Maryland, often known as “America in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes and culture, is also home to some of the finest educational institutions in the United States. For families seeking not just academic excellence but also character development, extracurricular enrichment, and a nurturing environment, boarding schools in Maryland offer some of the best opportunities.

In this post, we will explore the top 7 boarding schools in Maryland, their unique strengths, academic programs, extracurricular offerings, and most importantly, their tuition and boarding fees.

Top Boarding Schools In Maryland And Fees

1. McDonogh School

Location: Owings Mills, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $67,000 per year for boarding students

McDonogh School is one of Maryland’s most prestigious private boarding and day schools, with a history that dates back to 1873. Located on a sprawling 800-acre campus in Owings Mills, the school offers students a balance of strong academics, athletics, arts, and character development. Its mission emphasizes leadership, service, and integrity—values deeply woven into the student experience.

The boarding program at McDonogh is designed to create a “home away from home” environment. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1, learners receive personalized attention and guidance to reach their full potential. The school offers rigorous courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes, preparing students for top-tier universities across the country.

Athletics also play a central role at McDonogh. From football and lacrosse to swimming and track, the school’s teams consistently excel at both state and national levels. Additionally, the arts program is exceptional, offering theater, dance, visual arts, and music to cultivate creativity and confidence.

Parents often highlight the holistic development their children receive at McDonogh, with students learning responsibility, independence, and leadership through the structured boarding environment. While the fees are substantial, families see it as an investment in their child’s academic and personal future.

2. St. James School

Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: Around $64,000 annually for boarding students

Founded in 1842, St. James School is a traditional Episcopal boarding and day school situated on a picturesque 700-acre campus in Hagerstown, Maryland. It is well-regarded for its emphasis on moral character, academic excellence, and community living.

The school maintains a small, close-knit community with just over 200 students, ensuring that every individual receives significant personal attention. Its curriculum is college-preparatory, emphasizing critical thinking, public speaking, and strong writing skills. Students benefit from AP courses, honors classes, and individualized college counseling to prepare them for the next stage of their academic journey.

One of the hallmarks of St. James is its focus on character development through the “Honor Code,” which promotes honesty, respect, and responsibility. This code creates a culture of trust and integrity that extends into every aspect of campus life.

The school also boasts strong athletic programs, particularly in lacrosse and soccer, while offering students opportunities in the arts through music ensembles, drama productions, and visual arts.

Boarding at St. James feels like a family experience. Faculty often live on campus and serve as mentors, creating a nurturing atmosphere for personal growth. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other Maryland boarding schools, St. James provides a deeply enriching experience that balances academic rigor with personal development.

3. The Calverton School

Location: Huntingtown, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $52,000 per year for boarding students

The Calverton School is a coeducational, college-preparatory boarding and day school located in the scenic town of Huntingtown, Maryland. Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Calverton offers students a globally-focused education that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, cultural awareness, and critical thinking.

Boarding at Calverton offers students a structured yet supportive environment where they can thrive academically and socially. With small class sizes, teachers are able to give personalized instruction, ensuring students are challenged yet supported in their studies. The IB curriculum is particularly beneficial for students aiming to attend competitive universities worldwide, as it emphasizes both academic rigor and international-mindedness.

Calverton also prioritizes extracurricular engagement. Its athletics program is strong, particularly in soccer and basketball, while its arts program provides opportunities for students in drama, music, and fine arts. Beyond traditional sports and arts, the school encourages involvement in STEM programs, robotics clubs, and community service initiatives.

What sets Calverton apart is its global perspective. The school often welcomes international students, creating a culturally diverse campus where learners from different backgrounds can share perspectives and form lifelong friendships. Its fees are relatively lower compared to some other Maryland boarding schools, making it a valuable option for families seeking high-quality boarding education at a competitive cost.

4. The Gunston School

Location: Centreville, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: Around $51,000 annually for boarding students

The Gunston School, situated along the Chester River in Centreville, is an independent college preparatory school with a rich tradition of academic and environmental education. Founded in 1911, the school is known for its focus on sustainability, outdoor education, and community service.

Its academic program emphasizes both the humanities and sciences, with strong offerings in STEM, literature, and environmental studies. Small class sizes allow teachers to connect with students on a deeper level, helping them excel in their areas of strength while supporting areas that need growth. The school has a college-prep curriculum that includes AP classes, honors programs, and individualized academic counseling.

Boarding at Gunston provides students with a sense of independence while still being supported by faculty mentors. The riverfront location enhances learning opportunities, with students often engaging in field-based projects, sailing, and environmental conservation activities.

