Mike Boyle’s three children each attend different independent schools: Kinley, 16, is a junior at The John Carroll School in Bel Air; Mikey, 14, is a freshman at Loyola Blakefield in Towson; and Delaney, 11, is a sixth grader at Harford Day School in Bel Air.

While keeping track of their extracurricular activities can be a logistical challenge—especially factoring in the hour-long drive from their home in Bel Air to Towson—Boyle says it’s worth it for each child to be in an educational environment where they thrive.

“The school has got to work for the kid,” says Boyle, who is an alumnus of John Carroll.

Like many Baltimore-area families, school pride runs deep for the Boyles. “I have probably 50 relatives who went to John Carroll, so every time we get together it’s like a reunion,” he says.

But despite the family legacy, Boyle and the children’s mother gave their kids the opportunity to help choose the school that was the best fit for their academic, athletic, and extracurricular needs.

“I had to check those emotions a bit and let Mikey make the decision,” he says of his son’s choice to attend Loyola Blakefield.

“While facilities and location vary, we knew they all had rigorous college prep programs and that at any one of these schools, if you put your effort in, you can be well-positioned for the next step,” he adds. “At that point it came down to feel: What did the kids think was right for them?”

With 28 independent schools in the Greater Baltimore area and more than 100 across the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region, there are an overwhelming number to choose from. That’s why admissions experts say it’s so important to start the school search process early.

Families should begin the process by creating a list of what is most important to them, recommends Kim Slade, director of enrollment management and outreach at Severn School, an independent school enrolling students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade at its lower school in Arnold and sixth through 12th grade at its upper school in Severna Park.

“That could be anything from college placement, to specific sports, or how far they are willing to commute,” she says. “Doing that homework ahead of time enables families to narrow down their list of schools they consider to those that are most appropriate.”

For the high school or middle school level, Slade suggests having the child make their own list of important factors.

“Then, as a family, they can have a conversation so that everybody is on the same page about what’s important, as well as an understanding about who is ultimately making the decision,” she says. “Are parents making that decision, or are they narrowing down a list from which the student can choose any of the schools? The time to know that is before decisions must be made, so that everybody is clear from the get-go.”

One thing that makes independent schools unique from public schools is that each has its own unique mission statement and the freedom to offer a broader curriculum that comes with not being tied to state mandates and budgets.

“Every independent school has a mission statement, and they value different things within that mission,” Slade says. “Evaluating if that mission aligns with your values as a family is a really helpful and important place to start.”

The fall of the year before you want your child to attend, get to know the schools on your list through events like the open house, shadow day, school tours, and interviews. Once you have the application materials, make a calendar of important deadlines and materials you need to gather, including those for financial aid, standardized testing, transcripts, teacher recommendations, interviews, and more.

Most application deadlines are in December and January, but due to the combination of winter break, the busy holiday season, and unpredictable winter weather, Slade recommends families aim to submit their applications before the holidays.

“Families can’t control when a school releases their child’s transcript or when teachers fill out recommendations, so the earlier they ask for these things the better,” she says. “The onus should not be put on a teacher or a child’s school to meet deadlines at the last minute.”

The open house is one of the best opportunities to get to know a school quickly. (See the open house guide in the following pages.) Held annually in the fall, these events make it easy for families to tour facilities and meet key contacts like administrators, faculty, and coaches, and ask questions of current families and alumni.

Even if families feel they already know a school well, it’s still a good idea to come out to official admissions events like the open house.

At that point it came down to feel: What did the kids think was right for them?

“It shows your interest,” says Diane Russell, director of enrollment management at Harford Day School, an independent school for children age 3 through eighth grade in Bel Air. “As many touchpoints as possible are helpful to see how committed a family is to the process.”

Russell recommends arriving with specific questions in mind, especially in terms of your child’s needs.

“If your child has a particular interest or gift in a certain area, or if they struggle in a certain area, this is an opportunity to find out how a school responds—each school may have a different approach,” she says.

Since COVID-19, Russell notes that some schools, including Harford Day, continue to offer virtual visits or information sessions in addition to in-person events, making it more convenient for families to get an early sense of the school before coming out in person. It’s also a good option for families who are looking at schools outside of their area or for those who want a low-key way to start the process a year early.

