Maryland’s boarding schools are led by Georgetown Preparatory School — the oldest Jesuit secondary school in the US — along with St. James School, Sandy Spring Friends School, and McDonogh School. Boarding tuition runs $58,000–$73,000 per year in 2026, and several campuses sit within 30 minutes of Washington, DC.
Key facts about Maryland boarding schools
- Georgetown Preparatory School, founded 1789, is the oldest Jesuit secondary school in the United States.
- Boarding tuition runs $58,000–$73,000 per year for 2025–26.
- Several Maryland campuses are within 30 minutes of Washington, DC — convenient for government and diplomatic families.
- Maryland offers Jesuit, Episcopal, and Quaker boarding options within a single metro area.
- Most Maryland boarding schools enroll a majority of day students, so ask about weekend boarding populations.
Which are the top boarding schools in Maryland?
| School | Town | Type | Boarding tuition | Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown Preparatory School | North Bethesda | Boys, 9–12 (Jesuit) | ~$73,000 | ~35% |
| St. James School | Hagerstown | Coed, 8–12 (Episcopal) | ~$68,000 | ~55% |
| Sandy Spring Friends School | Sandy Spring | Coed, 9–12 (Quaker) | ~$63,000 | ~65% |
| McDonogh School | Owings Mills | Coed, 9–12 (5-day boarding) | ~$58,000 | ~40% |
| Oldfields School | Sparks Glencoe | Girls, 8–12 | ~$68,000 | ~70% |
| West Nottingham Academy | Colora | Coed, 9–12, PG | ~$60,000 | ~75% |
The Washington, DC advantage
Maryland’s boarding market is shaped by proximity to Washington: Georgetown Prep and Sandy Spring Friends are both inside the DC commuter belt, which suits diplomatic, military, and government families who relocate often but want to stay near the capital. Combined with Episcopal High School across the river in Alexandria, the metro area offers several boarding options within one drive.
See Virginia’s side of the region in best boarding schools in Virginia.
Five-day boarding in Maryland
McDonogh School offers five-day boarding — students live on campus Monday through Friday and go home each weekend. This middle option costs less than seven-day boarding and suits regional families who want the weekday structure without full separation, but it means quiet weekend campuses for anyone who does stay.
Whenever a school enrolls mostly day students, ask what share of boarders remain on campus a typical weekend. The trade-offs are covered in boarding school vs day school. Other states are indexed in best boarding schools by state.
Maryland boarding school FAQ
What is the best boarding school in Maryland?
Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda is Maryland's most prominent boarding school — the oldest Jesuit secondary school in the US, founded in 1789, enrolling boys in grades 9–12 with boarding tuition near $73,000. St. James School in Hagerstown is the leading coed boarding option.
How much do Maryland boarding schools cost?
Maryland boarding schools charge $58,000–$73,000 per year for boarding in 2025–26. Georgetown Prep is the most expensive at approximately $73,000; Sandy Spring Friends and St. James run $58,000–$68,000. Need-based aid follows the standard SSS/PFS process.
Are there boarding schools near Washington, DC?
Yes. Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda and Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Spring are both within a 30-minute drive of Washington, DC. Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, is also inside the DC metro area, making the region unusually convenient for diplomatic and government families.
Is Georgetown Prep affiliated with Georgetown University?
Not administratively. Georgetown Preparatory School and Georgetown University share Jesuit origins and were once a single institution, but they formally separated in 1919 and now operate independently. The school moved to North Bethesda, Maryland, in 1919; the university remained in Washington, DC.
Sources
- Georgetown Preparatory School and St. James School: published tuition and admission data.
- Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS): regional school directory.