chool pride runs deep in Baltimore, where independent-school emblems adorn car bumpers and campus amenities rival those of the top colleges and universities in the region. Meet someone new in Charm City, and you might be as likely to hear about where they went to high school as where they attended college. Here, graduates join a long legacy of alumni that share a sense of pride for each unique institution. But with more than 120 independent schools in the Baltimore-Washington area—and 30 in the Baltimore area alone—finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task.

While public schools typically accept new students on a rolling basis, most independent-school admissions timelines operate on an annual schedule like universities. Families should begin the process a year before students plan to attend.

“I think for a family that’s coming to it for the first time, it can be overwhelming,” says Annie Smallwood Morse, executive director of enrollment management at the St. Paul’s Schools, a family of independent schools serving students from infancy through grade 12 in Baltimore County. “We try to make it as similar as possible, but each school is going to do things a little differently. Getting started early is a good idea.”

Even if you’re familiar with schools in the area from your own or a family member’s prior experience, Morse suggests embarking on the process with fresh eyes for each child.

“In this saturated independent-school world that we live in here, try not to listen to the stereotypes that people have,” she says. “Schools have very much changed and evolved. Make your decisions and impressions of the school by your own personal experience and the best fit for your child and your family, and not that chatter. It’s easy to get sucked up in that, but it’s so refreshing when you’re working with families who don’t have those preconceived notions.”

Before wading through dozens of admissions websites, make sure you understand and prioritize your child’s unique needs by creating a whish list.

To figure out the ideal educational opportunity for your child, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recommends families ask themselves a series of questions, including whether the ideal school would be small or large, day or boarding, coeducational or single-sex, traditional or progressive, and how it would be best equipped for the child’s special needs and interests.

This wish list serves as a starting point to narrow down potential schools during the selection process. Armed with your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and anything you want to avoid, conduct a search using a comprehensive online tool like the one provided by NAIS, or by visiting school websites to come up with a list of schools that fit your criteria.

With several options in mind, it’s time to get to know each school’s culture on a personal level.

“My advice to families is to start early, to be objective, and to approach the search with an open mind with the end goal of learning about all of the programs offered at each school,” says Missy Moreland, an independent educational consultant (IEC) based in Monkton, who specializes in helping families navigate the school search and application process. “The endeavor is to always try and picture the student at each school to evaluate if each prospective school would be a good fit.”

Moreland is one of more than 40 IECs in the state who serve as a link between a family’s needs and the many unique day and boarding school options that best fit those needs.

“I like to partner and guide the family through the school search process with a genuine interest in the student’s success,” Moreland says. “An IEC should take a caring and individualized approach to understanding the student’s relative strengths and weaknesses, all while clarifying the search process. The IEC should be familiar with this universe of schools and select the best fit list of schools for each individualized search.”

After getting to know your family and your child, a consultant can assist with everything from developing a list of potential schools and creating a timeline for the search process to keeping track of application requirements and interpreting search results.

While partnering with an independent educational consultant gives families a leg up in the school search, getting a feel for schools through the open house remains one of the most important experiences in the selection process.

Held each year in the fall, open houses make a great entry point to learn more about independent schools that could be a good match for your child. Consult the following list, or reach out to schools to find out open house dates and more information. You should visit open houses the fall before you plan to enroll your child in a new school.

Some schools open for a few hours for families to come and go, tour facilities, and meet the admissions team, while others organize full-day programs that include talks by the head of school or admissions counselors and require advance registration. Still others offer a suite of admissions experiences covering topics such as affording a private-school education and hearing from a panel of young alumni about how the school contributed to their success.

The open house is the perfect opportunity to learn about a school’s mission and to get a first impression of its values and culture. Be sure to jot down in-depth questions that come to mind during the event to follow up about later, during a personal tour or interview.

For open-house season last fall, schools pivoted to virtual formats, where prospective families could hear from faculty, administrators, and current families. In addition, many schools offered virtual campus tours online and facilitated one-on-one conversations with enrolled families.

While many schools are returning to modified in-person admissions experiences this year, some elements introduced over the past year are here to stay. Check individual school websites as events approach for the most up- to-date information.

“We all learned a lot during a year of virtual admissions,” says Morse of St. Paul’s Schools. “There are some things we felt like worked really well virtually, and some things we were able to do that, had we done them in person, wouldn’t have worked the same.”

Encompassing three schools—a coed pre-and lower school through fourth grade and single-gender girls’ and boys’ schools beginning in fifth grade—St. Paul’s Schools share a 120-acre campus and Episcopal tradition. This fall, the schools’ admissions events will include a hybrid of in-person and virtual open houses and school visit experiences.

When possible, however, in-person experiences offer the best glimpse into a school’s culture.

“Take advantage of every opportunity to get on campus,” Morse adds, noting that a lot of campus events are open to the public, such as plays or sports games. “What you see at the open houses might be different than what you see by going to a game and cheering from the sidelines. Getting to experience the school in more than just one way gives you a real feel for the community and what the campus has to offer.”

Another welcome change inspired by the pandemic are more intimate events, like personal or small-group campus tours.

“The on-campus events have become personalized,” Moreland says, noting that, at several local schools, the large group tours have been downsized. “It started out because they had to be socially distanced, but it’s nice because it’s become much more individualized, and I think it’s something that is going to continue.”

In addition to the open house, Moreland suggests connecting with as many different types of school representatives as possible. Admissions is a great place to start, but also look beyond that office at faculty and staff, current parents and students, and alumni. “It’s such a great opportunity for insight,” she says. “There’s a lot that you can really learn through those conversations for families to better understand the culture of each of the schools.”

At St. Paul’s Schools, parents are available through the admissions website for prospective families to connect with to ask questions and learn more. “Use current parents as a resource,” Morse suggests. “Connect with them, and find out what it was that was the deciding factor for them and their family.”

To make comparisons easier, write down your questions and ask the same ones at each school interview or tour. Once you’ve narrowed down your top choices, make sure you add application and financial aid deadlines—typically in January—to your calendar.

Admissions offices begin to share decisions in March. If your child is accepted at more than one school, arrange a shadow day at each school for your child to experience what daily life would be like. Revisit your original wish list to make sure you haven’t lost sight of your family’s priorities or each child’s unique needs.

“It’s not going to be the same for every student,” Morse says. “What may be the fit for one child might not be the fit for the second student. Families will know when they come on campus and when they’ve been in the school—they get a feeling. Don’t be afraid to listen to that feeling.”

Save the Dates

Below is a list of open houses at schools in the Greater Baltimore region. The time of the open houses, when available, is printed directly a er the name of each school.

ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL
10/23 and 10/24, 10 a.m.-noon. 3701 Sinclair Ln. 410-485-5000 archbishop-curley.org Grades: 9-12, all-male. Enrollment: 560. Affiliation: Roman Catholic/ Franciscan.

ARCHBISHOP SPALDING HIGH SCHOOL
10/24, 12 p.m. 8080 New Cut Rd., Severn 410-969-9105 archbishpspaulding.org Grades: 9-12, coed. Enrollment: 1,253. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

BALTIMORE LAB SCHOOL
Third Thursday breakfast tour each month, 9-10:15 a.m. 2220 St. Paul St. 410-261-5500 baltimorelabschool.org Grades: 1-12, coed. Enrollment: 137. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

BETH EL @ FEDERAL HILL
Call for tour information. 1530 Battery Ave. 410-528-6001 bethelbalto.com Grades: 2-5 years of age, coed. Enrollment: 40. Affiliation: Jewish.

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
High School: 11/14, 7 p.m.; Middle school: 11/19, 7 p.m.; Lower school: 11/7, 8:45 a.m. 3300 Old Court Rd., Pikesville. 410-486-1905 bethtfiloh.com Grades: 15 months-grade 12, coed. Enrollment: 943. Affiliation: Jewish.

THE BOYS’ LATIN SCHOOL OF MARYLAND
10/24, 10 a.m. 822 W. Lake Ave. 410-377-5192 boyslatinmd.com Grades: K-12, all-male. Enrollment: 630. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL
10/23, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 109 W. Melrose Ave. 410-323-8800 brynmawrschool. org Grades: K-12, all-female; The Little School, coed. Enrollment: 700. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

CALVERT HALL COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
10/31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 8102 La Salle Rd. 410-825-4266 calverthall.com Grades: 9-12, all-male. Enrollment: 1,192. Affiliation: Roman Catholic and LaSallian.

CALVERT SCHOOL
10/1, 10/20, 11/11, 12/2, 1/11, 9:30-11 a.m. 105 Tuscany Rd. 410-243-6054 calvertschoolmd.org Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 626. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL
Call for times. 110 Sudbrook Ln., Pikesville. 410-486-3686 cambridgeschool.org Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 121. Affiliation: Christian.

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
10/23, 12-2 p.m. 2800 Edison Hwy. 410-732-6200 thecatholichighschool. org Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

COLUMBIA ACADEMY
Elementary and Middle School: 10/26, Call for time. 10350 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia. 410-312-7413 columbiaacademy.com Grades: Junior K-8, coed. Enrollment: 138. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

CONCORDIA PREPARATORY SCHOOL
10/12, 10 a.m.-noon. 1145 Concordia Dr., Towson. 410-825-2323 concordiaprepschool.org Grades: 6-12, coed. Enrollment: 400. Affiliation: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

EASTERN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
10/17, 6-8 p.m. 1100 Mace Ave., Essex. 410-809-0190 easterntechhs.bcps.org Grades: 9-12, coed. Enrollment: ~1,174. Affiliation: Non-sectarian, public.

FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY
Call for appointment. 4744 James Madison Hwy., Fork Union, Virginia. 1-800-GO-2-FUMA (1-800-462-3862) forkunion.com Grades: 7-12 and post- grad program, boarding, all-male. Enrollment: ~367. Affiliation: Christian.

FRIENDS SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
First Look @ Friends: 9/22, 10/7, 10/21, 11/9, 4:30 p.m. Zoom 12/7, 7 p.m. 5114 N. Charles St. 410-649-3200 friendsbalt.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 830. Affiliation: Quaker.

