A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Best Baltimore-Area Schools

When Alice Rambissoon was looking for a school for her kids, she had important values she was looking for—they wanted a place where they felt like partners in their daughter’s education, for example, and with a certain approach to fostering community.

The Rambissoon family found what they were looking for at The Park School of Baltimore, where their daughters recently attended upper school. She says, when talking about the benefits of an independent school like Park, “As a family, we always felt like partners in our daughters’ education…Park’s culture of openness and mutual respect really meant we were consistently engaged and informed and supported.”

Families looking at educational options for their kids are spoiled for choice. Public, private, parochial, magnet—while it’s nice to have options, it can all feel a bit much and hard to navigate. But school choice allows parents and students to enter an educational environment that aligns most with their family’s needs and academic goals.

Public school is not the only option available to students, and private school is not the only alternative. Maryland offers many charter schools, parochial schools, and magnet programs, which allow for all students to find their best fit.

UNDERSTANDING SCHOOL CHOICE
If you’re going the school choice route, admission, application, and cost are all factors for families to consider when determining which school type is best for their child. Some school types require rigorous application and/or audition processes, while others only require a few steps to enrollment. Cost also varies per school type, adding to the weight of the decision.

Though this may seem overwhelming, parents are always encouraged to ask questions. Take it from Ruthie Sachs Kalvar, the director of admission at Park School: “If you have questions about the application process itself or tuition affordability options, be sure to ask early so that you are clear about all expectations and deadlines.”

GOING INDEPENDENT
According to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland has over 1,400 public schools. These schools are publicly funded, established by the state, and regulated by the state as well.

Aside from school lunch costs or supplies, families do not pay tuition for public schools. While public school is often an ideal, low-cost option for your child to get a great education, reliance on public funding can leave some schools thin on resources, leading families to look for alternatives.

For Baltimore County and Baltimore City public schools, the application and enrollment process is relatively straightforward. These applications ask for basic information about the student, and the enrollment process follows. However, families are generally restricted to the school district and zone in which they live.

Families looking to opt out of public school often turn to private (also known as independent) schools, which flourish in the Baltimore region. Private schools are not completely funded by any local, state, or federal government, but do have to comply with certain educational standards.

Just like public schools, private schools must adhere to curriculum requirements, teacher certification rules, and other provisions that ensure all students, no matter their schooling, are given equal learning opportunities.

What often attracts families to private schools are things like the option to choose a single-sex campus or a campus that adheres to a mission or values appreciated by that family.

In addition, Friends School of Baltimore’s head of school, Christian Donovan, says “By and large at private schools—or independent schools as many of us call ourselves—you’ll find small class sizes, and as a result of smaller class sizes, closer relationships with faculty.”

Friends is an independent school built on a Quaker foundation that emphasizes individuality, inquiry, and curiosity. Donovan says that Friends is “able to support every student on every step of their academic journey.”

This attention to each student is something that private/independent schools specialize in. The care extends to families as well. When speaking about Friends School as a whole, Donovan says, “We are a partner to a family in support of their child’s own unique learning path.” As an independent school, Friends is able to maintain a lot of communication with families as well.

In addition, Donovan mentions “there’s a lot of opportunities to get to know us.” Like many area schools, Friends offers open houses, shadow tours, opportunities to connect with alumni, and more. At Friends School, students are taught “not what to think, but how to think,” says Donovan.

This value of intellectualism is at the core of each classroom. When looking at a school for your child, Donovan says that it is important to ask what values a school will instill in your children, and how they will actually encourage those values.

Park School of Baltimore is another independent school with strong values that drive the learning environment. Park emphasizes intellectual inquiry, curiosity, and a collaborative and challenging learning environment.

According to Sachs Kalvar, “Park students are encouraged to engage, explore, and experiment within structures that allow for student participation and the development of problem-solving skills.” Sachs Kalvar also stresses the importance of recognizing that school choice is “a very personal decision.”

As a parent, Rambissoon suggests that a family “find out how the school approaches diversity, belonging, and community—are those just as important as the curriculum?” Parents may also want to ask what engagement in the classroom looks like for students.

