For the 2026 school year, there are 3 private schools serving 935 students in 21221, MD (there are 13 public schools, serving 9,045 public students). 9% of all K-12 students in 21221, MD are educated in private schools (compared to the MD state average of 14%).
The top-ranked private schools in 21221, MD include Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Elementary School and Our Lady Of Mt Carmel School.
The average acceptance rate is 85%, which is higher than the Maryland private school average acceptance rate of 81%.
100% of private schools in 21221, MD are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and African Methodist Episcopal).
Top-Ranked 21221 Maryland Private Schools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Our Lady Of Mt Carmel School
(Catholic)
1706 Old Eastern Avenue
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 686-1023
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 686-1023
Gr: PK-12 | 476 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Elementary School ![Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Elementary School Photo - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Elementary School Photo - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School]()

(Catholic)
1702 Old Eastern Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 686-0859
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 686-0859
Gr: NS-9 | 368 students Avg. class size: 19 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
St. Stephens Christian Academy
(African Methodist Episcopal)
1525 Old Eastern Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 772-3447
Essex, MD 21221
(443) 772-3447
Gr: K-4 | 91 students Tuition listed
21221, Maryland Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
St. Clare School (Closed 2010)
(Catholic)
716 Myrth Ave
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 687-7787
Essex, MD 21221
(410) 687-7787
Gr: K-9 | 180 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in 21221, MD?
The top-ranked private schools in 21221, MD include Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel Elementary School and Our Lady Of Mt Carmel School.
How many private schools are located in 21221?
3 private schools are located in 21221.
What percentage of students in 21221 go to private school?
9% of all K-12 students in 21221 are educated in private schools (compared to the MD state average of 14%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in 21221?
100% of private schools in 21221 are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and African Methodist Episcopal).
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