (all-boys, Catholic) | Tuition: $22,500/yr (approximate) | Best for: Boys seeking strong Catholic college-prep at moderate tuition

Calvert Hall College High School in Towson is a large all-boys Catholic college-prep school enrolling about 1,200 students. Run in the Lasallian tradition, Calvert Hall offers a broad AP and honors catalog, strong STEM and business programs, and near-100% four-year college matriculation.

The student-teacher ratio is near 12:1, and tuition near $22,500 sits well below the elite independents while still delivering strong outcomes and a large alumni and athletics network. Need-based aid is available.

Pros:

• Tuition well below elite independents at ~$22,500
• Near-100% four-year college matriculation
• Strong STEM, business, and athletics programs
• Large, well-connected alumni network

Cons:

• Larger classes than the small independents
• All-boys Catholic model is a specific fit

Verdict: A high-value Catholic college-prep — strong outcomes at a fraction of independent-school tuition.

8. Loyola Blakefield

Type: Private (all-boys, Catholic/Jesuit) | Tuition: $23,000/yr (approximate) | Best for: Boys seeking a Jesuit, service-centered college-prep

Loyola Blakefield in Towson is an all-boys Jesuit college-prep school enrolling about 1,000 students. Grounded in Jesuit values of service and "men for others," the school offers a strong AP and honors curriculum, a student-teacher ratio near 11:1, and near-100% college matriculation.

Loyola is known for its robotics, debate, and service programs, and tuition near $23,000 keeps it accessible relative to the independents. Need-based aid is available.

Pros:

• Near-100% four-year college matriculation
• Jesuit service and character formation
• Strong robotics, debate, and service programs
• Accessible tuition near $23,000

Cons:

• Larger classes than small independents
• All-boys Jesuit model is a specific fit

Verdict: A values-driven Jesuit standout — strong academics with a deep service mission at moderate cost.

9. Georgetown Preparatory School

Type: Private (all-boys, Catholic/Jesuit, boarding) | Tuition: $45,000/yr day (approximate) | Best for: Boys seeking an elite Jesuit boarding and day school near D.C.

Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Montgomery County, is the oldest Jesuit school in the country, enrolling about 500 students with both day and boarding options. Georgetown Prep offers a rigorous AP and honors curriculum, a student-teacher ratio near 8:1, and 100% four-year college matriculation to highly selective universities.

Its golf, athletics, and global programs are notable, and the school's proximity to Washington supports unique internship and civic opportunities. Tuition is the highest on this list, but need-based aid is substantial.

Pros:

• 100% matriculation to highly selective universities
• Day and boarding flexibility near Washington, D.C.
• Low 8:1 student-teacher ratio
• Distinctive global and civic programs

Cons:

• Highest tuition on this list near $45,000 day
• All-boys Jesuit boarding model is a specific fit

Verdict: The elite Jesuit choice — top outcomes and a D.C.-adjacent boarding option for boys.

10. McDaniel-area & Holton-Arms School

Type: Private (all-girls, independent) | Tuition: $48,000/yr (approximate) | Best for: Girls in the D.C. Suburbs seeking an elite independent college-prep

Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Montgomery County, is a leading all-girls independent school enrolling about 650 students. Holton-Arms offers a rigorous AP and honors curriculum, a student-teacher ratio near 7:1, and 100% college matriculation to selective universities.

The school is known for its STEM, debate, and leadership programs and its proximity to Washington, D.C., which supports civic and internship opportunities. Tuition is among the highest in the state, with substantial need-based aid available.

Pros:

• 100% college matriculation to selective universities
• Low 7:1 student-teacher ratio
• Strong STEM, debate, and leadership programs
• D.C.-adjacent civic and internship access

Cons:

• Very high tuition near $48,000 before aid
• All-girls model is a specific fit

Verdict: A top D.C.-suburb girls' independent — elite outcomes and civic access for Montgomery County families.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Private High School

• College matriculation, not just rankings — Ask where graduates actually enroll and how counseling supports them; near-100% four-year placement at schools like Gilman and Holton-Arms reflects consistent outcomes.
• Financial aid and net cost — Sticker tuition can be misleading; schools like Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield offer strong outcomes at moderate cost, and elite independents fund substantial need-based aid.
• Student-teacher ratio and advising — Ratios near 7:1–8:1 at the top independents mean close mentoring that drives results.
• Single-sex vs. Coed fit — Maryland has outstanding all-boys (Gilman, Calvert Hall), all-girls (Roland Park, Bryn Mawr), and coed (McDonogh, Park) options; match the model to the student.
• Curriculum philosophy — A traditional AP-heavy school suits some students, while a progressive inquiry model like Park's suits others; the difference matters more than prestige.
• Values and culture — Catholic, Jesuit, Episcopal, and secular schools each shape distinct environments; fit with family values affects daily experience.

What matters less than marketing implies: a school's age, its endowment headline, or its sticker tuition alone. Aid availability, advising quality, and program fit affect a student's outcome far more than a brand name.

FAQ

Which private high school is the best overall in Maryland? Gilman School in Baltimore earns the top spot for its near-universal matriculation to top universities, a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, deep AP catalog, and substantial need-based aid.

What is the best value private high school in Maryland? Mount Saint Joseph and other Catholic college-preps like Calvert Hall (~$22,500) and Loyola Blakefield (~$23,000) deliver near-100% college matriculation at tuition well below the elite independents, making them the best outcomes-per-dollar choices.

How much does private high school cost in Maryland? Tuition ranges widely — Catholic college-preps run roughly $22,000–$25,000, top independents like Gilman and McDonogh run $36,000–$38,000, and the priciest, such as Holton-Arms and Georgetown Prep, exceed $45,000 before aid.

Do Maryland private high schools offer financial aid? Yes — most top schools, including Gilman, McDonogh, and Holton-Arms, fund substantial need-based aid, often supporting a quarter or more of the student body, so net cost can be far below sticker.

Are single-sex private schools better than coed in Maryland? Neither is universally better — Maryland has elite all-boys (Gilman, Calvert Hall), all-girls (Roland Park, Bryn Mawr, Holton-Arms), and coed (McDonogh, Park, St. Paul's) options; the right choice depends on how the individual student learns and thrives.

Which Maryland private school is best for STEM? Roland Park Country School and Holton-Arms are standouts for girls in STEM, while Gilman, McDonogh, and Calvert Hall offer strong STEM programming for boys and coed students alike.

Bottom Line

For Maryland families weighing private options, Gilman School is our Best Overall — its near-universal top-university matriculation, 7:1 ratio, and deep curriculum set the standard among independents. Mount Saint Joseph and the Catholic college-preps like Calvert Hall are our Best Value, delivering near-100% college matriculation at roughly half the tuition of the elite independents.

If your priority is a coed campus, a progressive model, a single-sex environment, or a boarding option, use the decision tree above to route yourself to McDonogh, Park, Roland Park, or Georgetown Prep instead. Choose on aid, advising, and fit — not sticker tuition or brand alone — and your student will thrive.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best Maryland Private High Schools
• Niche — Best Private High Schools in Maryland
• GreatSchools — Maryland private school ratings
• Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) — nonpublic schools
• College Board — AP program data
• NCES — Private School Universe Survey
• Gilman School — admissions and tuition
• McDonogh School — admissions and tuition
• Roland Park Country School
• The Washington Post — private school coverage

*Private high schools in Maryland review — best private high schools Maryland, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*