Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on our picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis. Key's innovative approach to teaching and learning is what sets it apart from other independent schools. Key is renowned for its rigorous academic program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary studies and a global perspective, but our students also experience meaningful connections, value and respect the differences of others, and have a positive outlook on learning and their future. A diverse, supportive, deliberately small community that values academic excellence and nurtures a love of learning and curiosity is what makes Key one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland.
25% scored 1430+ on the SATs; Class Average of 1304 (3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
Over 84% of graduates received merit scholarships to college (this does not include financial aid awards; 3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
42% will attend Research 1 Universities (3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
37% intend to pursue STEM-related studies including engineering, computer science, marine and environmental science, pre-health/vet, and architecture (3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
9% earned National Merit Scholarship Recognition (national avg. < 1%)
For a complete list of college acceptances and matriculations, please visit https://www.keyschool.org/program/college-advising https://www.instagram.com/thekeyschool/
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 650 students
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 16 / Jan. 6 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Key School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1958
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
650 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
115 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
76%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
11 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced Biology, Advanced Biology, Advanced Calculus (AB and BC), Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Latin (Vergil), Advanced Spanish Literature, American History, English Literature and Composition, French, Physics, Statistics, Studio Art
Average SAT score
1310
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Key does not subscribe to a formal dress code. Students are expected to make decisions that are consistent with the School values of respect, civility and responsibility and achieve a balance between individual choices and the needs of the community.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 16 / Jan. 6 / rolling
Tuition Notes
$10,305 to $22,645 - Key-Wee through Pre-K; $22,645 Kindergarten; $30,175 Grades 1-4; $33,390 Grades 5-8; $35,220 Grades 9-12
Summer Program Cost Notes
% on Financial Aid
33%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$14,000
Acceptance Rate
46%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Tom Rossini
Admissions Associate
Rachel Sweeney
Endowment Size
$20 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
16 sports
School Notes
- Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on our picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.Key's innovative approach to teaching and learning is what sets it apart from other independent schools. Key is renowned for its rigorous academic program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary studies and a global perspective, but our students also experience meaningful connections, value and respect the differences of others, and have a positive outlook on learning and their future. A diverse, supportive, deliberately small community that values academic excellence and nurtures a love of learning and curiosity is what makes Key one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland.
- 25% of the Class of 2019 scored 1430+ on the SATs; Class Mean of 1313
- Over 82% of the Class of 2019 received merit scholarships (this does not include financial aid awards)
- 81% will attend "Most/Highly/Very Competitive" colleges/universities
- 24% will attend Research 1 Universities
- 35% intend to pursue STEM-related studies including engineering, computer science, marine and environmental science, pre-health/vet, and architecture
- 11% earned National Merit Scholarship Recognition (national avg. < 1%)
- 98% of alumni parents surveyed would recommend KEY to a friend, colleague or family member
- For a complete list of college acceptances and matriculations, please visithttps://www.keyschool.org/program/college-advising
- https://www.instagram.com/thekeyschool/
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Key School?
The acceptance rate of Key School is 46%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Key School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
Does Key School offer a summer program?
Yes, Key School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Key School offer?
Key School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Winter Track. Key School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.
What is Key School's ranking?
Key School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Key School?
The application deadline for Key School is Dec. 16 / Jan. 6 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 16 / Jan. 6 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 8/24/2019
The Key School has been an amazing educational experience for my children. The environment encourages hands-on exploration, the lessons elicit their thoughts on how things work and cultivate them forming their own self-concept and ability to articulate the world around them. The blending of life skills and current wellbeing trends in education and programs for parents make it an amazing partnering journey where your children can unfold comfortably and explore who they are and where they want this journey to take them.
5 8/1/2019
Key has been a wonderful choice for our middle school son. I'm just amazed at how Key is turning these children into critical thinkers and expressive communicators. The teachers have been wonderful and supportive and the entire Key Community has been wonderful. Highly recommend.
5 8/12/2018
Great, unique experience that helped shape who I am today.
5 8/12/2018
I loved my time at the school, the teachers are great and friendly, the community is close knit and nice and the campus is beautiful
5 8/12/2018
The Key School is a unique institution that not only prepares students for the rigors of college, but also equips them with skills and values to become successful and thoughtful members of society.
5 8/12/2018
Great experience there - close-knitted community, nice teachers, and amazing trips.
5 4/26/2014
The Key School provides an excellent education for my children. The Middle School has teachers who care and promote self-advocacy for the students. The school is a "community", where students feel safe, can express themselves, and become independent thinkers. I would highly recommend the school if you are looking for a place where your children will grow academically, culturally, and morally.
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