The annual tuition is $37,620. When a family in Columbia first saw this number, they considered giving up on private school. With two siblings, the tuition alone would exceed $70,000 a year. However, after inquiring with the school, the story changed a bit. There was a separate financial aid program.

This refers to Glenelg Country School located in Ellicott City, Howard County. It is part of the school district adjacent to Columbia, so many families from Columbia apply. The school offers a college preparatory program from age 2 through 12th grade, with 25 AP courses available. The student-to-teacher ratio is relatively low at 8 to 1. The total student body is 823, and the graduation rate is 100 percent. Additionally, they operate a need-based financial aid program, meaning not all families pay the full tuition as initially stated.

The scale and criteria for financial aid can change each year. Instead of giving up on applying due to tuition costs, it's better to contact the admissions office directly to confirm the actual amount you would need to pay.

Speaking of housing prices, the median home value in Columbia is $475,873. This is a 3.2 percent increase from a year ago. This figure indicates that Columbia is relatively affordable within Howard County. In contrast, the situation is different in Ellicott City, where the home value is $686,219, which is higher than the overall median of $675,850 in Howard County. If commuting to school is a priority, it means you should budget more generously for the Ellicott City area. The data is based on June 2026.

Starting with renting is also an option. According to RentCafe data, the average rent in Columbia as of July 2026 is $2,183, which is a 1.35 percent increase from a year ago. For a two-bedroom unit, the average rent is around $2,273. As of August 20, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate according to Freddie Mac is 6.65 percent. If you take out a loan at this rate for the average sale price in Ellicott City, the monthly payment would significantly exceed the rent. Therefore, many families choose to rent first to assess commuting distances and after-school activity routes before deciding on private school enrollment.

Columbia is a planned community, so there are distinct price variations by school district. If you are considering investment, it cannot be assumed that proximity to a school will guarantee profit. It's essential to calculate the actual return on investment, including vacancy periods, maintenance costs, and property taxes.

Glenelg Country School requires applications, report cards, teacher recommendations, and campus visits for each grade level. If you plan to apply for financial aid, it's often necessary to submit a financial aid application alongside the admission application, so it's advisable to prepare both processes simultaneously.

Niche and GreatSchools are the two most commonly used metrics for evaluating schools in the U.S. Niche provides an overall rating that reflects reviews from students and parents, while GreatSchools focuses on test scores and growth. By looking at both metrics, you can gauge not only academic performance but also the school environment to some extent. However, neither metric is absolute, so it's safer to make final judgments based on actual visits and conversations with current students' parents.

If you are moving from another state, you should also consider that Maryland's property tax rates and school district boundaries may differ from where you currently live. Howard County has a good reputation for its school district, but the tax burden is not low. It's wise to budget for tuition, housing costs, and taxes all at once.

School ratings can be checked on Niche or each school's official page, but school district boundaries change frequently. Before making a purchase, please verify the assigned school for the specific address. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any actual contracts.