Among the cases I looked into, there was a family that had recently moved to Frederick. I asked about the school district for their kids. Where do graduates from this area go to college? It's a common question. However, when you actually look into it, Frederick is known for its public high school performance rather than private schools.

A prime example is Urbana High School, which is part of Frederick County. It has a GreatSchools rating of 9 out of 10. The average SAT score is 1300, the average GPA is 3.73, and the graduation rate is 98 percent. In the most recent school year, it ranked 6th among 220 high schools in Maryland. There are 2,012 students enrolled, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 20 to 1. While the class sizes are not as small as private schools, in terms of college admission performance, it is one of the top schools in the county.

Some families prefer private schools. In this case, Frederick Christian Academy, located in downtown Frederick, is an option. It serves students from preschool through 12th grade, with an enrollment of 170 students. The annual tuition is around $8,150, which is relatively affordable compared to private schools in other areas. The student-to-teacher ratio is 9 to 1. However, it is recommended to contact the school directly for detailed performance data like college admission rates.

Looking at home prices, the average home value in Frederick is $469,711. This is a 1.1 percent decrease from a year ago. According to Redfin data, the median sale price over the last three months was $442,000. The data is based on June 2026. The area around Urbana High School, located near Ijamsville, is about a 15-minute commute to downtown Frederick, but due to a higher proportion of new homes, the market prices can differ significantly from those in the city. It is safer to narrow down the area and check specific listing prices.

Let's also look at rental prices. According to RentCafe data, the average rent in Frederick is $1,934 per month, which is a 1.02 percent increase from a year ago. In contrast, Zumper reports an average rent of $2,488, indicating a significant difference between the two sources. This discrepancy likely arises from the different ranges of properties surveyed. As of August 20, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate according to Freddie Mac is 6.65 percent. Applying this rate to the average sale price in Frederick results in a monthly payment that is higher than the RentCafe rent but similar to the Zumper rent. This means that the assessment of whether renting or buying is more advantageous can vary depending on which rental data source is used.

Frederick County has maintained relatively affordable prices within the Washington D.C. commuting area. However, areas with good school districts, like Urbana, tend to have properties that sell more quickly than the county average. If you are considering investment, it is advisable to check the supply of properties and whether new constructions are available in these areas.

Urbana High School, a public school, assigns students based on their residential address without a separate entrance exam. In contrast, private schools like Frederick Christian Academy require entrance exams, interviews, and previous school transcripts. It is easier to confirm the documentation requirements for both pathways before finalizing your residence.

Compared to specialized high schools in Korea, American private schools place significant importance on the attitude demonstrated in essays and interviews, as well as academic performance at the time of admission. Instead of just preparing transcripts, it can be helpful to practice with your child to speak naturally during school visit interviews. Families encountering the American school system for the first time often find this aspect unfamiliar, so being aware of it can be beneficial.

Families moving from other states should also consider that Maryland's property tax rate may differ from that of their previous state. It is essential to budget by calculating commuting times and school district assignments together.

School ratings and market prices can change over time. Please verify the assigned school for the address before signing any contracts. This is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any actual agreements.