Benjamin PhilipsHigh Schools in Bowie MD Comparison Table
| School Name | Type | Grades | Known For | Best For Students Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie High School | Public | 9–12 | Large diverse student population | Students wanting comprehensive public school programs |
| Belair Baptist Christian Academy | Private | K–12 | Small class sizes, faith‑based learning | Families seeking personalized private education |
| Eleanor Roosevelt High School | Public Magnet | 9–12 | Science & technology magnet | STEM‑focused students |
| College Park Academy | Public Charter | 6–12 | Project‑based learning | Students who thrive with hands‑on, interdisciplinary learning |
| Oxon Hill High School | Public | 9–12 | Arts & humanities programs | Creative students |
| Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter | Public Charter | 9–12 | Math & IT focus | Students passionate about tech |
| Frederick Douglass High School | Public | 9–12 | College readiness programs | Students targeting strong graduation paths |
| DuVal High School | Public | 9–12 | Athletics and community engagement | Students seeking balanced academics & activities |
| Laurel High School | Public | 9–12 | Comprehensive student services | Students looking for well‑rounded HS option |
| Largo High School | Public | 9–12 | Career pathways & academies | Students exploring career programs |
Top 10 High Schools in Bowie MD
1. Bowie High School
Bowie High School is a cornerstone public high school serving grades 9–12 in Bowie MD within Prince George’s County Public Schools. Families appreciate its broad curriculum and range of student activities, from academics to arts and athletics. Its programs aim to prepare students for college and careers while nurturing leadership and community engagement.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Wide variety of academic and elective classes
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Strong athletics and extracurricular offerings
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Supportive guidance and college‑prep resources
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Large, diverse student community
Programs & Activities
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Advanced Placement (AP) courses
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Career pathways like Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
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Music, theater, and dance programs
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Clubs including robotics, student government, and more
Best For: Students who want a comprehensive public high school experience
Location: 15200 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715
Phone: 301‑805‑2600
2. Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Eleanor Roosevelt High School, located near Bowie, is a respected public magnet school known for rigorous academics and competitive performance. It draws students who are focused on higher‑level coursework and academic excellence, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) areas.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Strong academic reputation
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Magnet focus with enriched coursework
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High college acceptance rates
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Engaged student body
Programs & Activities
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AP and honors classes
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Science research and technology clubs
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Varsity athletics
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Arts and music programs
Best For: Students aiming for academic excellence and STEM pathways
Location: Greenbelt, MD
Phone: 301‑513‑5400
3. College Park Academy
College Park Academy is a public charter school (grades 6–12) with a unique project‑based and experiential learning approach. Through partnerships with the University of Maryland, students engage in real‑world problem solving and integrated academic projects that build critical thinking skills.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Hands‑on, project‑based instruction
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Small, focused class environment
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University partnerships and dual‑enrollment options
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Personalized attention
Programs & Activities
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STEM and interdisciplinary projects
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Technology and innovation clubs
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Community service initiatives
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Research opportunities
Best For: Students who thrive in innovative, experiential learning settings
Location: Riverdale, MD
Phone: 240‑696‑3206
4. Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter
Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter School offers a curriculum centered on mathematics and information technology, preparing students for tech‑related careers and college pathways. Its smaller community fosters personalized learning and collaboration.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Strong focus on tech and math foundations
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Project‑based and hands‑on learning
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Smaller student community
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College and career readiness emphasis
Programs & Activities
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Coding and robotics clubs
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Technology electives
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Math competitions
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Career pathway support
Best For: Students with passion for STEM, especially math and IT
Location: Laurel, MD
Phone: 301‑350‑6051
5. Oxon Hill High School
Oxon Hill High School is a public high school near Bowie MD offering a solid mix of academic, arts, and extracurricular programs. It supports student growth through diverse course options and community partnerships.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Diverse academic and elective offerings
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Strong visual and performing arts programs
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Active student organizations
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Community engagement initiatives
Programs & Activities
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AP and honors coursework
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Theater, band, and arts
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Sports teams
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Academic clubs
Best For: Students seeking a creative, well‑rounded education
Location: Oxon Hill, MD
Phone: 301‑749‑4300
6. Frederick Douglass High School
Frederick Douglass High School serves students near Bowie MD and emphasizes college readiness, academic support, and a comprehensive curriculum. It balances core academics with meaningful electives and student activities.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Strong college prep programs
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Supportive guidance services
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Broad elective choices
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Encouraging staff and culture
Programs & Activities
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AP and elective coursework
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College and career counseling
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Arts and performance programs
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Athletics
Best For: Students preparing for higher education success
Location: Upper Marlboro, MD
Phone: 301‑952‑2400
7. DuVal High School
DuVal High School, near Bowie, offers balanced academics alongside a wide variety of extracurriculars. Its programs foster a supportive environment where students can explore interests and gain real‑world skills.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Well‑rounded academic curriculum
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Numerous clubs and teams
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Supportive environment
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Solid athletics options
Programs & Activities
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Sports teams
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Arts and cultural clubs
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Leadership and academic clubs
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Community service opportunities
Best For: Students wanting balanced academics with activities
Location: Lanham, MD
Phone: 301‑918‑8600
8. Laurel High School
Laurel High School provides comprehensive education with strong student support services and a range of electives. It’s a solid option for families in the Bowie region looking for well‑rounded schooling.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Robust academic support
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Wide variety of electives