GARRISON FOREST SCHOOL
Parent visit days, lower school: 10/11, 8-10:00 a.m.; middle school: 10/16, 7:45-9:30 a.m.; upper school: 10/17, 8-10 a.m. 300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 410-363-1500 gfs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, all-female except coed pre-K. Enrollment: 550. Affiliation: Non- sectarian.

GERSTELL ACADEMY
10/16, 10 a.m.; 10/28, 6 p.m.; 11/19, 9 a.m.; 12/10, 11 a.m. 2500 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg. 410-861-3000 gerstell.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. En- rollment: 400. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

GILMAN SCHOOL
Middle and upper school: 10/26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 5407 Roland Ave. 410-323-3800 gilman.edu Grades: K-12, all-male. Enrollment: 1,020. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

GLENELG COUNTRY SCHOOL
10/15, 11/2, 12/1, 9 a.m. 12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City. 410-531-8600 glenelg.org Grades: Age 2-grade 12, coed. Enrollment: 780. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Call for times. 10807 Tony Dr., Lutherville-Timonium. 410-321-8555 greenspringmontessori.org Grades: 18 months-grade 9, coed. Enrollment: 260. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

HARFORD DAY SCHOOL
10/18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Middle school preview: 11/4, call for time. 715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air. 410-838-4848 harfordday.org Grades: Age 3-grade 8. Enrollment: 295. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

HARGRAVE MILITARY ACADEMY
10/2, 12/11, 1/8, 4/30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 200 Military Dr., Chatham, Virginia. 1-434- 432-2481 Hargrave.edu/admission/visit Grades: 7-12, plus post-graduate for boys. Enrollment: 140. Affiliation: Baptist.

THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL
Call to schedule tour. 2409 Creswell Rd., Bel Air. 410-836-1415 highlandsschool.net Grades: K-12, coed. Enrollment: 92, rolling admissions. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL
Pre-K to Grade 8: 11/4, 9:30 a.m.; Middle school: 10/7, 6 p.m. 112 Ware Ave., Towson. 410-427-4801 theimmaculate.org Grades: Pre-K (age 3) through Grade 8, coed. Enrollment: 535. Affiliation: Catholic

JEMICY SCHOOL
Please contact the Admission Office to schedule a meeting with the admission staff to discuss your child’s learning profile and to learn about our program. Upper school: 11202 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. Lower and Middle School: 11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills. 410-653-2700 jemicyschool.org Grades: 1-12, coed. Enrollment: 449. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL
10/30, 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. 703 E. Churchville Rd., Bel Air. 410-838-8333 johncarroll.org Grades: 9-12, coed. En- rollment: 700. Affiliation: Catholic.

KRIEGER SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL
Info session and tours: 10/17, 12/4, 1/9, 9 a.m. 8100 Stevenson Rd. 410-486-8640 ksds.edu Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 295. Affiliation: Jewish.

LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD
10/24, 500 Chestnut Ave., Towson. 410-823-0601 loyolablakefield.org Grades: 6-12, all-male. Enrollment: 1,000. Affiliation: Jesuit Catholic.

MARYVALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Upper School: 10/4 and 11/5, 8:30 a.m.; Middle School: 10/17 and 12/5, 8:30 a.m. 11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville. 410-252-3366 maryvale.com Grades: 6-12, all-female. Enrollment: 380. Affiliation: Catholic.

MCDONOGH SCHOOL
Lower: 10/10, 10/23, 11/5, 9 a.m.; Middle: 10/27, 12:30 p.m.; Upper: 10/27, 3 p.m. 8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills. 410-363-0600 mcdonogh.org/ admissions/ways-to-visit Grades: Pre- K-12, coed. Enrollment: 1,450. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY
10/11, 12/13, Call for times. 100 Academy Dr., Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. 717-328-6173 mercersburg.edu/open-house Grades: 9-12, plus post-grad year, boarding and day. Enrollment: 445, coed Affiliation: Non-sectarian

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
10/23, 10 a.m.-2 pm. 1300 E. Northern Pkwy. 410-433-8880 mercyhighschool.com Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 427. Affiliation: Catholic.

MOTHER SETON ACADEMY
11/3, 12-3 p.m. 2215 Greenmount Ave. 410-563-2833 mothersetonacademy.org Grades: 6-8, coed. Enrollment: 75. Affiliation: Catholic.

MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY
11/7, 12-3 p.m. 700 Academy Rd., Catonsville. 410-744-8498 mountdesalesacademy.org Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 485. Affiliation: Roman Catholic

MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
Call for times, 4403 Frederick Ave. 410-644-3300 msjnet.edu Grades: 9-12, all-male. Enrollment: 924. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

NATURE PRESCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
(Formerly Hunt Valley Country Day School) Call to schedule meeting, 200A Lakefront Dr., Hunt Valley. 410-329- 9867 naturepreschoolbaltimore.org Grades: 2-5 years. Enrollment: N/A Affiliation: Non-sectarian, nature- based early-childhood program

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL
10/12, 8:30 a.m.-noon. 815 Hampton Ln., Towson. 410-825-6202 notredameprep.com Grades: 6-12, all-female. Enrollment: 800. Affiliation: Catholic.

THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL
Inside Odyssey: 1/20, 6:45-9 p.m. Snow Date for Inside Odyssey: 1/27, 6:45-9 p.m. 3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville. 410-580-5551 theodysseyschool.org Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 160. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

OLDFIELDS SCHOOL
10/16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks-Glencoe. 410-472-4800
oldfieldsschool.org Grades: 8-12, all-female. Enrollment: 120. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

OUR LADY OF GRACE PRE-SCHOOL
Call for times, 18310 Middletown Rd., Parkton. 410-329-6956 olgs.org Grades: Preschool, coed. Enrollment: 35. Affiliation: Catholic.

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
Call for times, 1704 Old Eastern Ave., Essex. 410-686-4972 olmcmd.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 532. Affiliation: Catholic.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL
Call for times, 4801 Ilchester Rd., Ellico City. 410-744-4251 olphschool.org Grades: Pre-K to grade 8, coed. Enrollment: 240. Affiliation: Roman Catholic

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Call for times, 2425 Old Court Rd. 410- 339-7070 parkschool.net Grades: Pre- K-12, coed. Enrollment: 813. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

PAULINE MASH SCHOOL FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Call for tour information, 8101 Park Heights Ave. 410-484-0411 bethelbalto.com Grades: 8 weeks-5 years, coed. Enrollment: 120. Affiliation: Jewish.

PEABODY PREPARATORY
Preparatory Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Call for times, 21 E. Mount Vernon Pl. 667-208-6640 peabody.jhu.edu Grades: Music and dance instruction for all ages and abilities, coed. Enrollment: Approx. 2,000 per week at four locations. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

REDEEMER CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
11/7, 6:30 p.m. 6415 Mount Vista Rd., Kingsville. 410-592-9625 rccs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 234. Affiliation: Christian.

ROLAND PARK COUNTRY SCHOOL
Middle/Upper school: 9/25, 4-5 p.m.; Lower school: 10/4, 10/30, 8:30-10 a.m. 5204 Roland Ave. 410-323-5500 rpcs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, all-female except coed preschool. Enrollment: 579. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL
Call for times, 3617 Harford Rd. 410-467-1683 sfa-school.org Grades: Pre-K to Grade 8. Enrollment: 260, coed. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

ST. JAMES ACADEMY
10/20, 1:30 p.m.; 11/ 5, 9 a.m.; 11/ 17, 9 a.m.; 12/3, 1:30 p.m.; 12/15, 1:30 p.m. See website for virtual tour. 3100 Monkton Rd., Monkton. 410-568-7573 saintjamesacademy.org Grades: Pre- K-8, coed. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Episcopalian

SAINT JAMES SCHOOL
Virtual: 9/27, 7 p.m. In-person (COVID- depending): 11/11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 17641 College Rd., Hagerstown. 301-733-9330 stjames.edu Grades: 8-12, coed. Enroll- ment: 230. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

ST. JOHN’S PARISH DAY SCHOOL
Call for times 9130 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. 410-465-7644 stjohnspds.org Grades: Age 3-Grade 5, coed. Enrollment: 350. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

ST. MARK SCHOOL
Call for times, 26 Melvin Ave. Catonsville. 410-744-6560 stmarkschool.org Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 340. Affiliation: Catholic.

ST. PAUL’S PRE AND LOWER SCHOOL
Parent Information Sessions: 10/15, 11/17, 12/8 (virtual), 1/11, 11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 410-821- 3060 stpaulsmd.org/coed Grades: Infant-Grade 4. Enrollment: 374. Affiliation: Episcopalian.
Parent Information Sessions: Middle School: 10/26, 11/16, 11/18 (virtual), 12/7, 1/12. 410-821-3034 stpaulsmd.org/boys Grades: 5-12. Enrollment: 546. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Parent Information Sessions: Middle School: 10/19, 11/9 (virtual), 12/2, 1/13 Upper School: 10/14, 11/4 (virtual), 12/8, 1/6. 11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 443-632-1082 stpaulsmd.org/girls Grades: 5-12. Enrollment: 451. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

ST. PIUS X SCHOOL
Call for times, 6432 York Rd. 410-427-7400 stpiusschool.org Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 145. Affiliation: Catholic.

ST. TIMOTHY’S SCHOOL
10/14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.; 11/2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; 11/11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. 8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson. 410-486-7401 stt.org Grades: 9-12, boarding and day, all-female. Enrollment: 200. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

ST. URSULA SCHOOL
Call for times, 900 Harford Rd., Parkville. 410-665-3533 stursula.org Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 626. Affiliation: Catholic.

SANDY SPRING FRIENDS SCHOOL
10/20, 1-3:30 p.m. 16923 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring. 301-774-7455 ssfs.org Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 622. Affiliation: Quaker.

THE SCHOOL OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MARY OUR QUEEN
10/5, 11/11, 8:30-11:30 a.m. 111 Amberly Way. 410-464-4100 schoolofthecathedral.org Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 354. Affiliation: Catholic.