Athletics are also an integral part of life at Gunston, with a variety of sports including rowing, cross country, and lacrosse. Students also have access to robust arts programs, leadership opportunities, and community service projects.

For families seeking a unique educational experience that combines academic rigor with hands-on environmental learning, Gunston is a top choice in Maryland. Its boarding fees are slightly lower compared to more elite institutions, making it attractive for many parents.

5. West Nottingham Academy

Location: Colora, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: About $49,000 per year for boarding students

Established in 1744, West Nottingham Academy is the oldest boarding school in the United States. Its long history reflects its commitment to providing a world-class education grounded in tradition while also embracing modern teaching practices.

Located in Colora, West Nottingham serves both boarding and day students, with a focus on preparing learners for success in college and beyond. The school emphasizes individualized learning, encouraging students to explore their passions while also challenging them academically.

The curriculum includes AP and honors classes, along with specialized programs in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). The school also offers strong support for international students, making it a globally diverse learning environment.

Boarding life at West Nottingham is built around community. Students live in residence halls with faculty supervisors, fostering a family-like atmosphere. Beyond academics, students engage in sports, arts, clubs, and service activities.

Athletics at West Nottingham are competitive, particularly in basketball and soccer. The school also invests heavily in visual and performing arts, allowing students to showcase their talents through exhibitions, concerts, and productions.

As one of the more affordable boarding schools in Maryland, West Nottingham Academy is an excellent option for families looking for high-quality education steeped in history and tradition.

6. Sandy Spring Friends School

Location: Sandy Spring, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: Around $63,000 annually for boarding students

Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) is a Quaker boarding and day school that emphasizes inclusivity, community, and holistic development. Founded in 1961, it has quickly established itself as one of Maryland’s most respected educational institutions.

The academic program at SSFS is robust, offering college-preparatory courses, AP classes, and experiential learning opportunities. The school’s teaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration, inquiry, and critical thinking, encouraging students to become lifelong learners.

A unique aspect of SSFS is its Quaker values, which emphasize equality, peace, integrity, and stewardship of the environment. These values influence not just academics, but also how students interact with peers, faculty, and the broader community.

Boarding life at SSFS is enriching and supportive. The school fosters a welcoming environment where students from diverse backgrounds feel at home. Living in the dorms gives students the chance to build lifelong friendships and develop independence in a structured setting.

Extracurricular opportunities abound at SSFS. Athletics include soccer, basketball, and track, while arts programs offer theater, dance, and music. The school is also notable for its outdoor education programs, where students engage in activities like hiking, camping, and sustainability projects.

While its fees are on the higher side, families find great value in the school’s focus on holistic education rooted in Quaker principles.

7. Oldfields School

Location: Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $64,000 per year for boarding students

Oldfields School, founded in 1867, is a small, all-girls boarding and day school that prioritizes personalized education, leadership, and empowerment. Located on a serene 130-acre campus in Sparks Glencoe, the school provides an intimate learning environment where every student is truly known.

The school offers a rigorous academic program, including AP classes, honors courses, and unique electives. Its signature May Program gives students the opportunity to pursue experiential learning projects both locally and internationally, making the curriculum dynamic and engaging.

Oldfields prides itself on offering an environment that empowers young women to become confident leaders. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students are encouraged to find their voices and pursue their passions. College counseling is individualized, helping graduates secure admission to prestigious universities.

Boarding life at Oldfields is vibrant and supportive. With a small student body, the school creates a strong sense of community where girls feel safe and encouraged to grow. Dorm life includes weekend activities, leadership opportunities, and close faculty mentorship.

Athletics are an important part of the Oldfields experience, with sports such as equestrian riding, lacrosse, and field hockey being particularly popular. The arts are equally emphasized, with programs in theater, dance, and visual arts.

While the tuition is significant, Oldfields’ focus on empowering young women in a nurturing environment makes it a standout choice for families.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boarding school is a life-changing decision for both students and families. Maryland’s boarding schools stand out for their academic rigor, nurturing environments, rich extracurricular programs, and strong values-based education. Whether you are drawn to the historical prestige of West Nottingham Academy, the global perspective of Calverton School, or the leadership opportunities at Oldfields, each institution provides unique benefits.

Though fees range from about $49,000 to $67,000 per year, families view these schools as long-term investments in their child’s future. The strong college placements, leadership development, and holistic growth offered by these schools make them among the best in the nation

Top 7 Boarding Schools In Maryland And Fees (2025)