There was a family considering Hagerstown based solely on the public school district. However, as they discussed, they began to contemplate private school options as well. This was because there was one school in Hagerstown with impressive college admission results relative to its tuition.

We're talking about Saint James School. It is a boarding school for grades 8 through 12, established in 1842. The tuition for day students is $37,000 per year, while for boarding students, it is $60,000. At first glance, these numbers may seem daunting, but 60 percent of the students receive financial aid, and the total amount of aid provided by the school exceeds $5 million annually. The college acceptance rate is 100 percent, with 99 percent of students being accepted to one of their top three college choices. The acceptance rate for the top 50 colleges in the U.S. is 28.26 percent, and for the top 25, it is 30.43 percent. They offer 21 AP courses.

On average over the past five years, about 230 students apply each year, with just over 100 being accepted. This indicates that the competition is not low. Another Catholic private high school in Hagerstown, Saint Maria Goretti High School, closed its doors in 2024. Therefore, Saint James School is now the only private option in the area that is well-known for its performance.

Looking at housing prices, the average home value in Hagerstown is $304,072, which has increased by 0.7 percent from a year ago. Other sources report a median price of $309,900, with a median sales price of $330,000 in June. It is one of the more affordable areas within the Washington D.C. commuting zone, making it easier to manage total housing and education costs within a budget, especially when utilizing financial aid.

In terms of rental prices, the average monthly rent in Hagerstown is $1,537 according to RentCafe, which has risen by 3.28 percent from a year ago. According to Zumper, the average rent is $1,400, which is about 28 percent lower than the national average, or approximately $550 less. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate as of August 20, 2026, is 6.65 percent. Hagerstown's average sale price is relatively low compared to other areas, so even with this interest rate, the monthly payment does not differ significantly from rental costs. This allows some families to attend as day students while also purchasing a home.

Hagerstown falls within the lower price range of the Washington D.C. commuting zone. This has attracted some investors, but it is important to consider that the population growth and rental demand are not as strong as in larger metropolitan areas. It is advisable to look at local industries and population trends rather than just focusing on potential price appreciation.

Saint James School is a selective school that requires an application, report cards, recommendations, interviews, and standardized test scores. The required documents vary slightly depending on whether you are applying as a day or boarding student, so it is efficient to contact the admissions office in advance to obtain a checklist.

The concept of a boarding school may feel unfamiliar. It can be understood better by comparing it to specialized high schools in Korea. However, the rules for weekend outings and vacation schedules during the semester vary by school, so it is advisable to check the dormitory regulations and return schedules before applying. If the distance allows for commuting, starting as a day student and later transitioning to boarding is also an option, so it may be worth asking the school about flexibility in this regard.

Families coming from other states should also review the property tax rates in Washington County and the unique academic calendar of boarding schools in advance. The actual financial burden can vary significantly depending on whether you choose boarding or day schooling.

Tuition and housing prices can change over time. It is recommended to verify the latest tuition and financial aid criteria with the school's admissions office before applying. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is advisable to consult with a professional before making any actual contracts.