SEVERN SCHOOL
(now merged with Chesapeake Academy) Lower School: 10/7, 9 a.m.; Middle and Upper schools: 11/4, 7 p.m. Lower School: 1185 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Arnold. Middle/Upper School: 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7700 severn-school.com Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 884. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY
Senior School: 10/16, 9 a.m.; 11/13, 9 a.m.; 12/11, 9 a.m. 423 Fox Chapel Rd. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 412-968- 3000 shadysideacademy.org Grades: 9-12, coed, day and boarding. Enrollment: 475. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

SPRINGDALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Call for Times, 1000 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor. 855-405-8600 springdaleps.org Grades: 5-12, day and boarding, coed. Enrollment: n/a. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

TONG LE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Open house: Call for times, 805 E. Fayette St., Ste. 100. 410-929-1628 tonglemontessori.com Grades: Ages 6 weeks-6 years Enrollment: 35. Affiliation: Non-sectarian Mandarin Chinese immersion program.

TRINITY SCHOOL
All grades: 10/9, 10 a.m.; 11/14, 9:30 a.m. 4985 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City. 443-744-1524 trinityschoolmd.org Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 320. Affiliation: Catholic.

WALDORF SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Call for times, 4801 Tamarind Rd. 410- 367-6808 waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 153. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

WEST NOTTINGHAM ACADEMY
Call for times, 1079 Firetower Rd., Colora. 410-658-5556 wna.org Grades: 9-12, day and boarding, coed. Enrollment: 130. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Paying for Private: A New Take on Tuition

It’s no secret that an independent-school education comes with a significant price tag. And the cost keeps going up. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the median Baltimore-area day-school tuition was $29,264, while boarding tuition was $63,846.

However, more than 37 percent of students at Baltimore-area schools receive financial aid, according to the National Association of Independent Schools.

The cost of tuition has well outpaced inflation, and it’s getting increasingly challenging for families to keep up. From 1997 to 2019, education expenses increased by 157 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to an overall inflation increase of 58 percent.
As tuition takes up an increasingly larger share of family income, affording an independent school can feel out of reach for many.

What are schools doing to address these challenges? We spoke with David Schriver, CPA, a director in the audit and accounting department of Ellin & Tucker, about how independent schools are rethinking their tuition models to make financing a private-school education possible for more families.

There are two ways most tuition gets subsidized, Schriver says: It’s either self-funded through an endowment, or budgeted into a school’s annual forecast. Most institutions in Baltimore fall under the latter.

“Schools are trying to identify ways to make tuition a little bit more affordable,” Schriver says. “It’s expensive. They acknowledge that, and they want to help you figure out how to afford it.”

As the rise in tuition becomes unsustainable for many families, new tuition models are popping up at independent schools in Baltimore and beyond.

One approach to the rising tuition rates is to start fresh and drop tuition down to a new level. “This approach seeks to make the school more accessible by reducing the sticker price and increasing transparency throughout the financial-aid application process,” Schriver says. “While the result is a new advertised price, the reality is that families would likely already be paying as much through financial aid.”

Indexed tuition is a model that seeks to demystify the financial-aid process, allowing schools to advertise tuition rates based on a percentage of family income. “The school may set different rates for certain income ranges and publish these rates so that a potential family will be able to calculate what tuition will cost them before they even apply,” Schriver says. “It allows families to have a better understanding of what they might end up paying going in.”

Flexible tuition is another model. Like indexed tuition, it is also scale-driven based on income, but with a limited number of available spaces for each tuition tier. When those spaces ll up, families would be bumped into the next tier. “It’s a first-come, first-served kind of approach, so you may see an early drive toward enrollment because they want to make sure they get into the tier they qualify for,” Schriver explains.

Ready, Set, Enroll: A Timeline of the Independent-School Application Process

The path to finding your child’s perfect school is a long one. Follow this monthly checklist (starting the year before you want your child to attend) from the National Association of Independent Schools to make sure you hit the important milestones. Visit parents.NAIS.org for more helpful tools.

AUGUST
▶  Define your ideal school.
▶  Create a list of schools that match your child’s needs.
▶  Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list.

SEPTEMBER
▶ Attend school fairs to gather materials and get first impressions.
▶ Browse schools’ websites to learn more about their programs and philosophies.
▶ Request admissions and financial-aid materials.
▶ Create a calendar of deadlines for the schools on your list.
▶ Register for any standardized tests required for admission.
▶ Schedule individual school tours, class visits, and interviews.

OCTOBER
▶ Visit schools during open houses, attend information sessions, and take tours.
▶ Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply.
▶ Take required standardized admission tests.

NOVEMBER
▶Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school.
▶Start working on applications, financial-aid forms, student questionnaires, and essays.

DECEMBER
▶ Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester.
▶Complete applications, questionnaires, and essays.

JANUARY
▶ Most applications are due in January or February, along with tests scores, references, transcripts, and financial aid forms.

FEBRUARY
▶ Turn in any final applications before the deadlines.
▶ Visit schools and have your child participate in a student shadow day.

MARCH
▶ Watch for school and financial-aid decisions starting in mid-March.
▶ If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend.

APRIL
▶ Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits.

MAY – SEPTEMBER
▶ Attend events and activities for new parents and student.

To Board or Not to Board: How to Know if Boarding School is the Right Fit for Your Family

Boarding schools offer excellent opportunities for students to develop their independence and foster deep relationships with peers and faculty. With more than 75 boarding schools within a day’s drive of Baltimore—and 11 in Maryland alone—it’s worth determining if boarding is a potential fit for your child.

Maryland-based independent educational consultant Missy Moreland, who works with families to place students at boarding schools around the globe, shares the questions families considering the boarding option should ask.

“There are lots of varieties, lots of kinds of schools and a lot of opportunities,” she says. “At a boarding school, students are able to grow and learn in new environments, becoming more independent and con dent, and are looking for challenges academically, where they have more diversity of friends and more opportunities to try new sports or activities.”

Much like the day-school admissions process, it’s important to ask questions and conduct research to find a school that is the best fit for your child and your entire family.

“Look for the schools that o er the academic and extracurricular programs to provide your student with a learning environment and residential community that is safe, nurturing, and offers potential for growth,” she says.

When working with families, Moreland asks questions regarding things like culture, location, and campus life to determine if a boarding school is a good fit.

Asking the Right Questions

▶ Does the school culture and values resonate with your family?

▶ Do the current students seem happy? Are they relaxed? Are they having fun? Do they seem motivated and challenged in and outside of the classroom?

▶ Can you see your child there?

▶ Is there a specialized program that meets your child’s needs, such as performing arts, sports, or special learning needs?

▶ What does the campus population look like? Where are students coming from?

▶ Is it near an airport or easily accessible by car or train?

▶ How is campus safety?

▶ Is there an on-campus health center or community hospital nearby?

▶ What cultural and civic attractions are available nearby? Can students take advantage of these opportunities?

▶ What are the populations of five-and seven-day boarders compared to
day students?

▶ What percentage of students and faculty remain on campus on weekends?

▶ What activities are available on nights and weekends?

▶ What type of support or programs are available to acclimate first-year boarding students?

▶ Is parent and alumni involvement visible on campus?

nne Arundel County Public Schools served Laura Dorsey-Elson and Omowale Elson’s daughter and son well through middle school. But with high school on the horizon, the family made the strategic decision to move their children into independent schools.

“We were looking for a smaller school environment at the high-school level,” Dorsey-Elson says. “Not just the class sizes, but the school itself.”

So the family looked into independent-school programs that would match their children’s learning styles and help them develop as students. “We did our research and thought about what would be the best fit four our kids,” she adds.

The Introductions: Open-House Season Goes Online

There are more than 120 independent schools in the Baltimore-Washington area and more than 30 in the greater Baltimore area. With so many options, it takes some dedication to find the right match.

The best way to get an introduction to an independent school is through an annual fall tradition: the open house.

Typically, the open house offers one-stop-shopping for families to see schools in person, talk with administrators, admissions and financial-aid representatives, and start narrowing down their choices.

This fall, however, things look a bit different due to physical distancing and gathering restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus. While each school will take a unique approach, the essence of the open house is here to stay.

Before open-house season, it’s a good idea to come up with a list of priorities for your family, including must-have and nice-to-have qualities. This way, you can ask the same questions and look consistently at the same factors for every school.

Starting through word of mouth and exploring school websites, narrow down a handful of schools that seem like a good fit for your child. Then, make contact with admissions or attend an event to learn more.

Schools across the region are adapting their traditional admission events this fall to fit their community needs and stay as safe as possible. In most cases, however, the in-person events will be replaced with a series of virtual events where prospective families can hear from faculty, administrators, and current families. In addition, many schools offer virtual campus tours online and will facilitate one-on-one conversations with enrolled families.

“We’ve heard from a number of schools that are looking at different ways to do school tours,” says Myra McGovern of the National Association of Independent Schools. “For some schools, it might be a video walking the viewer through the campus. Some are looking at virtual reality, others at augmented reality where there’s additional information that pops up about each location.”

Friends School of Baltimore, a Pre-K through 12th-grade school set on 34 acres in northern Baltimore, has created a series of Zoom events, called First Look @ Friends, that engage prospective families with the head of school, as well as current students and parents. They have also updated their virtual tour platform, Experience Friends, with 360-degree views of facilities.

“Just as you can’t teach math the same way online as in the classroom, you’re not going to do admission work the same way either,” says Friends School director of admission Amy Mortimer about how the school has pivoted to an online platform. “We’ve kept many of the important pieces—access to students, head of school, faculty members, parents. Designing ways virtually for people to see the classroom is important to us, too.”

Despite some changes to the delivery methods of the fall admissions events, Mortimer says families still have the same goals: learning about a school and finding the best fit for their student.

“My advice is the same, whether you’re able to be on campus together or virtually: Make contact with someone in the admission office,” Mortimer says. Admissions officers are the best resource for families trying to get to know a school environment, she says, and she advises families not to be shy about contacting them directly.

“Right now, because it’s not a typical year, people have all kinds of different questions and needs, and they can be very unique to each family,” Mortimer adds. “People want to know about your math program and the culture of your community, but they also want to know what online learning looks like, and we’re happy to talk one-on-one with families.”