Sachs Kalvar notes that there are some common mistakes that parents make during the school choice process: “Parents/guardians and children sometimes rely on a preconceived notion about a school—or default to a school that their friends are considering—without considering if that school’s philosophy and objectives are aligned with their own . . . families may place too much emphasis on just one aspect of their child’s personality or current interest when envisioning a school experience. . . .”

With that, she says, “Today’s parents or guardians must consider what’s possible beyond their own experiences they had in school. Twenty-first century learning requires a different sort of engagement on the part of students.”

While entering a local public school may be straightforward, the private school application process tends to be much more in depth. Applications usually require basic student information as well as supplemental materials such as essays or an interview series.

The application process for many private schools also includes a placement test. Tuition cost, one of the biggest factors families consider in school choice, can be a deterrent to private schooling, though there are resources families can explore for financial assistance.

FAITH-BASED OPTIONS

The field of private and independent schools can be both crowded and confusing. Let’s break it down: Parochial school—a type of private school—offers a private education that is affiliated with, funded by, and teaching the beliefs of a particular religious organization.

Many parochial schools give students the opportunity to join religious-based activities outside of the classroom such as campus ministries. Parochial schools offer a way for families and students to pursue spiritual values during their academic career. They may also provide a more manageable tuition.

Dr. Andrew Moore, the principal of Calvert Hall, an all-boys high school in Towson, says, “We care a great deal about serving our students and what their particular individual needs are, trying to challenge them academically, intellectually, [and] spiritually.” The emphasis on spirituality remains at the heart of parochial schools’ missions.

Calvert Hall follows the Lasallian tradition, which emphasizes inclusion, service, and excellence in education. Its mission is to allow students to become “Men of Intellect, Men of Faith, and Men of Integrity.”

As a parochial school, religion plays an important role in the culture and community on campus. It’s one reason Kelly Robertson chose the school for her sons. Robertson, taught in four different public schools before becoming a teacher at Calvert Hall where she is the mother of a current student and alum.

Robertson knew, when going through the school choice process, that the academics can be good at many different schools. She says, “Part of the reason that my boys both went to Calvert Hall is because I was working there, but that was not a coincidence—I felt like it was a really good environment and I was able to… live my faith and also teach at the same time.”

The key features of Calvert Hall, as a parochial school, made it stand out. Additionally, as a teacher, Robertson notices that Calvert Hall aims to “connect to every student every day.” Despite the school’s size (it has roughly 1,200 students), Robertson says that this goal is more than met every day.

She also observes that the all-boys structure of the school can take away the social stress that might come with a co-ed environment and that removing gender distractions often leads to more confidence in the classroom and focus on academic life.

As principal, Moore says, “Calvert Hall has been in Baltimore for 180 years…we’re the first Christian Brothers school in the United States, so we’re the flagship of Lasallian education in America.” Like many area parochial schools, their history informs their mission. And according to Moore, “We take that responsibility very seriously.”

THE ABCs OF CHARTER AND MAGNET SCHOOLS

In the world of school choice, families can also consider charter schools, which are run by an external organization and held to certain goals, objectives, and educational standards by their charter. Charters, also known as performance contracts, must be approved by a board, often local boards of education.

This ensures that both newly developing charter schools (wholly new) and public schools looking to be a charter school (neighborhood charters) are held to adequate standards. Charter schools are a great option for families looking to explore diverse models of education for their students’ needs.

If your kid loves the arts or STEM, a magnet school may be the best bet for your family. Magnet schools, as well as public schools with magnet programs, provide theme-oriented programs that allow for in-depth exploration and experiences within a given curriculum concentration.

Despite their specific focus, magnet programs must meet certain Baltimore City or Baltimore County graduation requirements. Magnet programs (and schools) are loved for their unique focus areas and learning opportunities. George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore County are well-known examples, as are Baltimore City College and Baltimore School for the Arts in Baltimore City.

The charter school application process is different depending on the school and may either involve standardized testing and grades assessments or a simple lottery. The magnet school application process varies as well (see sidebar for more information).

Of course, a school is more than facts on paper; to find the school that’s right for your family, you need to get out and do some research, meet with teachers and administrators, visit the campus—really drill down to understand what school choice means to you and your kid.

