private elementary schools around Hanover (Columbia, Ellicott City: how much, new construction, preschool)

[Katka]

Hello,

We just moved to the new development next to arundel mills mall. I have been searching for good elementary schools (grade 1-5) in the area. I guess the public school assigned to this district is Harman elementary, which does not have such great reviews when I did a search on the internet, performance wise and parental review-wise.
Could anyone recommend (from personal experience) any good private elementary schools in the area or within a reasonable commute distance?
Sorry if this question has been asked before. I did a search and could only find advise on good public schools in the area which is no help since we are assigned to a public school by zipcode. Too late for that I guess, we already bought the house.
Thanks for your help.
Kat

[dhelfoioracle]

The Young school in Columbia is one of many in the area. Your in a good area for private schools; there's alot in your local area. It will also depend on how much you want to spend.

[newhart]

The Trinity School in eastern Ellicott City, near Elkridge, wouldn't be that far. It's an independent catholic school and has an excellent reputation.

[Katka]

Thank you very much for your help. I will check out both of those schools.
I have no idea how much schools like that cost, so I don't know how much I can spend. I have a one year old so we have a good five years before he starts 1st grade, so we can do some savings until then. Or, if I can't find a good school we can afford, I guess we'll just have to move. I'd rather avoid that, cause we're pretty happy with the area and the house.

Kat

[dhelfoioracle]

Having three children of my own I can understand your concern about schools. Here's two things I've learned about Maryland schools. Start looking for private schools now. They will send you invites and open enrollment for their school. Also some have waiting lists. The key to public schools is to be involved. Make sure the school knows that you want to be involved and that you will be weather they like it or not. You can also set up visits to the public school and tell them your concerns they might surprise you with answers or other options. Also I would also look for pre school to give your child an extar edge and so a full day of kindergarten isn't so stressful. Good Luck

[newhart]

There's some good advice in the post above. In addition, since you do have a while before your child will be in school, try to talk to parents in person who are familiar with the school. There's a lot of new construction in this area that will undoubtedly bring higher income families to the area and this could change the demographics at the local school as well as the performance.

[Katka]

Thanks for all the advice.

I am going to send him to preschool and kindergarten but we already have a place picked out. My husband works for UMD at College Park and they a preschool and kindergarten there. So he'll be commuting with daddy the first two years. Its the elementary school that I'm concerned about.

Kat