While the open house is a one-stop shop to get to know the best a school has to offer, it’s an admissions-focused event and not a typical representation of the day-to-day school culture. To get that insight, Russell recommends families connect with current community members and attend events on campus that are open to the public, like sporting events or theatrical productions. “These kinds of opportunities can be really instructive in addition to all the typical events,” she says.

Another change since the pandemic? Independent school admission has gotten more competitive in some areas, Russell says, due to the larger-than-normal influx of families who moved their children from public schools to independent schools, which were largely able to continue some form of in-person learning while public schools were closed. “Many of us are fuller than we were before the pandemic,” she says.

While the competition shouldn’t deter families, it’s even more reason to make your interest in a school known by attending events and communicating frequently with admissions staff.

Families should also be careful to check the availability of tour and shadow days since many schools have narrowed the availability since the pandemic. “It takes a bit more diligence and pre-planning on the part of families to know the options, so you don’t miss an opportunity,” says Slade at Severn.

Shadow days, when prospective students attend a full or partial school day with a current student, offer an opportunity to get to know the school’s culture from the inside. (See the sidebar for more on making the most out of the shadow day.)

While it can be nerve-wracking for a student to shadow an unfamiliar school with an unfamiliar student, Slade implores parents to trust the process.

A common mistake, she says, is requesting that friends shadow together or with a current student they already know, such as a neighbor or older sibling. Because it can distract prospective students from forming their own impressions of the school, it’s a practice that Severn strongly discourages. “We want them to see Severn through their own eyes,” Slade explains.

She also recommends families think of the application process as developing a relationship with the school. “That relationship should be built on trust and transparency,” she adds, and families shouldn’t try to gloss over any details that they think could hurt their acceptance.

By being honest about a child’s talents, interests, and needs up front, schools can best assess if they can meet those needs and families will end up at the school that is the best match. “There’s a right school for every child, but not every child is right for every school,” she explains.

Typically, schools begin to share their admissions decisions in mid-March and enrollment contracts and deposits are due by April.

Wait-listed for the top choice? If so, Slade recommends parents stay in communication with the school about the desire to stay on the waitlist or the decision to accept an offer at another school.

Severn, for one, uses the term “wait pool” since the students are not ranked by priority but rather create a group from which staff can pull to round out the incoming class when space comes available.

“Check in periodically,” Slade says. “Schools are not bothered by it. Admissions officers are trying to manage not just the yield of new families but also returning families, and things happen over the course of spring and summer—families are transferred, families move out of state—so we as a school are just as eager to know who is realistically still in our wait pool as the families are to know whether a space is available.”

The best part about the process? Getting to enrollment. While the process can be stressful, it’s designed to help students end up at the perfect school for their needs. At independent schools, enrolling in the school is the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

“You can really become part of a community that isn’t just about school itself but something larger that becomes a part of your children’s lives,” says Russell at Harford Day. “We have our alumni come back after graduation to visit us and many of them, when they get married, it’s their Harford Day friends that are in their wedding party. So it’s a long-term relationship.”

ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL
10/29, 10/30, 10 a.m.-noon
3701 Sinclair Ln.
410-485-5000, archbishopcurley.org
Grades: 9-12, all male
Affiliation: Catholic/Franciscan

ARCHBISHOP SPALDING HIGH SCHOOL
Contact the admissions office to schedule tours.
8080 New Cut Rd., Severn
410-969-9105, archbishopspalding.org
Grades: 9-12, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

BALTIMORE LAB SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information.
2220 St. Paul St.
410-261-5500, baltimorelabschool.org
Grades: 1-12, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

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

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Upper: 10/27, 11/15, 11/30, 9 a.m.; Middle: 11/10, 12/7 9 a.m.; Lower: 10/20, 11/8, 9 a.m.;
Register online: bethtfiloh.com/bmag
3300 Old Court Rd., Pikesville
410-486-1905, bethtfiloh.com
Grades: 15 months-grade 12, coed
Affiliation: Jewish