Especially this year, Mortimer also suggests families get to know a school’s culture by checking out their online presence and following social-media pages. This content can be a window into what the school values, or at least a glimpse into the people and places that make up the school community. “It’s an additional way to get to know them in this time of not being able to come and visit and walk around and play on the playground.”

Another key contact? Current families. “To figure out whether the school is the right fit for your family, especially considering the new things in the admissions process this year, talk to other parents,” says McGovern. “Most schools will have a list of current parents who are willing to talk to prospective families. That can give you a good sense of what the school is like, and, in the case that you select that school, it can be a great connection for the future.”

Making a Match: The Application Process

By networking with other families at the elementary level, Dorsey-Elson discovered the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust (BEST), a nonprofit that identifies and recruits high-achieving Black students in the greater Baltimore area who have the potential to thrive in an independent-school environment but lack the financial resources necessary to enroll.

BEST helps students admitted to the program through the independent-school admissions process, and continues support once students have enrolled. It’s one of many local and national programs aiming to increase equitable access to an independent school education (see sidebar for more details).

Dorsey-Elson’s daughter, Imani, was recruited through the BEST program. She began ninth grade at Friends School of Baltimore in fall 2017. Dorsey-Elson’s son, Asante, also applied to several schools through the BEST program, beginning his freshman year at Friends this fall.

Commuting from Severn in Anne Arundel County didn’t deter the family from choosing Friends, which they found to be the best fit for their children. “When we get our kids up at 5:30 in the morning to get them to school, the motto is, ‘This is an investment,’” says Dorsey-Elson, who is a tenured associate professor at Morgan State University.

In addition to advising the family through the independent-school application process, the BEST program signals to schools that the applicant is high-achieving academically and capable of coping with the school’s rigorous curriculum.

“That helped give another layer for the school to look at our son,” Dorsey-Elson says of the application process with BEST. “They can see he’s a kid who really wants to be here, and know he’s prepared to be here.”

By the time Asante began the high school application process in fall 2019, he already had several years of exposure to the Friends School environment, including attending school events with his family. “Watching his older sister thrive at Friends was the best marketing material Friends could ever ask for,” Dorsey-Elson says.

While he applied to multiple schools, Friends remained his top choice. “It wasn’t just because his sister was there,” she adds. “He felt the most comfortable there on his shadow day, so that sealed the deal.”

For families new to independent schools, the application process may feel overwhelming. Reduce the stress by starting early and making note of the deadlines and requirements for each potential school on your list.

Most applications require some combination of transcripts, standardized test results, teacher recommendations, student writing samples or portfolio, and a formal interview, depending on the age of the child.

Dorsey-Elson says the most challenging part of the application process for her son Asante was the standardized testing. “Our son had to put extra effort into the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) prep,” she says. “He scored moderately well the first round, and he thought he was done with it, but we decided he could take it again. For the six-week period between test one and two, he was frustrated.”

With more preparation, Asante was able to raise his scores. Dorsey-Elson says she looked at the tests as one of the hoops the family had to jump through to get their son into his top-choice school.

Admissions counselors are quick to remind families that, while important, standardized tests are just one of several elements used to determine if the applicant is a good fit for the school, and final decisions are made by looking at the big picture more than one single element.

But the entire admissions process also serves as a learning opportunity that gives students experience for college and job applications in the future.

“It’s a lengthy process, but it really does grow and mature your child in terms of how to represent themselves. How to interview, how to observe, and what to observe, how to prepare for tests, and then apply for scholarships—these are skills that totally translate,” she says. “I don’t want to say that admission isn’t the prize, but personal growth is a real close second. Families should remember that the process will benefit the child.”

Save the Dates

Below is a list of open houses at schools in the Greater Baltimore region. The time of the open houses, when available, is printed directly after the name of each school. An asterisk notes school has an advertisement in this section that could provide additional information.

Archbishop Curley High School

Open house: 10/26 and 10/27, 10 a.m.-noon. 3701 Sinclair Ln. 410-485-5000. Grades: 9-12, all male. Enrollment: 560. Affiliation: Roman Catholic/Franciscan.

Archbishop Spalding High School

Open house: 10/27, 12 p.m.. 8080 New Cut Rd., Severn. 410-969-9105. Grades: 9-12, coed. Enrollment: 1,253. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

The Auburn School Baltimore Campus

Open house: Call for times. 7401 Park Heights Ave., Pikesville. 410-617-0418. Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 65. Affiliation: non-sectarian.

Baltimore Lab School

Open house: Third Thursday breakfast tour each month. 9-10:15 a.m.. 2220 St. Paul St.. 410-261-5500. Grades: 1-12, coed. Enrollment: 137. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Beth El @ Federal Hill

Open house: Call for tour information. 1530 Battery Ave.. 410-528-6001. Grades: 2-5 years of age, coed. Enrollment: 40. Affiliation: Jewish.

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School *

High school open house: 11/14, 7 p.m.. Middle school open house: 11/19, 7 p.m.. Lower school open house: 11/7, 8:45 a.m.. 3300 Old Court Rd., Pikesville. 410-486-1905. Grades: 15 months-grade 12, coed. Enrollment: 943. Affiliation: Jewish.

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland *

Open house: 12/5, 8:30-10 a.m.. 822 W. Lake Ave.. 410-377-5192. Grades: K-12, all-male. Enrollment: 630. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

The Bryn Mawr School *

Open house: 11/2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. 109 W. Melrose Ave.. 410-323-8800. Grades: K-12, all-female except coed The Little School. Enrollment: 678. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Calvert Hall College High School *

Open house: 11/6, noon-3 p.m.. 8102 La Salle Rd.. 410-825-4266. Grades: 9-12, all-male. Enrollment: 1,175. Affiliation: Roman Catholic and Lasallian.

Calvert School

Open house: 9/25, 10/3, 10/16, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.. 105 Tuscany Rd.. 410-243-6054. Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 598. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Cambridge School

Open house: Call for times. 110 Sudbrook Ln., Pikesville. 410-486-3686. Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 121. Affiliation: Christian

The Catholic High School of Baltimore *

Open house: 10/19, 9 a.m.-noon. 2800 Edison Hwy.. 410-732-6200. Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 320. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

Columbia Academy *

Elementary and Middle school open house: 10/26, call for times. 10350 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia. 410-312-7413. Grades: Junior K-8, coed. Enrollment: 138. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Concordia Preparatory School

Open house: 10/12, 10 a.m.-noon. 1145 Concordia Dr., Towson. 410-825-2323. Grades: 6-12, Coed. Enrollment: 400. Affiliation: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Eastern Technical High School

Open house: 10/17, 6-8 p.m.. 1100 Mace Ave., Essex. 410-809-0190. Grades: 9-12, coed. Enrollment: approx. 1,174. Affiliation: nonsectarian, public.

Friends School of Baltimore *

Open house: 9/25, 9-11 a.m.; 10/22, 11/14, 9-11 a.m.. 5114 N. Charles St.. 410-649-3200. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 830. Affiliation: Quaker.

Fork Union Military Academy

Open house: Call for appointment. 4744 James Madison Hwy.. Fork Union, Virginia. 1-800-GO-2-FUMA (1-800-462-3862). Grades: 7-12, and post-grad program, boarding, all-male. Enrollment: approx. 367. Affiliation: Christian.

Garrison Forest School *

Lower school open house: 10/11, 8 a.m.-10:00 a.m.. Middle school open house: 10/16, 7:45-9:30 a.m.. Upper school open house: 10/17, 8-10 a.m.. 300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 410-363-1500. Grades: Pre-K-12, all-female except coed Pre-K. Enrollment: 550. Affiliation: Nonsectarian.

Gerstell Academy *

Open house: 10/12, 1 p.m.; 11/24, 1 p.m.; 12/13, 11 a.m.. 2500 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg. 410-861-3000. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 400. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Gilman School *

Middle and Upper school open house: 10/26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. 5407 Roland Ave.. 410-323-3800. Grades: K-12, all-male. Enrollment: 1,020. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Glenelg Country School

Open house: 10/18, 11/5, 12/4, 9 a.m.. 12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City. 410-531-8600. Grades: Age 2-Grade 12, coed. Enrollment: 750. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Greenspring Montessori School

Open house: Call for times. 10807 Tony Dr., Lutherville-Timonium. 410-321-8555. Grades: 18 months-Grade 9, coed. Enrollment: 260. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Harford Day School *

Open house: 10/18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. Middle school preview: 11/4, call for times. 715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air. 410-838-4848. Grades: Pre-K (age 3)-Grade 8, coed. Enrollment: 295. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Hargrave Military Academy

Open House: Call for times. 200 Military Dr., Chatham, VA. 1-434-432-2481. Grades: 7-12 plus post-graduate for boys. Enrollment: 140. Affiliation: Baptist.

The Highlands School

Open house: Call to schedule tour. 2409 Creswell Rd., Bel Air. 410-836-1415. Grades: K-12, coed. Enrollment: 92/rolling admissions. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Immaculate Conception School

Middle school open house: 10/17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Annual open house: 11/7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.. 112 Ware Ave., Towson. 410-427-4801. Grades: Pre-K (age 3) thru Grade 8, coed. Enrollment: 535. Affiliation: Catholic.

Institute of Notre Dame

Open house: Call for times. 901 Aisquith St.. 410-522-7800. Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 354.
Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

Jemicy School *

Open house: Call to schedule tour. Upper school: 11202 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. Lower and Middle schools: 11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills. 410-653-2700. Grades: 1-12, coed. Enrollment: 405. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

John Carroll School

Open house: 11/2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.. 703 E. Churchville Rd., Bel Air. 410-879-2480. Grades: 9-12, coed. Enrollment: 659. Affiliation: Catholic.

Krieger Schechter Day School *

Open house: 10/17, 12/4, 1/9, 9 a.m.. 8100 Stevenson Rd.. 410-486-8640. Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 295. Affiliation: Jewish.

Loyola Blakefield

Virtual Visits, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.. 500 Chestnut Ave., Towson. 410-823-0601. Grades: 6-12, all-male. Enrollment: 1,000. Affiliation: Jesuit Catholic.

