Public/Private schools in Millersville area (Crofton: catholic schools, subdivision, living in)

[xapabwa]

I am currently living in Millersville. Lucked into a really nice subdivision, but unfortunately, I haven't heard much positive about the schools. My son is only 3, but I'm trying to think ahead. His elementary school would be Southgate Elementary. I've looked at the statistical stuff online and they seem to be okay from that perspective, but with all the horror stories about bullying, taunting and violence these days, I'm getting a bit anxious. I'd love to be able to send him to a private school, but fear most will be out of my price range.

Is anyone out there familiar with Southgate Elementary School? What about reasonably priced private schools in the area? We're not Catholic, but I think that some Catholic schools allow non Catholics to attend these days. Any non Catholics out there who send their kids to Catholic school? If so, how is that working out. We do not currently belong to any church, but have Christian background. Wouldn't mind my son being taught/exposed to Christian teachings, but don't want a school that would make him feel like an outsider if he were not of the "predominant" faith.

I work in DC and my husband works in Crofton, so I guess if we went private, we could work any where in between. My mother lives in Edgewater and had offered to do "after school" watching for us - does anyone know if that might allow me to register him at the elementary school near her house? I leave for work at 6:30 and school doesn't start until 8:05 am - so if not mom's, it will likely be before and after care, so I'd like to make a good choice.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Florence

[catstory]

Did you ever get any advise on this? I'm looking for a good preschool and thinking ahead to elementary and beyond in the Millersville area.