THE BOYS’ LATIN SCHOOL OF MARYLAND
10/16, 10 a.m.
822 W. Lake Ave.
410-377-5192, boyslatinmd.com
Grades: K-12, all-male
Affiliation: Non-denominational

THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL
Upper School: 11/5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
109 W. Melrose Ave.
410-323-8800, brynmawrschool.org
Grades: K-12, all-female; The Little School, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

CALVERT HALL COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
11/13 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (registration required)
8102 La Salle Rd.
410-825-4266, calverthall.com
Grades: 9-12, all-male
Affiliation: Catholic and LaSallian

CALVERT SCHOOL
10/4, 10/19, 11/3, 11/16, 12/7, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
105 Tuscany Rd.,
410-243-6054, calvertschoolmd.org
Grades: K-8, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL
8/30 10-11 a.m. New Student and Family Orientation
6200 N. Charles St.
410-486-3686, cambridgeschool.org
Grades: K-8, coed
Affiliation: Christian

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
10/22, 12-3 p.m.
2800 Edison Hwy.
410-732-6200, thecatholichighschool.org
Grades: 9-12, all-female
Affiliation: Catholic

COLUMBIA ACADEMY
Visit the website for more information.
10350 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia (multiple locations)
410-312-7413, columbiaacademy.com
Grades: Junior K-8, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

CONCORDIA PREPARATORY SCHOOL
10/29, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
1145 Concordia Dr., Towson
410-825-2323, concordiaprepschool.org
Grades: 6-12, coed
Affiliation: Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

EASTERN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information.
1100 Mace Ave., Essex
443-809-0190, easterntechhs.bcps.org
Grades: 9-12, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational, public

FORK UNION MILITARY ACADEMY
Admissions Fair 11/19 and 12/10 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (pre-registration required)
4744 James Madison Hwy., Fork Union, Virginia
Main: 434-842-3212,
Admissions: 434-842-4205, forkunion.com
Grades: 7-12 and post-grad program, boarding, all male
Affiliation: Christian

FRIENDS SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Middle and Upper: 10/20 9 a.m.;
Pre-Primary and Lower: 11/8 9 a.m.;
All grades: 11/15, 4:30 p.m. and 12/8 at 9 a.m.
Pre-register at friendsbalt.org/admissions
5114 N. Charles St.
410-649-3200, friendsbalt.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Quaker

GARRISON FOREST SCHOOL
Tours for prospective students and families held Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills
410-363-1500, gfs.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, all-female except coed preschool, boarding and day grades 8-12
Affiliation: Non-denominational

GERSTELL ACADEMY
10/22, 10 a.m.
2500 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg.
410-861-3000, gerstell.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

GILMAN SCHOOL
Visit the website for information.
5407 Roland Ave.
410-323-3800, gilman.edu
Grades: K-12, all male
Affiliation: Non-denominational

GLENELG COUNTRY SCHOOL
10/21, 11/8, 12/7, 1/5, 2/22, 3/30, 9 a.m.
12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City
410-531-8600, glenelg.org
Grades: Age 2-grade 12, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

GREENSPRING MONTESSORI SCHOOL
On-campus information sessions: 10/6, 11/3, 12/1, 1/12, 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4, 9-11 a.m.
10807 Tony Dr., Lutherville/Timonium
410-321-8555, greenspringmontessori.org
Grades: 18 months-grade 8, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

HARFORD DAY SCHOOL
Middle School Visit Day: 11/8
Fall Admissions Open House: 11/13, Noon-2 p.m.
715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air
410-838-4848, harfordday.org
Grades: Age 3-grade 8
Affiliation: Non-denominational

HARGRAVE MILITARY ACADEMY
12/10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
200 Military Dr., Chatham, Virginia.
1-434-432-2481, hargrave.edu
Grades: 7-12, plus post-graduate for boys
Affiliation: Baptist

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

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
Affiliation: Catholic

JEMICY SCHOOL
Contact the Admission Office to schedule a meeting.
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
Affiliation: Non-denominational

JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL
Open House: 11/5
Discovering John Carroll: 9/27, 10/12, 11/15, 12/7, 4:30-6 p.m.
703 E. Churchville Rd., Bel Air
410-838-8333, johncarroll.org
Grades: 9-12, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