Maryvale Preparatory School

Upper school open house: 10/4 and 11/5, 8:30 a.m.. Middle school open house: 10/17 and 12/5, 8:30 a.m.. 11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville. 410-252-3366. Grades: 6-12, all-female. Enrollment: 380. Affiliation: Catholic.

McDonogh School *

Lower school open house: 10/10, 10/23 11/5, 9 a.m.. Middle school open house: 10/27, 12:30 p.m.. Upper school open house: 10/27, 3 p.m.. 8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills. 410-363-0600. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 1,398. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Mercersburg Academy

Open house: 10/19, 12/16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.. 100 Academy Dr., Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. 717-328-6173. Grades: 9-12, plus post-grad year, boarding and day. Enrollment: 442, coed. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Mercy High School

Open house: 10/19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.. 1300 E. Northern Pkwy.. 410-433-8880. Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 328. Affiliation: Catholic.

Mother Seton Academy

Open house: 11/3, 12-3 p.m.. 2215 Greenmount Ave.. 410-563-2833. Grades: coed 6-8. Enrollment: 75. Affiliation: Catholic.

Mount de Sales Academy

Open house: 11/3, 12-3 p.m.. 700 Academy Rd., Catonsville. 410-744-8498. Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 510. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

Mount Saint Joseph High School

Open house: Call for times. 4403 Frederick Ave.. 410-644-3300. Grades: 9-12, all-male. Enrollment: 924. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

Nature Preschool of Baltimore *

(formerly Hunt Valley Country Day School)

Open house: Call for times. 200 A Lakefront Dr., Hunt Valley. 410-329-9867. Grades: Children 2-5 years. Enrollment: N/A. Affiliation: Non-sectarian, nature-based early childhood program.

Notre Dame Preparatory School

Open house: 10/12, 8:30 a.m.-noon. 815 Hampton Ln., Towson. 410-825-6202. Grades: 6-12, all-female. Enrollment: 800. Affiliation: Catholic.

The Odyssey School *

Open house: Call for tour times. 3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Stevenson. 410-580-5551. Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 162. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Oldfields School

Open house: 9/28, 11/11, call for times. 1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks-Glencoe. 410-472-4800. Grades: 8-12, all-female. Enrollment: 120. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

Open house: Call for times. 4801 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City. 410-744-4251. Grades: Pre-K to Grade 8, Co-ed. Enrollment: 240. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

Our Lady of Grace Pre-school

Open house: Call for times. 18310 Middletown Rd., Parkton. 410-329-6956. Grades: Preschool, Coed. Enrollment: 35. Affiliation: Catholic.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Open house: Call for times. 1704 Old Eastern Ave., Essex. 410-686-4972. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 532. Affiliation: Catholic.

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School

Open house: 11/8, 9:30-11 a.m.. 4416 Wilkens Ave.. 410-242-3688. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 194. Affiliation: Catholic.

The Park School of Baltimore *

Open house: Call for times. 2425 Old Court Rd.. 410-339-7070. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 813. Affiliation Non-sectarian.

Pauline Mash School for Early Childhood Education

Open house: Call for tour information. 8101 Park Heights Ave.. 410-484-0411. Grades: 8 weeks-5 years of age, coed. Enrollment: 120. Affiliation: Jewish.

Peabody Preparatory Preparatory Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

Open house: Call for times. 21 E. Mount Vernon Pl.. 667-208-6640. Grades: Music and dance instruction for all ages and abilities, coed. Enrollment: Approx. 2,000 per week at four locations. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Redeemer Classical Christian School

Open house: 11/7, 6:30 p.m.. 6415 Mount Vista Rd., Kingsville. 410-592-9625. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 234. Affiliation: Christian.

Roland Park Country School

Middle and Upper school open house: 9/25, 4-5 p.m.. Lower school open house: 10/4, 10/30, 8:30-10 a.m.. 5204 Roland Ave.. 410-323-5500. Grades: Pre-school-12, all-female except coed preschool. Enrollment: 579. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

St. Francis of Assisi School

Open house: Call for times. 3617 Harford Rd.. 410-467-1683. Grades: Pre-K 2 to Grade 8. Enrollment: 260, coed. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.

St. James Academy *

Open house: 10/20, 1:30 p.m., 11/ 5, 9 a.m., 11/ 17, 9 a.m., 12/3, 1:30 p.m., 12/15, 1:30 p.m.. See website for virtual tour. 3100 Monkton Rd., Monkton. 410-568-7573. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

Saint James School

Open house: 10/19, call for times. 17641 College Rd., Hagerstown. 301-733-9330. Grades: 8-12, coed. Enrollment: 230. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

St. John’s Parish Day School

Open house: Call for times. 9130 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. 410-465-7644. Grades: Age 3-Grade 5, coed. Enrollment: 350. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

Sandy Spring Friends School

Open house: 10/20, 1-3:30 p.m.. 16923 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring. 301-774-7455. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 622. Affiliation: Quaker.

The School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen *

Open house: 10/12, 11/3, 8:30-11:30 a.m.. 111 Amberly Way. 410-464-4100. Grades: K-8, coed. Enrollment: 340. Affiliation: Catholic.

St. Paul’s School *

Upper school info sessions: 10/10, 11/12. Middle school info sessions. 10/23, 11/20. Call for times. 11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 410-825-4400. Grades: Pre-K-4, coed. 5-12, all-male. Enrollment: 575. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

St. Paul’s School for Girls *

Upper school info sessions: 10/18, 11/3, 11/19. Middle school info sessions: 10/22, 11/13. 11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 410-823-6323. Grades: Infants-Grade 4, coed; 5-12, all-female. Enrollment: 475. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

St. Mark School

Open house: Call for times. 26 Melvin Ave. Catonsville. 410-744-6560. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 340
Affiliation: Catholic.

St. Timothy’s School *

Open house: 10/14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or 2-4 p.m.. 11/2, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. 11/11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or 2-4 p.m.. 8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson. 410-486-7401. Grades: 9-12, boarding and day, all-female. Enrollment: 200. Affiliation: Episcopalian.

St. Ursula School

Open house: Call for times. 900 Harford Rd., Parkville. 410-665-3533. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 626. Affiliation: Catholic.

St. Pius X School

Open house: Call for times. 6432 York Rd.. 410-427-7400. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 145. Affiliation: Catholic.

Severn School

(now merged with Chesapeake Academy)

Lower school open house: 10/17. Call for times. 1185 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Arnold. Middle and Upper school open house: 11/6. Call for times. 201 Water St., Severna Park. 410-647-7700. Grades: Pre-K-12, coed. Enrollment: 850. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Shady Side Academy

Senior school pen house: 10/19, 11 a.m., 12/5, 6 p.m.. 423 Fox Chapel Rd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 412-968-3000. Grades: 9-12, day and boarding, coed. Enrollment: 442. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Springdale Preparatory School

Open house: Call for times. 1000 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor. 855-405-8600. Grades: 5-12, day and boarding, coed. Enrollment: n/a. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

Tong Le Montessori School

Open house: Call for times. 805 E. Fayette St., Ste. 100. 410-929-1628. Grades: Ages 6 weeks-6 years. Enrollment: 35. Affiliation: Non-sectarian Mandarin Chinese immersion program.

Trinity School

Open house: 10/9, 10 a.m., 11/14, 9:30 a.m.. 4985 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City. 443-744-1524. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 320. Affiliation: Catholic.

Waldorf School of Baltimore

Open house: Call for times. 4801 Tamarind Rd.. 410-367-6808. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 153. Affiliation: Non-sectarian

West Nottingham Academy

Open house: Call for times. 1079 Firetower Rd., Colora. 410-658-5556. Grades: 9-12, day and boarding, coed. Enrollment: 130. Affiliation: Non-sectarian.

a

HELPING

hand

These organizations help families navigate the application process and finance a private school education:

A Better Chance

A Better Chance’s College Preparatory Schools Program has helped over 10,000 academically talented students of color across the nation access the best educational opportunities for middle school and high school. It nationally recruits, places, and supports students enrolled in grades four through nine at more than 300 independent day, boarding, and select public schools.

Archdiocese of Baltimore Partners in Excellence

The Partners in Excellence Scholarship program provides tuition assistance funding to low-income families who wish to send their children to a Catholic school in Baltimore City. Grants are awarded annually, based on need and without regard to race, gender, or creed.

Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust

Founded in 1987, the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust recruits and supports through the admissions process academically ambitious, African-American students with financial need from the Baltimore area. Once students are enrolled, B.E.S.T. positions them for success through academic preparation, character and leadership development, and support programs.

BOOST Scholarship Coalition

The state of Maryland enacted the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program in 2016 to give K-12 students from lower-income Maryland families an opportunity to find the best educational fit for their needs by awarding applicants with scholarships to attend nonpublic school.

Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore

This privately funded organization provides partial scholarships to low-income families in Baltimore City through a lottery system based on financial need, helping them afford the cost of tuition at the K-8th grade private school of their choice. To help keep families together, CSFB awards scholarships to all children in selected families.

When it came time for Tessa Evarts to think about high school, she had something different in mind than the Lancaster County, PA, public school that her three older siblings attended: Tessa wanted to go to private school—in fact, she wanted a private boarding school.

Every year, for each of the kids, we have always offered alternative options for education, whether that’s home school, boarding school, or a private day school,” says Tessa’s mother, Julie Evarts. “Tessa, being the youngest, is probably our most vocal. She came to us in eighth grade and said, ‘I don’t want to go to public high school next year. I want to go to boarding school and these are the boarding schools that I want to look at.’”

For Evarts and her husband, Rob, distance was one of the most important factors used to narrow down their daughter’s list. New England schools were crossed off since the parents obviously wanted to visit their daughter regularly. They decided to look into several options in Baltimore, about an hour and a half drive from their home, and settled on Garrison Forest School, an all-girls college-preparatory day and boarding school in Owings Mills.

“In the 2014-2015 school year, 9,033 students attended 16 independent schools in the greater Baltimore region,” says Myra McGovern, vice president of media at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). More broadly, the Association of Independent Maryland & D.C. Schools (AIMS) represents about 120 schools in Maryland and D.C., 10 of which offer boarding. And not all private schools are members of these organizations.

