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Key School

534 Hillsmere Drive Annapolis, MD 21403

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 666 students
  • Acceptance rate: 46%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / Dec. 15 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
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School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 666 students
  • Acceptance rate: 46%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / Dec. 15 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Key School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Students By Grade
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 10, 2027
Campus Size
70 acres
School Motto
More Than A School

Student Body

Total Students
666 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 39%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
115 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
16 students
Average SAT score
1327
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Key does not subscribe to a formal dress code. Students are expected to make decisions that are consistent with the School values of respect, civility and responsibility and achieve a balance between individual choices and the needs of the community.
Number of AP Courses
14 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Advanced BiologyAdvanced Biology
Advanced Calculus (AB and BC)Advanced Chemistry
Advanced Latin (Vergil)Advanced Spanish Literature
American HistoryEnglish Literature and Composition
FrenchPhysics
StatisticsStudio Art

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / Dec. 15 / rolling
Tuition Notes
$10,875 to $23,360 - Key-Wee through Pre-K; $23,905 Kindergarten; $31,860 Grades 1-4; $35,250 Grades 5-8; $37,185 Grades 9-12
% on Financial Aid
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,500
Acceptance Rate
46%
National avg.: 85%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Shamika Thompson
Admissions Associate
Shamika Thompson
Application URL
Endowment Size
$25 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Colors
Blue and White
School Mascot
Obezag

School Notes

  • Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on our picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis. Key's innovative approach to teaching and learning is what sets it apart from other independent schools. Key is renowned for its rigorous academic program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary studies and a global perspective, but our students also experience meaningful connections, value and respect the differences of others, and have a positive outlook on learning and their future. A diverse, supportive, deliberately small community that values academic excellence and nurtures a love of learning and curiosity is what makes Key one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland.
  • 25% scored 1430+ on the SATs; Class Average of 1304 (3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
  • Over 84% of graduates received merit scholarships to college (this does not include financial aid awards; 3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
  • 42% will attend Research 1 Universities (3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
  • 37% intend to pursue STEM-related studies including engineering, computer science, marine and environmental science, pre-health/vet, and architecture (3-yr avg. 2021-2023)
  • 9% earned National Merit Scholarship Recognition (national avg. < 1%)
  • For a complete list of college acceptances and matriculations, please visit https://www.keyschool.org/program/college-advising
  • Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on our picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.Key's innovative approach to teaching and learning is what sets it apart from other independent schools. Key is renowned for its rigorous academic program, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary studies and a global perspective, but our students also experience meaningful connections, value and respect the differences of others, and have a positive outlook on learning and their future. A diverse, supportive, deliberately small community that values academic excellence and nurtures a love of learning and curiosity is what makes Key one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland.
  • 25% of the Class of 2019 scored 1430+ on the SATs; Class Mean of 1313
  • Over 82% of the Class of 2019 received merit scholarships (this does not include financial aid awards)
  • 81% will attend "Most/Highly/Very Competitive" colleges/universities
  • 24% will attend Research 1 Universities
  • 35% intend to pursue STEM-related studies including engineering, computer science, marine and environmental science, pre-health/vet, and architecture
  • 11% earned National Merit Scholarship Recognition (national avg. < 1%)
  • 98% of alumni parents surveyed would recommend KEY to a friend, colleague or family member
  • For a complete list of college acceptances and matriculations, please visithttps://www.keyschool.org/program/college-advising
  • https://www.instagram.com/thekeyschool/
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Key School?
The acceptance rate of Key School is 46%, which is lower than the national average of 83%. Key School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Key School offer?
Key School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Key School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.
What is Key School's ranking?
Key School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Highest average SAT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Key School?
The application deadline for Key School is Jan. 15 / Dec. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 / Dec. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
The Key School has been an amazing educational experience for my children. The environment encourages hands-on exploration, the lessons elicit their thoughts on how things work and cultivate them forming their own self-concept and ability to articulate the world around them. The blending of life skills and current wellbeing trends in education and programs for parents make it an amazing partnering journey where your children can unfold comfortably and explore who they are and where they want this journey to take them.
- Posted by
5  
Key has been a wonderful choice for our middle school son. I'm just amazed at how Key is turning these children into critical thinkers and expressive communicators. The teachers have been wonderful and supportive and the entire Key Community has been wonderful. Highly recommend.
- Posted by
5  
Great, unique experience that helped shape who I am today.
- Posted by
5  
I loved my time at the school, the teachers are great and friendly, the community is close knit and nice and the campus is beautiful
- Posted by
5  
The Key School is a unique institution that not only prepares students for the rigors of college, but also equips them with skills and values to become successful and thoughtful members of society.
- Posted by
5  
Great experience there - close-knitted community, nice teachers, and amazing trips.
- Posted by
5  
The Key School provides an excellent education for my children. The Middle School has teachers who care and promote self-advocacy for the students. The school is a "community", where students feel safe, can express themselves, and become independent thinkers. I would highly recommend the school if you are looking for a place where your children will grow academically, culturally, and morally.
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Annapolis, MD is $13,567 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Annapolis, MD is 78% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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