KRIEGER SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL
Schedule a personal tour with the Director of Admissions.
8100 Stevenson Rd.
410-486-8640, ksds.edu
Grades: K-8, coed
Affiliation: Jewish

LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD
10/23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
500 Chestnut Ave., Towson
410-823-0601, loyolablakefield.org
Grades: 6-12, all-male
Affiliation: Jesuit Catholic

MARYVALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Upper: 10/21 and 11/8, 9-10:30 a.m.;
Middle: 10/28 and 11/15, 9-10:30 a.m.
11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville
410-252-3366, maryvale.com
Grades: 6-12, all female
Affiliation: Catholic

McDONOGH SCHOOL
Lower: Tours every Wednesday 9/14 to 11/16
Middle: Tours every Tuesday 9/13-11/29
Upper: Tours every Thursday 9/15-11/30
8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills,
410-363-0600, mcdonogh.org/admissions/ways-to-visit
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed, day and 5-day boarding
Affiliation: Non-denominational

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY
10/10 100 Academy Dr., Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
Admissions: 717-328-6173, Main: 717-328-2151, mercersburg.edu
Grades: 9-12, plus post-grad year, boarding and day, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
10/22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
1300 E. Northern Pkwy.
410-433-8880, mercyhighschool.com
Grades: 9-12, all female
Affiliation: Catholic

MOTHER SETON ACADEMY
Visit the website for more information.
2215 Greenmount Ave.
410-563-2833, mothersetonacademy.org
Grades: 6-8, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY
Visit the website for more information.
700 Academy Rd., Catonsville
410-744-8498, mountdesalesacademy.org
Grades: 9-12, all female
Affiliation: Catholic

MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL
11/6, 11 a.m.
4403 Frederick Ave.
410-644-3300, msjnet.edu
Grades: 9-12, all male
Affiliation: 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
Affiliation: Non-denominational, nature-based early-childhood program

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL
10/15, 8:30 a.m.-noon
815 Hampton Ln., Towson
410-825-6202, notredameprep.com
Grades: 6-12, all female
Affiliation: Catholic

THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL
Inside Odyssey: 1/19, 6:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Snow date 1/26, 6:45 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville
410-580-5551, theodysseyschool.org
Grades: K-8, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

OLDFIELDS SCHOOL
10/15, 12/10, 4/15
1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks Glencoe.
410-472-4800, oldfieldsschool.org
Grades: 8-12, all female
Affiliation: Non-denominational

OUR LADY OF GRACE PRE-SCHOOL
Prospective parent tours every Wednesday.
Register online, gracepreschoolbaltimore.com
18310 Middletown Rd., Parkton
410-329-6956, olgs.org
Grades: Preschool, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
10/30, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
1704 Old Eastern Ave., Essex.
410-238-1163, olmcmd.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

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

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Visit the website for information.
2425 Old Court Rd.
410-339-7070, parkschool.net
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

PAULINE MASH SCHOOL FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Call for tour information.
8101 Park Heights Ave.
410-484-0411, bethelbalto.com
Grades: birth-5 years, coed
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/preparator
Grades: Music and dance instruction for all ages and abilities, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

REDEEMER CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information.
6415 Mount Vista Rd., Kingsville
410-592-9625, rccs.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Christian

ROLAND PARK COUNTRY SCHOOL
Upper: 10/13, 4-5 p.m.; Middle: 10/20, 4-5 p.m.;
Lower: 11/3, 4-5 p.m.
5204 Roland Ave.
410-323-5500, rpcs.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, all female except coed preschool
Affiliation: Non-denominational

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL
10/1, 1/29, 11 a.m.
3617 Harford Rd.
410-467-1683, sfa-school.org
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 8., coed
Affiliation: Catholic

ST. JAMES ACADEMY
In-person open house 11/ 15, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.;
Virtual open house: 12/6, 12 – 1 p.m.; See website for virtual tour.
3100 Monkton Rd., Monkton
410-771-4816, saintjamesacademy.org
Grades: Pre-K-8, coed
Affiliation: Episcopalian