With so many institutions to consider, the options can be daunting. But with that quantity of schools comes diversity; and open-house season, typically held by most campuses in the fall, provides an opportunity for parents and children to get to know potential schools from the inside.

Think about what your child needs in a school—like a close-knit community, special activities, or a structured learning environment, suggests McGovern. “Next, take a look at different school websites and make a list of the ones that seem to meet your needs,” McGovern says. “Find out when those schools have open houses or tours and take a look.”

Although open houses are a quick and convenient way to get a first impression, it’s important to return to the school for a second look before making a final decision. “Each time you go, you glean more information,” says Evarts. “The school, good or bad, is trying to earn your money, your student. You need to go more than once to get the feel.” Shadow days, in particular—when potential students are matched up with current students for a full or partial day—allow an inside perspective on what life would be like at a given school.

Philosophy and school culture are some of the first things parents should consider when narrowing down potential schools. The environments of a single-sex boarding school like Garrison Forest and a progressive Montessori institution are vastly different.

When making their final decision, the Evarts family viewed potential schools as partners in the job of raising their daughter. “We’re asking another group of people to help us parent our child, says Evarts. “So we want to team with a group of individuals that we feel most strongly hold our same values and will support the way we choose to parent Tessa.”

One benefit of independent schooling is the opportunity for parent involvement. Thus the role of parents, which is essential to independent schools, is worth considering in the school choice.

“Working together, parents and school professionals exert a strong influence on children to become better educated; they also help them to mature by modeling adult, working relationships based upon civility, honesty, and respect,” says AIMS in its publication Parents and Independent Schools.

As an example, parents are an active part of the community at The New Century School (TNCS), a Montessori-inspired multilingual school in Fells Point offering pre-school to fifth grade. “Each family volunteers for at least eight hours per year,” says Alicia Cooper Danyali, TNCS head of school. “But many parents give much more of their time.” The diverse parent skill sets, from musical performance to computer science, help craft a unique community and culture at TNCS.

Alicia Rojas, school volunteer chair and mother to 5-year-old student Sofia, says that, by volunteering, parents can see their children in the classroom setting and contribute their personal passions. “I could not imagine just dropping my child off at school and relying on the occasional parent-teacher meetings to get a sense of her schooling,” says Rojas.

In addition to culture, many independent schools in the Baltimore area offer specialized learning, extracurricular activities, or good sports teams that attract students. Which is why parents should consider their child’s passions and strengths when picking a school. If he or she is a gifted athlete looking for a sports scholarship, consider schools in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association, which is widely regarded as one of the best lacrosse leagues in the nation and has sent players on to professional teams. If the child is interested in technology, look at schools with dedicated STEM programs, like the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which announced this past spring that it will place a 3D printer in each of its schools as part of increased emphasis on science and math.

Alison Greer, Garrison Forest director of admissions and financial aid, says many boarders come to the school for its equestrian program—it’s one of only two girls’ secondary schools in the nation offering a polo team—and WISE, a Women in Science and Engineering program that places high school students in labs at The Johns Hopkins University. At TNCS, parents are attracted to the Spanish and Mandarin-language immersion programs that begin at age 2.

While parents with younger children are left to make the school decision themselves, older students can provide useful insight in the decision-making process.

Crystal Collins worked with her son’s organizational coach and middle-school counselor to create a list of potential schools that met their main requirements: language and writing support, and a strong soccer team. From there, Collins presented the top two or three choices to her son, Tyler. “At that point, he went on shadow visits to the schools and he picked the school where he felt most comfortable,” says Collins. “The idea was that once I knew both schools met my most important factors, the choice of schools was his.” Tyler is now in his sophomore year at Mount Saint Joseph High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school for young men in Irvington.

When a school is the right match, it often doesn’t take long for parents to see growth in their child. Boarding allowed Tessa to become more independent, and after her freshman year, Rob and Julie saw a change in their daughter.

“She found her own voice,” says Julie Evarts. “She found a voice that wasn’t her sisters’ or her brother’s or even ours. She was in a place that didn’t know her but allowed and encouraged her to develop her own opinion.”

Archbishop Spalding High School

8080 New Cut Rd., Severn. 410-969-9105. Grades: 9-12, Coed. Enrollment: 1,100. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 10/25, 12-2 p.m.

Baltimore Lab School

2220 St. Paul St. 410-261-5500. baltimorelabschool.org. Grades: 1-12, coed. Enrollment: 150. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 12/17, 9-11 a.m.

Beth El at Federal Hill

1530 Battery Ave. 410-602-2245. bethelbalto.com. Grades: 2-4 years of age, coed. Enrollment: n/a (new school). Affiliation: Jewish. 11/10, 3-6 p.m.

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

3300 Old Court Rd., Pikesville. 410-413-2323. bethtfiloh.com. Grades: pre-K-12, Coed. Enrollment: 950. Affiliation: Jewish. 11/22, 10 a.m., high school; 10/29, 9 a.m.; 12/2, 9 a.m.; 11/17, 7 p.m., lower school

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland

822 W. Lake Ave. 410-377-5192. Grades: K-12, All-male. Enrollment: 600. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/18, 11 a.m.

The Bryn Mawr School

109 W. Melrose Ave. 410-323-8800. Grades: K-12, All-female except coed Little School. Enrollment: 680. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/7, 9:30 a.m. (K-5); 10/15, 8:30-10 a.m., upper school; 11/19, 9-10:30 a.m., middle school; 11/5, 9-10:30 a.m., K-5th grade; 11/18, 8:30-10 a.m., upper school; 12/8, 8:30-10 a.m., middle and upper school

Calvert Hall College High School

8102 La Salle Rd., Towson. 410-825-4266. calverthall.com. Grades: 9-12, All-male. Enrollment: 1,200. Affiliation: Roman Catholic and Lasallian. 11/8, 12-4 p.m.

Calvert School

105 Tuscany Rd. 410-243-6054. calvertschoolmd.org. Grades: Pre-K-8, coed. Enrollment: 591. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/14, 10/27, 11/12, 9-11 a.m.

Cambridge School

110 Sudbrook Ln., Pikesville. 410-486-3686. Grades: K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 110. Affiliation: Christian. 10/20, 6:30-8 p.m., kindergarten; 10/21, 9-11 a.m., open house; 11/4, 9-11 a.m.; 11/18, 9-11 a.m.

The Catholic High School of Baltimore

2800 Edison Hwy. 410-732-6200. Grades: 9-12, all-female. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 10/24, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Columbia Academy

10350 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia. 410-312-7413. Grades: Junior K-8, coed. Enrollment: 200. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/24 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Concordia Preparatory School

1145 Concordia Dr., Towson. 410-825-2323. Grades: 6-12, Coed. Enrollment: 285. Affiliation: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. 10/24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friends School of Baltimore

5114 N. Charles St. 410-649-3200. friendsbalt.org. Grades: pre-K-12, Coed. Enrollment: 812. Affiliation: Quaker. “Lunch and Learn” programs 10/13, 9-11 a.m.; 12/3 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 11/10, 9-11 a.m.

Garrison Forest School

300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 410-363-1500, gfs.org. Grades: pre-K-12, all-female except coed pre-K. Enrollment: 629. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. Lower school parent visit days 10/13, 8:10-10:30 a.m.; middle school 10/23, 7:45-10 a.m.; upper school 10/20, 9-10:30 a.m.

Gerstell Academy

2500 Old Westminster Pike., Finksburg. 410-861-3000. Grades: pre-K-12, Coed. Enrollment: 355. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/14, 11 a.m.; 10/25, 2 p.m.; 11/8, 2 p.m.; 11/19, 4 p.m.; 3/6, 2 p.m.; 4/19, 11 a.m.; 5/15 11 a.m.

Gilman School

5407 Roland Ave. 410-323-3800. Grades: K-12, All-male. Enrollment: 1,020. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. Upper/middle open house, 10/4, 12-2 p.m. Upper/middle visiting days: 10/14, 10/20, 8:15-10:15 a.m., 11/10, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lower visiting days, 10/22, 10/28, 11/4, 12/1, 8:40-11 a.m. Grades 2-5, 11/11, 8:30-11 a.m. Grades K-5, 12/8, 8:40-11 a.m.

Glenelg Country School

12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City. 410-531-8600. Grades: pre-K-3-12, coed. Enrollment: 750. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/16, 9 a.m., lower school. 11/3, 9 a.m., lower school. 11/19, 9 a.m., upper school. 12/9, 9 a.m. lower school.

Greenspring Montessori School

10807 Tony Dr., Lutherville-Timonium. 410-321-8555. Grades: 18 months-8, Coed. Enrollment: 255. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 1/23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Harford Day School

715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air. Harfordday.org. Grades: pre-K (age 3)-8th grade, coed. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Nonsectarian. 10/15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 10/25, 1-3 p.m.

The Highlands School

2409 Creswell Rd., Bel Air. 410-836-1415. highlandsschool.net. Grades: K-10, coed. Enrollment: up to 80/rolling admissions. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. Call to schedule tour.

Immaculate Conception School

112 Ware Ave., Towson. 410-427-4801. theimmaculate.org. Grades: Pre-K(age 3)-8, coed. Enrollment: 592. Affiliation: Catholic. Middle School Open House 10/7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. General Fall Open House 11/5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Institute of Notre Dame

901 Aisquith St. 410-522-7800. Grades 9-12, All-female. Enrollment: 354. Affilation: Roman Catholic. 11/7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jemicy School

11202 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills (upper school). 11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills (lower and middle schools). 410-653-2700. Grades: 1-12, Coed. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. Call to schedule tour.

John Paul Regional Catholic School

6946 Dogwood Rd., Windsor Mill. 410-944-0367. Grades: Pre-school-8, Coed. Enrollment: 150-200. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 1/31, 12-2 p.m.

Krieger Schechter Day School

8100 Stevenson Rd., Pikesville. 410-486-8640. Grades: K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 275. Affiliation: Jewish. 10/13, 9 a.m., 12/15, 7 p.m.

