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2020 Best Catholic High Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Catholic High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges that students consider, student-teacher ratio, Catholic school ratings, and more. Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools directly. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,253
Best Schools
1,253 results

  1. Regis High School

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • 9-12
    • 124 reviews
    #1 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Niche User: I commend the Founders and leadership. The vision, execution, and evolution of the model is spot on. Ask any student, parent, faculty, college admissions counselor, and Dean at any University and you will get the real story. It's not perfect but the school has been able to maintain it's high level of academics and keep its goal of providing a full scholarship education for future Catholic leaders, authors, scientists, etc.. The sincere approach to help diversify the classroom has been successful. With education costs going out of control, you would think governments and schools are studying how it's done at Regis.

    Get a top notch education without lowering standards or using temp solutions ("shuttling" minorities in or subsidizing over priced tuition with"generous" financial aid packages to fill quotas for chess, academics, sports, and school team competitions). Colleges and employers love Regians!
    Read 124 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 532 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Delbarton School

    • Private School
    • Morristown, NJ
    • 7-12
    • 112 reviews
    #2 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: As a parent, I would implore any parent who has a son to visit Delbarton for a couple of hours one day. Walk the grounds. Speak with the teachers. More importantly, speak with the boys that currently attend the school. The curtain will be pulled back and you will be able to experience the benfits of the Delbarton community. The brilliance and respect of the young men at the school is incredibly impressive. The campus is stunning and you can hear and see the dedication to the students by the teachers first hand. Wonderful institution for any young man to earn a stellar education, lifelong friends and a bright future!
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 609 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Cistercian Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Irving, TX
    • 5-12
    • 37 reviews
    #3 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: As a parent of two sons who graduated almost a decade apart, I can say, unequivocally, that Cistercian remains a top-notch academic institution dedicated to its long-standing mission of educating the whole child. My sons -- one driven by academics and the other by athletics -- thrived at the school. Yes, the very environment encourages students to strive for excellence, but the boys are supported as they determine what that means to each of them individually. The classical curriculum can be demanding, but each year prepares the boys for what is to come. The school has been able to maintain a fine balance between remaining firmly rooted in their founding mission and history while implementing progressive educational practices. It’s a beautiful thing to witness young men of character and accomplishment graduating each spring, heading to college well prepared and grounded, and excited for their next steps.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 349 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Woodside Priory School

    • Private School
    • Portola Valley, CA
    • 6-12
    • 63 reviews
    #4 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: I love talking about my time at priory and I spend every summer working on campus at Mountain Camp Woodside.

    If you are looking for a small school where you will be known respected and valued; teachers that go out of their way to ensure your success; a strong arts program as well as incredible athletics: Priory is the place for YOU.

    Built on the values of Community Individuality Spirituality Integrity & Hospitality, there is support for every student, every interest, and every struggle. Our Monks are the foundation of our community. Their unconditional love and acceptance knows no borders. Their energy motivates every activity. Their patience allows them to listen with the ear of their heart.

    Priory prepared me for hard pre-med classes. If you are considering Priory, you are considering an amazing college predatory school, community, and an alma matter you won't regret!

    If you don't believe me, watch my video: www.priory48.com/happy

    Chris Gregory ‘14
    Read 63 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 382 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Marymount School of New York

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 45 reviews
    #5 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Junior: I have been at Marymount since 9th grade and I absolutely love it. From all the friends I have made to taking classes that interest and challenge me, I could have never picked a better school. I am so thankful for all the opportunities granted to me. For example, Marymount insures that all students become financially literate through their Bloomberg certification course. My certification sparked an interest in finance for me which has led me to consider studying business in college. Another one of my favorite parts of my Marymount experience thus far, has been on the sports teams. I love the camaraderie and that I was able to become friends with students in other grades. Other than extracurriculars, I would say one thing that is very unique about our school is the relationship students can build with their teachers. Marymount has so much to offer and I am so happy with the experiences I have had here thus far!
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 759 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Miami, FL
    • PK, K-12
    • 87 reviews
    #6 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Carrollton provides great education, great resources, a gorgeous campus, and a beautiful and supportive tight community. Classes are small and engaging. There is a strong STEM program with pretty good resources. The Arts Program in high school is pretty good too! The workload in high school is challenging and rigorous but with good time management, you can work hard and play hard. You will be well prepared for college!
    Read 87 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 847 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Convent of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • New York, NY
    • PK, K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #7 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Sacred Heart is an academically challenging school. Advanced classes and a rigorous curriculum challenge the students and teaches them how to work hard. The school and the faculty are always pushing their students to reach their full potential. Sacred Heart educates the full person allowing their students to not only become intellectuals but also well rounded individuals and leaders. I have never met a more dedicated faculty and administration; the faculty at Sacred Heart truly care for their students and want to see them succeed. The students at Sacred Heart embody the schools values and mission, which is obvious in the girls caring and kind nature. I have never felt more supported and cared for than I have at Sacred Heart and I look back at my time at Sacred Heart very fondly. The gift of a Sacred Heart education is the greatest gift I have ever been given and I am so grateful to this community for always being there for me and providing me with the tools I need to succeed.
    Read 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 710 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Marymount High School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 9-12
    • 107 reviews
    #8 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: Overall, I feel prepared for college. The history department is very well run, while the other departments seem to lack quality faculty in one way or the other. The administration does a good job at running the school and listening to the students. The close-knit campus is something a value, as I know all my teachers and classmates very well. Comparing my experience to that of my mom's, who also went to Marymount, and faculty who have been there at the time, I can say that the school was definitely in better condition 30 some years ago. There are some parts of the school I will miss, like my friends I have made and some of the teachers, but overall I am happy to be graduating and moving on from Marymount.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 369 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. St. Anselm's Abbey School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • 6-12
    • 27 reviews
    #9 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: I thrived at an Ivy League school in my undergraduate years but nothing could compare to the education I was lucky to receive at St. Anselm's. In middle school, I was much more keen on going some place like Georgetown Prep or Gonzaga but thankfully my mom knew better. She knew that a small close-knit community, personal attention within a rigorous curriculum, and an opportunity to get meaningful time in a couple varsity sports would do wonders for me. She was right. Decades have passed since I graduated from "The Abbey" and I have been able to work and travel around the world both in the private sector and in government. Wherever I have worked or traveled, I have carried my St. Anselm's education with me. It is the essential foundation that has allowed me flexibility to seize so many different opportunities and understand the complex problems of a changing world.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 256 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Georgetown Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • North Bethesda, MD
    • 9-12
    • 54 reviews
    #10 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: Despite the nonsensical politics of a private institution, the school offers much to its students physically, emotionally and spiritually. With a phenomenal residential program and a faculty that will push you to be your best as you discover yourself, Georgetown Prep creates an environment where students can mature academically and as a people. Undoubtedly, students who attend this institution will be well-prepared for any university, but will also be nurtured to be men for and with others.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 496 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. St. Agnes Academy