SAINT JAMES SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information.
17641 College Rd., Hagerstown
301-733-9330, stjames.edu
Grades: 8-12, coed
Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. JOHN’S PARISH DAY SCHOOL
In-person open house 10/15, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 11/17, 5-6:30 p.m.; 1/7,10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; 2/16, 5-6:30 p.m.;
Virtual open house: 10/27, 11 a.m.
9130 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City
410-465-7644, stjohnspds.org
Grades: Age 3-Grade 5, coed
Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. MARK SCHOOL
Call for times.
26 Melvin Ave., Catonsville
410-744-6560, stmark-school.org
Grades: Pre-K(3)-8, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

ST. PAUL’S PRE AND LOWER SCHOOL
Parent Information Sessions: 10/14, 11/14, 12/7, 1/9, 9-10:30 a.m. 11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville
Preschool: 410-823-0061; Lower school: 410-821-3029, stpaulsmd.org/coed
Grades: 6 weeks-Grade 4
Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL FOR BOYS
Parent Information Sessions:
Middle School: 10/25, 12/9, 1/10, 8:45-10:45 a.m., Virtual: 11/17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.;
Upper School: 10/20, 11/8, 11/15, 12/6, 1/6, 8:45-10:45 a.m., Virtual: 11/15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville
410-825-4400, stpaulsmd.org/boys
Grades: 5-12
Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Parent Information Sessions:
Middle School: 10/18, 12/13, 1/13, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Virtual: 11/8, 6:30-7:30 p.m.;
Upper School: 10/21, 12/7, 1/11,8:30-10:30 a.m., Virtual: 11/9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Visit Days: Middle School: 10/12, 10/18, 11/4, 11/9, 12/6, 12/9, 12/13, 1/9, 1/13;
Upper School: 10/3, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/25, 11/2, 11/8, 11/15, 11/18, 12/7, 1/6, 1/11.
11232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville
410-823-6323, stpaulsmd.org/girls
Grades: 5-12
Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. TIMOTHY’S SCHOOL
Visit the website for more information.
8400 Greenspring Ave., Stevenson
410-486-7401, stt.org
Grades: 9-12, boarding and day, all female
Affiliation: Episcopalian

ST. URSULA SCHOOL
Call for times.
8900 Harford Rd., Parkville
410-665-3533, stursula.org
Grades: Pre-K(4)-8, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

SANDY SPRING FRIENDS SCHOOL
Call for times.
16923 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring
301-774-7455, ssfs.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Quaker

THE SCHOOL OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MARY OUR QUEEN
10/11, 11/15, 1/31, 9 -11:30 a.m.
111 Amberly Way.
410-464-4100, schoolofthecathedral.org
Grades: Pre-K(4)-8, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

SEVERN SCHOOL
(now merged with Chesapeake Academy)
Lower School: 10/4, 1/12
Middle and Upper schools: 10/20, 7 – 9 p.m.
Lower School: 1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Arnold.
Middle/Upper School: 201 Water St., Severna Park.
410-647-7700, severnschool.com
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY
Call for information. 423 Fox Chapel Rd. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
412-968-3000, shadysideacademy.org
Grades: Pre-K-12, coed, day and boarding (board only high school)
Affiliation: Non-denominational

SPRINGDALE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Call for times.
1000 Green Valley Rd., New Windsor.
410-671-0072, springdaleprep.org
Grades: 6-12, day and boarding, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

TONG LE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Call for times.
805 E. Fayette St., Suite 100.
410-929-1628, tonglemontessori.com
Grades: Ages 6 weeks-6th grade
Affiliation: Non-denominational
Mandarin Chinese immersion program

TRINITY SCHOOL
Call for times.
4985 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City
443-744-1524, trinityschoolmd.org
Grades: Pre-K(3)-8, coed
Affiliation: Catholic

WALDORF SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE
Windows into Waldorf: 10/20, 11/29, 12/15, 9-10 a.m.
4801 Tamarind Rd.
410-367-6808, waldorfschoolofbaltimore.org
Grades: Pre-K-8, coed
Affiliation: Non-denominational

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

This time of year, when the sun brushes the horizon by late afternoon and the mercury stagnates in the single digits, it’s only natural to yearn for palm trees, gently lapping azure seas, and soft, sandy beaches. Luckily for us, several such destinations are easily accessible from area airports. We picked six of our favorites (most with nonstop flights), ranging from quaint Caribbean islands to a sophisticated South American capital, and offer tips for what to see, eat, drink, and do in each. So, pack your passport, bathing suit, snorkel gear, and sunglasses, and say hasta la vista to climatic dreariness.