Loyola Blakefield

500 Chestnut Ave., Towson. 410-823-0601. Grades: 6-12, All-male. Enrollment: 970. Affiliation: Jesuit Catholic. 10/18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Maryvale Preparatory School

11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville. 410-252-3366. Grades: 6-12, All-female. Enrollment: 380. Affiliation: Roman Catholic.10/25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

McDonogh School

8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills. 410-363-0600. Grades: K-12, coed. Enrollment: 1,298. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/8, 10/21, 11/10, 9 a.m. (lower); 10/18, 12:30-2:30 p.m. (middle); 10/18, 3-5 p.m. (upper)

Mercy High School

1300 E. Northern Pkwy. 410-433-8880. Grades: 9-12, All-female. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Catholic. 10/31, 10-1 p.m.

Mother Seton Academy

2215 Greenmount Ave. 410-563-2833. Grades: 6-8. Enrollment: 75. Affiliation: Catholic. 1/24, 12 p.m.

Mount de Sales Academy

700 Academy Rd., Catonsville. 410-744-8498. Grades: 9-12, All-female. Enrollment: 475. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 11/1, 12-3 p.m.

Mount Saint Joseph High School

4403 Frederick Ave. 410-644-3300. Grades: 9-12, All-male. Enrollment: 950. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 11/8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Notre Dame Preparatory School

815 Hampton Ln., Towson. 410-825-6202. Grades: 6-12, All-female. Enrollment: 760. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 10/17, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Odyssey School

3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Stevenson. 410-580-5551. Grades: K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 152. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 1/20, 7-9 p.m.

Oldfields School

1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks-Glencoe. 410-472-4800. Grades: 8-12, All-female. Enrollment: 180. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/25, 1-3 p.m.

Our Lady of Grace School

18310 Middletown Rd., Parkton. 410-329-6956. Grades: preschool-8, Coed. Enrollment: 169. Affiliation: Catholic. Call for times.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

1704 Old Eastern Ave. 410-686-4972. Grades: Preschool-12, Coed. Enrollment: 550. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 10/22, 6-9 p.m., grades 9-12; 11/19, 6:30-9:30 p.m., pre-k-8

Our Lady of Victory School

4416 Wilkens Ave. 410-242-3688. Grades: Pre-K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 298. Affiliation: Catholic. 11/11, 9-11:30 a.m., 1/29, 8:45-10:30 a.m.; 12/13, 11:30 a.m. open house

The Park School of Baltimore

2425 Old Court Rd., Brooklandville. 410-339-7070. Grades: Pre-K-12, Coed. Enrollment: 780. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/17, 1-3 p.m. (lower school), 11/8, 1-3 p.m. (middle & upper schools). Call for times of tours with principals

Redeemer Classical Christian School

6415 Mt. Vista Rd., Kingsville. 410-592-9625. Grades: Pre-K-12, Coed. Enrollment: 240. Affiliation: Christian. 11/12, 6:30 p.m.

Roland Park Country School

5204 Roland Ave. 410-323-5500. Grades: Pre-school-12, All-female except coed preschool. Enrollment: 667. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/18, 1:30-4 p.m.

St. James Academy

3100 Monkton Rd., Monkton. 410-771-4816. Grades: K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 300. Affiliation: Episcopalian. Call for times.

Saint James School

17641 College Rd., Hagerstown. 301-733-9330. Grades: 8-12, Coed. Enrollment: 225. Affiliation: Episcopalian. Call for times.

Sandy Spring Friends School

16923 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring. 301-774-7455. Grades: Preschool-12, Coed. Enrollment: 570. Affiliation: Quaker. 10/18, 1-4 p.m.

School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen

111 Amberly Way. 410-464-4100. Grades K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 420. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 11/3, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

St. Paul’s School

11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 410-825-4400. Grades: K-4, lower school is coed. Grades: 5-12, middle/upper school is all-male. Enrollment: 766. Affiliation: Episcopalian. 10/16, 9-11 a.m. (lower), call for other dates. Several dates Oct. through Jan. for middle and upper schools. Call for times.

St. Paul’s School for Girls

11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 410-823-6323. Grades: 5-12, All-female. Enrollment: 405. Affiliation: Episcopalian. Call for times.

St. Mark School

26 Melvin Ave., Catonsville. 410-744-6560. Grades: Pre-K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 373. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 11/12, 2/4, 9-11 a.m.

St. Timothy’s School

8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson. 410-486-7400, stt.org. Boarding and day, grades 9-12, All-female. Enrollment: 165. Affiliation: Episcopalian. 10/3, 11/14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

St. Ursula School

8900 Harford Rd. 410-665-3533. Grades: pre-K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 640. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 11/11, 8:30-11 a.m., 1/26, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

St. Pius X School

6432 York Rd. 410-427-7400. Grades: Pre-K-8, Coed. Enrollment: 215. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 10/11, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; 11/18, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

The Seton Keough High School

1201 Caton Ave. 410-646-4444. setonkeough.com. Grades: 9-12, All-female. Enrollment: 240. Affiliation: Roman Catholic. 10/24, 1-3 p.m.

Severn School (now merged with Chesapeake Academy)

201 Water St., Severna Park (middle and upper); 1185 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Arnold (lower school). 410-647-7700. Grades: pre-K-12, coed Enrollment: 810. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 11/5, 7-9 p.m. (upper); 10/21, 7 p.m. (middle); 10/23, 9-11 a.m. (lower school)

Shady Side Academy Senior School

423 Fox Chapel Rd., Pittsburgh PA. 412-968-3180. shadysideacademy.org. Grades 9-12, coed, day & boarding. Enrollment: 500. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/31, 11 a.m.

The Waldorf School of Baltimore

4801 Tamarind Rd. 410-367-6808. Grades: nursery-8, Coed. Enrollment: 133. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. 10/25, 2-4 p.m., pre-k-8.

West Nottingham Academy

1079 Firetower Rd., Colora. 410-658-5556. Boarding/day, 9-12, Coed. Enrollment: 130. Affiliation: Non-sectarian. Call for tours.

With three children who have been through the independent-school application process, Susan Miller and her husband, Scott, have become veterans of the school selection and admission ritual. Their youngest child, 15-year-old Jack, entered the ninth grade at Loyola Blakefield this fall. But the Millers’ history with independent schooling goes back 14 years, to when their oldest son, Bryan, now 21 and studying at the University of South Carolina, started kindergarten at The School of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

Susan, a product of public schools, and her husband, who attended Catholic school as a child, decided on Cathedral for their son after looking at Immaculate Conception School and Cromwell Valley Elementary Regional Magnet, as well as local public schools, and based the decision on a combination of price, location, academics, religion, and facilities.

But before starting the selection process, parents must make another important decision: whether independent schooling is right for their child.

“I recommend that parents start by thinking about what their child needs in a school,” says Myra McGovern, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) spokesperson. “Would the child do best in a small, close-knit community, or in a community with a larger circle of friends and acquaintances? Does he or she have special interests that you’d like to nurture or challenges that you’d like to address?”

Luckily, Baltimore has diverse educational options for every type of child. About 11,400 students attended 19 independent schools in the greater Baltimore area for the 2013-2014 school year, according to NAIS. And despite a roughly 4 percent student population decline in Baltimore City since 2010, about a quarter of independent schools in the greater Baltimore area have seen enrollment growth during that time.

Once Bryan was happy at Cathedral—and the parents were convinced, too—the Millers’ decision to also enroll their two younger children, Sarah and Jack, was easy. But the bigger challenge came when Bryan reached fifth grade and began the search for middle school. Although the family visited open houses for several schools, including St. Paul’s School and The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, Bryan’s interest in Loyola Blakefield came from another area, club sports, since he’d played in practices and games there.

But despite his familiarity with the school, the Millers pushed their son to visit other schools and shadow at Loyola before making the final decision.

Shadowing, when a prospective student accompanies a current student for all or part of a school day, is one step in the selection process that admission directors recommend families begin a year in advance.

Why start so early? Although many families will form opinions about schools before it’s time to start the formal application process, it’s a good idea to begin with an open mind. Look at school websites so you’ll know which open houses you want to attend in the spring.

“An open house is an introduction,” says Ron Goldblatt, executive director of the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS). Because open houses are often on the weekends, it’s a convenient time for working parents to learn more about a school. But because you don’t see the school in action, open houses alone aren’t enough to make a decision. Rather, he says, the events are a chance to ask, “‘Have I heard enough to want to follow up?’ It’s merely a scratching of the surface.”

Shadow days provide hands-on insight for the prospective student, which can give parents an idea of how their child will fit into the school’s culture. The best way for parents to get a genuine feel for a school is to sit in on classes, Goldblatt recommends.

A typical school visit may include a tour, meeting some students, and conversations with teachers and administrators, but there are other ways to get a feel for the day-to-day environment. “Get off the beaten path and go unscripted,” says Goldblatt, former headmaster of The Key School in Annapolis. “Suggest to the admissions office, ‘I’d like to spend a half hour in the halls, sit in a class you didn’t choose.’”

While not all schools may be able to accommodate the request, it’s a good way to see the school in action.

When choosing a middle school for their daughter, Sarah, the Millers looked for a close-knit school that would provide individual support. After looking at several schools, they decided on St. Paul’s School for Girls, a private school for girls grades 5 through 12, from which Sarah graduated in the spring, before heading off to Elon University.

It was the special learning programs offered by St. Paul’s that made the school the right fit. “St. Paul’s has a learning specialist that has been a godsend to us,” says Miller. The individual attention helped her daughter thrive at the school, and diverse programs, like a choir trip to Ireland in her junior year, gave her memories she’ll never forget.

“St. Paul’s was a very nurturing school. The girls are all giggling in the halls—she loved it.”

Although many parents let the final decision rest with their older children, finding the right match isn’t so easy with young children who can’t make the decision on their own.

Dawn Cofiell, the mother of three children—Donovan, age 7, Brayden, age 6, and Kaitlyn, age 4—instead asked lots of questions and got to know the teachers and administrators of the school she was considering for kindergarten, St. Ursula School, which offers coeducation from pre-K through eighth grade.

To choose the best kindergarten, Cofiell attended open houses and classroom visits. Two major factors in her decision were price and continuity—she wanted all three children to attend the same school and avoid multiple school transitions before high school—as well as religion and the quality of the instruction.