Ultimately, the choice between school types depends on each individual student and family. While some students are able to thrive with less one-on-one attention, others may need a smaller classroom environment. Or those families with students who need more one-on-one time may need to consider charter or magnet schooling for a less expensive but still individualized approach. Speaking with current students, teachers, administrators, and families is a great way to learn about each school type.

Beyond that, visiting open houses or participating in shadow days (see the open house guide that follows for more information) can help families form their own opinion on each school environment in order to pick a school type most suited to them.

As Rambissoon says, “It’s a big step, picking a school for your child and really prioritizing the individual learner.” Luckily, school choice exists to honor the individuality of students and to provide different environments for different learners.

2025 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE
Looking for the best school for your student? Begin with a visit to one of the area’s many campuses for an open house. Here is our guide to help you navigate this process. Always double-check with the school by phone or via their website to confirm dates and times, pre-register for events, and to inquire about visiting opportunities beyond the open house.

Archbishop Curley High School
10/25, 10/26, 10:00 a.m.-noon
3700 Sinclair Ln., Baltimore
410-485-5000, archbishopcurley.org
Grades 9-12, all male
Catholic

Archbishop Spalding High School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
8080 New Cut Rd., Severn
410-969-9105, archbishopspalding.org
Grades 9-12, coed
Catholic

Archdiocese of Baltimore
Visit the website for information on schools and events.
Multiple locations
410-547-5515, archbalt.org/schools
Pre-K-12
Catholic

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
Visit the website to schedule a small group tour.
3300 Old Court Rd., Baltimore
410-413-2323, bethfiloh.com/admissions/visit
Grades Preschool 2s-12
Jewish

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland
9/28, at 10 a.m.
822 West Lake Ave., Baltimore
410-377-5192, boyslatinmd.com/admissions/openhouse
K-12, All-boys

The Bryn Mawr School
10/25, 9-10:15 a.m. (lower school); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(middle and upper school).
109 West Melrose Ave., Baltimore
410-323-8800, Brynmawrschool.org/visit
Grades Pre-k-12, all girls (coed preschool)

Calvert School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
105 Tuscany Rd., Baltimore
410-243-6054, calvertschoolmd.org/discover
Grades K-8 and early childhood education center,
coed

Calvert Hall College High School
11/8, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
8102 LaSalle Rd., Towson
410-825-4266, calverthall.com/admissions/welcome-to-the-hall
Grades 9-12, all boys
Catholic

The Catholic High School of Baltimore
10/25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
2800 Edison Highway, Baltimore
410-732-6200, thecatholichighschool.org
Grades 9-12, all girls
Catholic

Concordia Preparatory School
10/25, 9 a.m.-noon
1145 Concordia Dr., Towson
410-825-2323, concordiaprepschool.org
Grades 6-12, coed
Lutheran

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
420 S. Chester St., Baltimore
410-727-3255, cristoreybalt.org
Grades 9-12, coed
Catholic

Friends School of Baltimore
10/15, 11/8, 11/19; 9-11 a.m.
5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore
410-649-3200, friendsbalt.org
Grades Pre-k-12, coed
Quaker

Garrison Forest School
10/17, 8:30 a.m.
300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills
410-363-1500, gfs.org/visit
Grades K-12, all girls
(coed preschool, boarding option grades 8-12)

Gerstell Academy
10/25, 10 a.m.; 11/20, 5 p.m.; 12/3, 9 a.m.
2500 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
410-861-4400, gerstell.org
Grades pre-K-12, coed

Gilman School
Multiple visitation options available.
Visit website for dates and details.
5407 Roland Ave., Baltimore
410-323-3800, gilman.edu/admissions
Grades Pre-K-12, all boys

Harford Day School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air
410-838-4848, harfordday.org
Grades pre-K3-8, coed

Immaculate Conception School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
112 Ware Ave., Towson
410-427-4903, theics.org
Grades pre-K3-8, coed
Catholic

Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
8501 Loch Raven Blvd, Towson
410-668-8466, ihmschoolmd.org
Grades: Preschool-8, coed
Catholic

Jemicy School
Please visit the website for schedule of information sessions and details.
Lower & Middle School Campus: 11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills; Upper School Campus: 11202 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills
410-653-2700, jemicyschool.org
Grades 1-12, coed

Loyola Blakefield
10/18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
500 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore
443-841-3680, Loyolablakefield.org
Grades 6-12, all boys
Catholic

