Why Choose SJPDS
Experience the St. John's Difference
Thank you for your interest in St. John’s Parish Day School! We are an independent day school with programs for children age 3 through 5th Grade. We are nestled on a beautiful 14-acre campus in Ellicott City. We boast a history of over 60 years of offering excellence in early childhood education in the Episcopal faith.
Families choose St. John’s because of our excellence in academics, small class size, and nurturing environment. We nurture and support children as they establish a strong foundation both academically and morally. Our graduates are bright and exceptional young people of character, and are accepted into the area’s top private and public schools. They embody the St. John’s pledge by being honest, kind, and responsible. Our students have a strong foundation for the academic and social challenges of middle school and beyond.
As an accredited member of AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland & D.C. Schools), St. John’s Parish Day School holds itself to the highest standard of academic rigor and programming for schools. Additionally, as an Episcopal Day School, we are further governed by the Episcopal Diocese and Mid-Atlantic Association of Episcopal Schools. We value respect for all, kindness, integrity, and instilling a sense of purpose in our students as members of a community and our World.
The advantage that St. John’s has over public and many other private schools is the promise of a small classroom setting. Our teachers get to know each child individually—reinforcing their strengths and supporting their weaknesses. Our teachers are not bound by the confines of the Common Core curriculum. Instead, St. John’s boasts a robust curriculum that is both written by the faculty and incorporates various elements of Common Core to benefit our graduates who elect to enroll in public middle school.
The added benefit of aligning our curriculum to the broader National Education Standards with stellar Music, Instrumental Music, Art, Spanish, Chinese, Physical Education, Media, STEM, and Information Literacy programs fosters a culture of growth, appreciation, and learning in all areas of life. Our Maryland Green School initiatives, as well as local and global outreach programs, help our students learn the value of helping others without expecting anything in return. “Studies show that, for educating students in the classroom and, just as important, instilling a lifelong interest in learning outside the classroom, families have the greatest confidence in independent schools.” (AIMS Website)
Our mission is to foster the spark in every child. At St. John’s we believe that each child has a unique gift that they bring to our community. We strive to nurture that gift, build confidence and establish character. We invite you to visit our school by attending an Open House or scheduling a tour of the school. Stepping foot onto campus is truly an immersive experience. From the inviting grounds to the warm and friendly demeanor of our students and faculty, we are confident that you will experience the St. John’s difference!