ARUBA

Located outside the hurricane belt—and thus blessedly unscathed by the vicious storms of 2017—this wee Dutch island is replete with white sand beaches and adventure activities galore.

Flights: Nonstop from BWI via Southwest.

Stay: Located on a lovely stretch of the world-renowned Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa (J.E. Irausquin Blvd. #55, 888-673-8036, manchebo.com) is an upscale paradise with luxury amenities (full-service spa, anyone?). With just 14 cottages dotting tropical gardens, the colorful Boardwalk Small Hotel Aruba (Bakval 20 North, 866-976-5948, boardwalkaruba.com) is a magnet for those who covet privacy and intimacy. Try the Romance Package, which includes a champagne breakfast in bed for two.

Eat/Drink: You’ll have nothing but ocean views at The West Deck (L.G. Smith Blvd at Governor’s Bay, 297-587-2667, thewestdeck.com), which serves creative tapas-size Caribbean dishes, such as West Indian samosas with yogurt-honey sauce. Oenophiles must stop at the Screaming Eagle Restaurant and Lounge (J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 228, 917-725-4242, screaming-eagle.net) to sample a vintage from its impressive wine cellar, as well as its French fusion cuisine.

Do: Visit the factory and museum at Aruba Aloe (Pitastraat 115, 800-952-7822, arubaaloe.com), which has been growing and producing aloe products since the late 19th century and is open for tours. Before you leave, purchase a product to protect your sun-kissed skin. For dramatic landscapes, walk cacti-lined paths that wind past bizarrely beautiful divi-divi trees at Arikok National Park (San Fuego 70, 297-585-1234, arubanationalpark.org). Then check out the park’s Natural Pool (“conchi”), which is surrounded by lava rocks that protect you from the crashing waves.

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CANCÚN, MEXICO

The plentiful sunshine of the Yucatán peninsula attracts undergrads gone wild, but Cancún is more than just a spring-break sanctuary. The resort town also offers shopping and culinary options for those whose keg stand days are firmly behind them.

Flights: Nonstop from BWI via Southwest, Spirit.

Stay: Book a room at the chic Live Aqua Beach Resort (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 12.5, 877-927-7666, liveaqua.com) where you can soak in variant-temperature infinity pools, play beach soccer, or sign up for tai chi or yoga. Another option is the minimalist Le Blanc Spa Resort (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 10, 888-702-0913, leblancsparesort.com), a couple’s retreat that’s chock-full of pampering: Ask the butler to prepare a cucumber bath.

Eat/Drink: Gourmands should make a reservation at Le Chique (Carretera Cancun-Puerto Morelos Km 27.5, 998-872-8450, lechiquerestaurant.com) where the 14-course, molecular gastronomy menu was created by chef Jonatán Gómez Luna, who trained at renowned El Bulli in Spain. The innovative menu at Ramona Restaurant (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 21, 855-696-4982, nizuc.com/cuisine/ramona) updates traditional Mexican dishes. Try the chargrilled sardines cooked with plantain leaves. Chocoholics should stop at Ah Cacao Chocolate Cafe (La Isla Shopping Village, H-4, Km 12.5 Zona Hotelera, 998-883-1927, ahcacao.com) where they can sip cocoa in the outdoor cafe before snagging some chocolate-covered coffee beans for later.

Do: Explore the modern Alberto Garcia Lascurián-designed Museo Maya de Cancún (Blvd. Kukulcan Km 16.5, 998-885-3842, inah.gob.mx/es/red-de-museos/313-museo-maya-de-cancun) to see jewelry and statuary from numerous nearby Mayan sites. As a retreat from raucous Cancún, take a ferry to serene Isla Mujeres where, at the southern tip of the island, you’ll find the bucolic Punta Sur Sculpture Garden in picturesque Garrafón Reef Park (Carretera Garrafón Lote 9 Km 6, garrafon.com/park). Among the island’s numerous beaches is Playa Norte, which boasts a strip of white sand and shallow waters.

GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS

The largest of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is renowned for its world-class diving and iconic crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach.

Flights: Nonstop from Dulles via United.

Stay: Set along Seven Mile Beach, the luxe Caribbean Club (871 West Bay Rd., 345-623-4500, caribclub.com) offers beachfront villas that provide guests with plenty of privacy and stellar views from expansive balconies. If you prefer to spend your time diving or snorkeling, the Sunset House (390 South Church St., 800-854-4767, sunsethouse.com) has an even more placid location along a rocky coast with less of the island’s usual cruise-ship traffic.

Eat/Drink: Agua Restaurant and Lounge (Galleria Plaza, West Bay Rd., 345-949-2482, agua.ky) is noted for its ceviche and Peruvian tiradito (thinly sliced, sashimi-like fish) prepared with international flavors. Set across from the harbor in the island’s capital, George Town, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill (55 South Church St., 345-946-9000, guyharveysgrill.com) is a favorite among visitors and locals alike; even the fishermen clamor for the restaurant’s signature smoked wahoo pate.

Do: For insights into the myriad plants and animals on the island, sign up with the National Trust for a two-plus-mile hike along the Mastic Trail (nationaltrust.org.ky/mastic-trail-tour), which threads through a largely untouched, hard-to-access forest. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (Esterly Tibbetts Hwy., 345-945-8111, nationalgallery.org.ky) shows off a wide range of contemporary art with rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that preserves the island’s visual and fine arts.

ST. KITTS & NEVIS

The two isles in this twin-island British Commonwealth nation couldn’t be less alike, with St. Kitts, the larger one, welcoming bustle, while just two miles and a quick ferry ride across the channel, Nevis is all laid-back, Caribbean cool.

St. Kitts

Flights: Connecting service from BWI via American, Delta, JetBlue.

Stay: Perched on the southern tip of St. Kitts, the brand-spanking-new Park Hyatt St. Kitts (Banana Bay, South East Peninsula, Parish of St. George, 869-468-1234, stkitts.park.hyatt.com) provides top-of-the-line accommodations, including two swimming pools, a spa, and beachfront access to a secluded beach on Banana Bay.

Eat/Drink: Head to The Kitchen at Belle Mont Farm (The Village Kittitian Hill, 855-846-3951, bellemontfarm.com/food/the-kitchen/) for farm-to-table cuisine using ingredients harvested from the grounds of this 400-acre farm/resort. Built on the ruins of an old salt warehouse, Salt Plage (Whitehouse Bay within Christophe Harbour, 869-466-7221, christopheharbour.com/destination/salt-plage) offers the most well-crafted cocktails on the island, including ones that employ local ingredients like soursop and mauby.

Do: Pick up elaborate batik items—including wall hangings, purses, and napkins—produced from locally sourced cotton by local artisans at Caribelle Batik (Old Road Town, Basseterre, 869-465-6253, caribellebatikstkitts.com). Hiking Mount Liamuiga, the dormant volcano that dominates St. Kitts, is strenuous, but its stunning vistas and rainforest scenery are rewarding. Several outfits, including Poinciana Tours (Wingfield Estate, Old Rd., 869-665-1459, poincianatours.com), offer guided excursions up the 3,792-foot peak.  

Nevis

Stay: Thirty-six lemon-hued cottages named for local villages dot 30 acres of manicured lawns at the boutique Nisbet Plantation Beach Club (New Castle, St. James Windward Parish, 869-469-9325, nisbetplantation.com). The Montpelier Plantation & Beach (Montpelier Estate, St. John Figtree Parish, 869-469-3462, montpeliernevis.com), a former 18th-century sugar plantation, is now a Relais & Chateaux property with 19 rooms offering sea and garden views.

Eat/Drink: At the secluded Golden Rock Inn (St. George Gingerland Parish, 869-469-3346, goldenrocknevis.com), order a rum punch or mojito and lounge beside the lily pond that’s surrounded by colorful foliage landscaped by respected designer Raymond Jungles. A family-owned inn, The Hermitage (Pond Hill, St. John Figtree Parish, 869-469-3477, hermitagenevis.com) serves a popular West Indian buffet every Wednesday, complete with a roasted suckling pig.