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Active student life
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Engaged school community
Programs & Activities
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AP and honors courses
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Arts and music
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Athletic teams
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Clubs and organizations
Best For: Students seeking an engaging, well‑rounded high school
Location: Laurel, MD
Phone: 301‑497‑2050
9. Largo High School
Largo High School serves students near Bowie MD with both academic and career pathways that prepare learners for post‑secondary success. Its varied electives and support services help students explore interests and build skills.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Career and technical education pathways
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Wide range of electives
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Support services for students
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Active extra‑curricular opportunities
Programs & Activities
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CTE programs
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Arts and music
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Athletics
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Leadership clubs
Best For: Students interested in career programs and academics
Location: Upper Marlboro, MD
Phone: 301‑808‑8880
10. Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Charles Herbert Flowers High School, part of Prince George’s County Public Schools, offers a solid academic curriculum and opportunities in arts and athletics. It’s recognized for supporting diverse learning pathways.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Variety of academic courses
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Support for student success
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Active arts and athletics programs
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Engaged community
Programs & Activities
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AP classes
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Sports teams
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Band and arts programs
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Academic clubs
Best For: Students wanting comprehensive academics and activities
Location: Springdale, MD
Phone: 301‑636‑8000
How to Choose the Right High School in Bowie MD
Choosing a high school is about matching the school’s strengths with your child’s needs and goals. Here’s what to consider:
Academics
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Look for schools with strong core subjects, AP/IB programs, or STEM/arts magnet options.
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Check graduation rates and college acceptance rates to gauge performance.
Class Size
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Smaller class sizes often allow more individualized attention.
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Larger schools can offer more elective options and clubs.
Safety
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Review school safety policies and reports.
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Visit the school to see the environment and culture firsthand.
Extracurriculars
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Athletics, arts, debate, STEM clubs, and leadership programs build social and practical skills.
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Make sure the school supports interests your child is passionate about.
Career Pathways
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Some schools offer technical or vocational programs to prepare students for careers.
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Magnet or charter schools may provide specialized focus areas.
Location & Commute
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Consider proximity to home and transportation options.
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Some families prioritize walkable or easily accessible schools.
School Culture
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A school’s values, community engagement, and student support systems matter.
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Talk to parents, students, and teachers to get insight.
Admission Requirements For High Schools in Bowie MD
Public Schools
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Most require residency within the school district.
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Submit proof of address, immunization records, and prior school records.
Charter & Magnet Schools
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Often require an application or lottery process.
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May need essays, teacher recommendations, or interviews for specialized programs.
Private Schools
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Require application forms, transcripts, and standardized test scores.
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Some schools conduct interviews and evaluate financial aid eligibility.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
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Research schools – Identify public, charter, magnet, or private schools in Bowie MD.
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Check eligibility – Review residency, grade level, and program requirements.
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Collect documents – Birth certificate, transcripts, immunization records, and recommendations.
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Complete applications – Online or paper forms, including essays if required.
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Submit before deadlines – Confirm all materials are submitted on time.
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Attend interviews or tours – Especially for private or magnet schools.
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Receive admission decision – Accept offers and complete enrollment paperwork.
High Schools in Bowie MD Tuition & Costs
Public Schools
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Tuition-free for residents.
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Some schools may have optional fees for extracurriculars, sports, or field trips.
Private Schools
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Tuition ranges from $8,000 to $25,000 per year.
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Additional costs for uniforms, textbooks, technology, and activities.
| School Type | Tuition | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Free | Extracurricular fees, supplies |
| Private | $8,000–$25,000 | Uniforms, books, field trips, sports |
| Charter | Free | Some program fees |
Curriculum & Extracurricular Overview
High schools in Bowie MD typically offer:
Curriculum
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Core subjects: Math, Science, English, Social Studies
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AP/IB and honors courses
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STEM, arts, humanities, or technical tracks
Extracurricular Activities
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Sports: football, basketball, soccer, track
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Arts: music, theater, visual arts
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Clubs: robotics, debate, student government, language clubs
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Career pathways: CTE programs, internships, dual enrollment
FAQ
What is the best high school in Bowie MD?
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It depends on your child’s goals. Bowie High School is ideal for comprehensive public education, while Eleanor Roosevelt High School is strong for STEM and magnet programs.
How do I enroll my child in a Bowie MD high school?
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Submit residency verification, transcripts, immunization records, and complete the school application before the deadline.
Are there STEM-focused schools?
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Yes. Eleanor Roosevelt High School and Chesapeake Math and IT Public Charter focus heavily on STEM, while College Park Academy offers project-based STEM learning.
Private vs Public: Which is better?
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Public schools are tuition-free and offer diverse programs. Private schools provide smaller classes, personalized attention, and faith-based learning options.
Can students earn college credit?
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Many Bowie MD schools offer AP, IB, or dual enrollment programs, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right high school in Bowie MD is a balance of academics, extracurricular opportunities, culture, and your child’s personality. By reviewing schools, programs, and admissions carefully, parents can confidently select a school that nurtures both learning and personal growth. From public to private, magnet to charter, Bowie MD offers a variety of options designed to prepare students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.