Maryvale Preparatory School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville
410-308-8531, maryvale.com
Grades 6-12, all girls
Catholic

McDonogh School
Visit website for details on information sessions and campus tours.
8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills
410-363-0600, mcdonogh.org
Grades PK-12, coed
(five-day boarding option)

Mercy High School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
1300 East Northern Pkwy., Baltimore
410-433-8880, mercyhighschool.com
Grades 9-12, all girls
Catholic

Notre Dame Preparatory School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
815 Hampton Ln., Towson
410-825-6202, notredameprep.com
Grades 6-12, all girls
Catholic

The Odyssey School
1/22/26, 5:45-8:00 p.m.; Snow Date 1/29/26, 5:45-8:00 p.m.
3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville
410-580-5551, theodysseyschool.org
Grades K-8, coed

Oldfields School
10/4
1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks Glencoe
410-472-4800, oldfieldsschool.org
Grades 8-12, all girls

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
4801 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City
410-744-4251, olphschool.org
Pre-K-8, coed
Catholic

The Park School of Baltimore
10/25, Lower School: 10–11:30 a.m.; Middle and
Upper Schools: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
2425 Old Court Rd., Baltimore
410-339-7070, parkschool.net
Pre-k-12, gender inclusive

The Peabody Preparatory of The Johns Hopkins University
Please visit the website for schedule information.
21 East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore
667-208-6640, peabody.jhu.edu/preparatory
K-12 & Adult, coed

Resurrection-St. Paul School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
3155 Paulskirk Dr., Ellicott City
410-461-9111, resstpaul.org
Pre-K3-8, coed
Catholic

Roland Park Country School
Visit the website for information on parent sessions or scheduling a tour.
5204 Roland Ave., Baltimore
410-323-5500, rpcs.org/visit
Grades: Pre-K-12, all female (coed preschool)

Rosedale Christian Academy
Please visit the website for schedule information.
9202 Philadelphia Rd., Baltimore (Main campus)
410-687-6844, rosedalechristianacademy.org
Grades PK3-12, coed
Christian

St. Augustine Catholic School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
5990 Old Washington Rd., Elkridge
410-796-3040, staug-md.org
Grades PreK 3-8, coed
Catholic

Saint John’s Catholic Prep
Please visit the website for schedule information.
3989 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown
(301) 662-4210, saintjohnsprep.org
Grades 9-12, coed
Catholic

St. Joseph School Cockeysville
Please visit the website for schedule information.
105 Church Ln., Cockeysville
410-683-0600, sjpray.org
Grades Pre-K through grade 8; coed
Catholic

St. Joseph School-Fullerton
9/27, 9 a.m.-noon
8416 Belair Rd., Baltimore
410-256-8026, stjoeschool.org/admissions/open-house
Grades Pre-K4-8th, coed
Catholic

St. Margaret School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
Elementary Campus: 205 Hickory Ave., Bel Air
Middle School Campus: 1716 Churchville Rd., Bel Air
410-879-1113, smsch.org
Grades PreK-3-8
Catholic

St. Mark School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
26 Melvin Ave., Catonsville
443-860-0926, stmark-school.org
Grades preK3-8, coed
Catholic

St. Mary’s Parish & School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis
410-990-4100, stmarysannapolis.org
Grades Pre-K-12, coed
Catholic

The St. Paul’s Schools
Lower School: 10/9; Boys’ Middle School: 10/23;
Girls’ Middle School: 10/21; Boys’ Upper School:
10/17; Girls’ Upper School: 10/14. Visit the website
for additional dates and information.
11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville
410-825-4400, stpaulsmd.org/visit
Six weeks-grade 4: coed
Grades 5-12: single-gender
Episcopal

St. Stephen School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
8028 Bradshaw Rd., Kingsville
410-592-7617, SSSchool.org
Grades PreK 3-8, coed
Catholic

St. Ursula School
10/21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
8900 Harford Rd. Baltimore
410-665-3533, stursula.org
Grades PK4-8, coed
Catholic

The School of the Cathedral of Mary our Queen
Please visit the website for schedule information.
111 Amberly Way, Baltimore
410-464-4117, schoolofthecathedral.org
Grade preK4-8, coed
Catholic