Another important factor was academics—Cofiell wants her children to be prepared for rigorous high schools. “A lot of kids that graduate [from St. Ursula] go to Calvert Hall [College High School], Loyola, those kinds of schools. They mold them for where they’re going to go eventually,” she says. “I don’t want to look back and say, ‘I wish I would have.’ You only get one chance.”

Acing Admissions
Tips from Gilman’s director of admissions.

Applying to independent schools is a process—there’s much more to it than simply calling up the school and enrolling your child.

“It’s certainly an assumption we all get at independent schools,” says Bill Gamper, director of admissions and financial aid at Gilman School. “The process at many of the schools is similar, but it’s rarely the same.”

Gamper recommends that families begin the admissions process the spring before the application cycle, when admissions offices will be less busy and a tour can be arranged. “In the early fall, the family should begin the process in earnest and try to have all aspects complete before the holidays roll around,” says Gamper.

And who should make the final decision, the child or the parent? “For early ages, the parents are and should be the decision-makers. They know their child and they can discern what might be the best fit,” says Gamper. “When you’re getting into high school, many parents simply leave the decision to their 14-year-old.” For this reason, Gilman educates the prospective high school student as much, if not more, than the parent.

Beginning with middle school, peers play a larger role in a child’s choices. While children often want to remain with their current friends, “A student ought to be mindful of what’s best for him,” says Gamper. “Saying that to a 14-year-old is not always simple.”

Shadow days help older children see how they would fit into the school’s culture. “We feel strongly that an applicant should shadow,” says Gamper.

The often-lengthy admissions process (Gilman requires Independent School Entrance Exam test scores, teacher referral forms, transcripts from the current school, and parent and teacher interviews) is as much to see how your child will fit at the school as it is to see if the school is a fit for your child.

For Gamper, it all boils down to finding the right place. “That’s what families have got to do: recognize that their children are going to find the place where they’re going to be the most successful in an environment conducive to their strengths and supportive of their weaknesses,” he says.

And rejection sometimes has more to do with the space available than it does with how well the child would do at the school. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a few options you’ll be happy with.

Luckily, Baltimore has plenty of schools to choose from.

Facing the Financing
Funding an independent-school education.

With the median Baltimore-area day-school tuition ringing in at $23,846 for the 2013-2014 school year, there’s more for parents to worry about than the application.

Financing an independent school education is a daunting task. But schools are adding more programs to assist parents and deserving children.

Last year, more than 32.3 percent of Baltimore-area students received financial aid, with a median award of $4,100. Since offerings vary by school, check with the financial-aid office during the application process.

Don’t think you’ll qualify? “It doesn’t hurt to apply,” says Tom Travers, director of financial aid at St. Paul’s School for Girls. “Communicate with the school’s admissions office to determine if there are any merit-based scholarships available for their application.” St. Paul’s School for Girls offers two different types of academic scholarships, available at the middle and upper school levels.

Since most schools have a very limited financial-aid budget, it’s important to turn in all application materials on time.

At St. Paul’s School for Girls, about 30 percent of the students receive financial aid, and the awards range from 10 to 95 percent of total tuition, depending on the need.

Schools are committed to helping families afford independent education. Some members of the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) offer low-interest loans or partner with financial agencies to provide interest-subsidized loan programs.

Most Baltimore-area schools offer options that make paying the bill easier, regardless of financial need. St. Paul’s School for Girls has an interest-free monthly payment plan (after a one-time fee of $75), which many families find more affordable than a lump payment.

Parental Guidelines
The National Association of Independent Schools suggests that parents ask the following questions as they look through each school’s materials:

• Is the school accredited and by whom?
• What is the school’s mission and does its philosophy appeal to you?
• Does the school have a special or particular educational focus?
• Are academics rigorous?
• Is the environment competitive? Nurturing? Are there high expectations?Does the school meet your child’s needs?
• How large is the school and its student body?
• Where is the school located and what are your transportation options?
• Does the school seem to have a diverse student body and faculty?
• Do the school materials discuss parental involvement?
• For high schools, what are the graduation requirements? What percentage of students enters college-—and what kind of colleges do they attend?
• Is college counseling effective? (Look at the rates at which school grads achieve their first and second college choices.)
• What is the tuition and how flexible are the school’s financing options?

Beyond The Open House
If the glossy brochures, open houses, and school visits are making your head spin, try these alternative ways to learn more about a school.

Summer programs: Many schools offer summer programs that give a taste of the school’s culture long before it’s time to think about the application process. Try The Bryn Mawr School’s Little School Summer Camps for boys and girls ages 3 through 5, or Friends School of Baltimore’s Kindercamp for 4- and 5-year-olds.

Word-of-mouth: When asking others’ opinions of a school, you’re likely to hear both good and bad. But when selecting a school for your child, people you know are a great place to start. Neighbors, coworkers, and family members with ties to the school are great resources, as parents, teachers, and alumni can give you insights into a school’s inner workings.

School events: Extracurricular activities will define your child’s school experience just as much as academics, so why not check out what schools have to offer? Whether it be sports games and theater productions or art shows and community events, get your child on a school’s campus for a glimpse of programs he or she may someday join. Visit the annual Gilman Christmas Tree and Bake Sale, or the annual Turkey Bowl lacrosse game between Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield for a taste of a historic rivalry.

George Washington Studied Here
Ask a few schools about their famous grads, and here’s what you might hear.

Baltimore School for the Arts: Eric Greene, class of 1992, has sung with some of the principal opera companies of Europe and America including the Chicago Lyric Opera, the Los Angeles Opera, the San Francisco Opera and the New York City Opera. Violist Nadia Sirota, class of 2000, was hailed by Time Out New York as one of New York’s “brightest, busiest players.” Project Runway champ Christian Siriano, class of 2004 created a line of make-up for Victoria’s Secret and a bridal collection for Nordstrom as well as several of the Emmy Awards dresses that ended up on best-dressed lists this year.

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland: Outstanding alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners Hanson W. Baldwin ’20 and James Murray Kempton ’35; Dr. Arthur L. Bloomfield, 1904, a pioneer in the use of penicillin; and Alfred H. Barr, 1918, founding director of The Museum of Modern Art.

Calvert Hall: Juan A. Dixon ’97 led the University of Maryland Terrapins to their first NCAA championship in 2002 and earned Most Outstanding Player honors at the 2002 Final Four. The school also boasts a Maryland governor’s chief of staff (Matthew D. Gallagher ’90) and a top 10 finalist on America’s Got Talent (Drew Stevyns ’98).

Friends School of Baltimore: Dr. Jonathan Patz ‘76, was lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore. Other noteworthy alumni include Tucker Taylor ’57, part of the original management of Fed Ex, and Lance Reddick ’80, an actor known locally for playing Lt. Cedric Daniels on The Wire.

Gilman: Bespectacled Gilman student Walter Lord won an award as a senior in 1935 for his speech on the sinking of the Titanic. Nineteen years later, he published A Night to Remember, a book read by millions that has never been out of print. Some would say he created the narrative history genre.Charles C. Fenwick Jr. ’66 was winner of the Grand National—the world’s greatest steeplechase—in 1980 riding Ben Nevis. More recently, Fenwick, now president of Valley Motors Auto Group, participated in the Aintree Legends Charity Race at the 2011 Grand National in Liverpool, England on April 9. The celebrity race featured 10 Grand National winning jockeys. Another Gilman grad, Doug Becker ’84, has been chief executive officer and chairman of Laureate Education since 2000. Becker, who never attended college, led the transformation of Laureate Education (formerly Sylvan Learning Systems) from a domestic tutoring provider into the world’s leading international higher-education company with operations in more than 15 countries.

Loyola Blakefield: Graduates include the late Thomas L. Clancy Jr. ’65, author of such novels as The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games, whose work has been adapted to film and video games. The Reverend George Coyne ’51 was the longtime director of the Vatican Observatory, and Thomas Hecht ’78 is a world-renowned pianist and head of piano studies at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore.

Maryvale Prepatory School: Maryvale graduate Patty Brown ’78, is president of Johns Hopkins Healthcare and senior counsel for The Johns Hopkins Health System. Suzanne Fischer-Huettner ’91 is publisher of The Maryland Daily Record.

McDonogh: Henry Laurence Gantt, a member of the class of 1878 (and one of the school’s original 21 students), created what became known as the Gantt chart, a project-management tool similar to a sideways bar graph. A more contemporary grad, Jenn Wasner ‘04, is a member of the up-and-coming band Wye Oak.

Notre Dame Prep: Notre Dame Prep grad Brigadier General Elizabeth Hoisington ‘36, was the second woman brigadier general in the U.S. Army. Corinne Raphael Sweeney ’71, is a veterinarian who ministered to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro after he shattered his leg in the subsequent Preakness Stakes. The Honorable Catherine “Katie” Curran O’Malley ’81, is a Maryland District Court judge, daughter of former state Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr., and wife of Governor Martin O’Malley.

The Park School: Park’s Rothman Brothers (John Rothman ‘67 and Tom Rothman ‘72) have made names for themselves in entertainment: John is an actor who has appeared in Law and Order and Arrested Development as well as the Broadway revival of Prelude to a Kiss, and off-Broadway in his one-person play The Impossible H.L. Mencken. After serving as chairman and chief executive officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment, Tom Rothman is chairman of a new joint venture with Sony Pictures to make movies and television for TriStar Productions. Nancy Weiss Malkiel ‘61, a historian, served as dean of the College at Princeton for 24 years—the longest serving dean of the college. She continues to teach history at Princeton. Dan Cummings ‘83 is executive vice chairman of Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Roland Park Country School: RPCS grad Virginia Hall ‘24 was a member of the OSS and later the CIA. She engaged in espionage for the U.S. and Britain during World War II and was considered the most dangerous Allied agent in all of occupied France by the Gestapo. The late poet Adrienne Rich ‘47 garnered numerous honors, including the Academy (of American Poets) Fellowship, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, the National Book Award, and a MacArthur Fellowship. Mary Renner Beech ’90 served as vice president and general manager of toys and social expressions for Disney Consumer Products at the Walt Disney Co.