Do: Make like the locals and soak at the Bath Spring (Bath Village), an informal, historic venue—it has been around for centuries—with pools dotting a long channel, each at slightly different, steamy temperatures. Explore the Museum of Nevis History (Samuel Hunkins Dr./Low St., Charlestown, St. Thomas Lowland Parish, 869-469-5786, nevisheritage.org), where displays illuminate the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who was born on the property.

LIMA, PERU

Sprawling along cliffs high above the Pacific, Peru’s capital is a vibrant, sophisticated city with stellar food and an intriguing art scene.

Flights: Nonstop service from Dulles via LATAM Airlines Peru.

Stay: Choose one of the 17 well-appointed rooms at Hotel B (Sáenz Peña 204, 206-0800, hotelb.pe), a refined property within the city’s preeminent “bohemian” district that boasts its own collection of modern and contemporary art. Or reserve one of nine guest rooms at Atemporal (Santa María 190, 347-713-7030, atemporal.pe), a boutique hotel in a luxe townhouse.

Eat/Drink: Within a centuries-old colonial hacienda, Astrid & Gastón (Av. Paz Soldán 290, 442-2777, astridygaston.com) is the prime locale for multi-course haute cuisine that melds myriad cultures—Chinese, French, Peruvian—in dishes such as beef and coriander dumplings. Rafael (Calle San Martín 300, 242-4149, rafaelosterling.pe/es/lima/html), the domain of world-class chef Rafael Osterling, offers a tempting menu of Peruvian and international cuisine, such as chorizo pizza with a quail egg and capers. Try the fish head and cheeks with sake at Maido (Calle San Martin 399, 511-447-9333, maido.pe), a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese sensibilities.

Do: Jog or stroll along El Malecón, a coastal clifftop promenade in the leafy Miraflores neighborhood. You’ll likely see parasailers overhead. A gallery/museum set up to promote Peruvian heritage and culture, MATE (Av. Pedro de Osma 409, 200-5400, mate.pe) showcases the permanent collection of Peruvian-born photographer Mario Testino, including portraits of celebrities such as Princess Diana and Madonna.

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PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

Though the country’s eponymous canal may be Panama City’s most iconic sight, this is an energetic, cosmopolitan capital, brimming with dynamic art, a cutting-edge museum, and even green escapes in the middle of downtown.

Flights: Nonstop service from Dulles via United.

Stay: Located in the compact, charming old quarter (Casco Viejo), the four-story American Trade Hotel (Plaza Herrera Casco Viejo, 507-211-2000, americantradehotel.com) is much loved for its Havana-inspired aesthetic, as well as for its rooftop swimming pool. With just 10 rooms, La Concordia Boutique Hotel (Ave. Central and Calle A/Calle B, 507-300-1125, laconcordiapanama.com) is an exclusive enclave where most rooms come with a private balcony.

Eat/Drink: The raucous rooftop bar at Tantalo (Calle 8 Este con Avenida B, 507-262-4030, tantalohotel.com/roofbar), a boutique hotel and restaurant, has a hip following, for both the captivating sunsets and well-crafted cocktails. Helmed by chef José Carles, the tiny Donde Jose (1100 Ave. Central, 507-262-1682, dondejose.com) is where you’ll need reservations far in advance to dine on inspired, down-home dishes, such as the cold-smoked tilapia. If you can’t decide on the night’s entertainment, head to multi-level CasaCasco (Calle 10 and Avenida A #8-15, 507-6288-9024, casacasco.com), which houses several restaurants, plus a disco and a rooftop terrace bar.

Do: Explore 3-D installations revealing the country’s numerous ecosystems at the Biomuseo (Edificio 136, Calzada de Amador, 507-830-6700, biomuseopanama.org), which has all the boldness one expects from a Frank Gehry-designed building. Hike a verdant route to the top of Cerro Ancon (beside Mi Pueblito on Av. de los Martires), the city’s tallest hill. Its 654-foot elevation provides stunning views of the Canal’s entrance.