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 279 reviews
    #11 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: St. Agnes has definitely prepared me for college. Something you get here that you won’t get at a lot of schools is the focus on social justice and the time they spend helping you become aware of what’s going on in the world and how we can strive to make the world a better place. I really appreciate that about this school. I have had quite a few minor complaints over the years, some with the admin, some with the strictness of the school, but they all seem like nothing when i look back at my overall time at St agnes. The teachers care SO much about their students, sometimes the teachers were the only people who kept me going at times. There will be several mental breakdowns throughout your time at St. Agnes due to the difficult workload and courses, but I would say it is well worth it in the end. St Agnes has made me who I am today and has brought me together with some of my best friends who I know I will be friends with for life. I can’t believe it but I’m so sad to be leaving!
    Read 279 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 921 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Mayfield Senior School

    • Private School
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 9-12
    • 103 reviews
    #12 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: An overall great experience! Everyone is very welcoming, friendly, and passionate about what they do. The faculty and staff are amazing and helpful, the student body are a blast to be around, and the campus is a beautiful place to be at.
    Read 103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 333 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Houston, TX
    • 9-12
    • 106 reviews
    #13 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: My school is amazing because it shows the students how to be men for others while also becoming academically advanced in several different subjects. They offer many rigorous courses and several enriching extra-curricular activities for the students to participate in and expand their knowledge base. They also have strong values about faith and the Catholic teachings in general which is something that proves beneficial for all people, regardless of their religious affiliation.
    Read 106 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,238 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Bellarmine College Preparatory

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 184 reviews
    #14 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: Attending Bellarmine was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has excellent teachers, fantastic athletics, a wonderful campus--all the things that you'd expect of a school of its caliber. But what makes Bellarmine really special--what makes it truly unique from other high schools--is the profoundly deep and enduring sense of brotherhood you develop while attending. I know for a fact that because I went to Bellarmine, I've learned incredibly valuable lessons from some of the best educators the country has to offer, I've taken part in some of the most exhilarating sports experiences I'll ever have, and I've been prepared for college at a level that's significantly beyond that of my current classmates. But more than that, I know I've made lifelong friends with whom I can spend time with and enjoy for decades to come. As always, Go Bells.
    Read 184 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,643 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas

    • Private School
    • Dallas, TX
    • 9-12
    • 64 reviews
    #15 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Works Here: Jesuit Dallas promotes a culture of community. There is a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that permeates throughout the School, and many alumni stay intimately connected long after graduation. The School offers a rigorous academic environment, but also excels in competitive extracurricular activities, such as sports, debate, and robotics. The School's biggest point-of-difference from other high-caliber secondary institutions is the focus on service and justice, as students participate in a curricular-based program that is one of the most comprehensive in the country.
    Read 64 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,133 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Saint Louis Priory School

    • Private School
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 7-12
    • 83 reviews
    #16 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: Our 8th grader (Form II) is greatly enjoying his second year at Priory! His study skills, organization, and self-confidence have grown significantly. He has also begun to realize that the quality of his time spent studying is more important than the quantity, and that his efforts are being recognized by his teachers (who are very willing to assist outside of class times). Subjects he struggled a bit with before coming here are now among his strengths. Highly recommended!
    Read 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 383 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. St. Louis University High School

    • Private School
    • St. Louis, MO
    • 9-12
    • 215 reviews
    #17 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: The curriculum, teachers and overall experience has been very good! They prepare the students for college, strengthen their faith and foster a unique brotherhood for life. My only suggestion for improvement is communication. At times parents rely on other parents through the Facebook class page to inform or clarify information. For example, incoming seniors recently received a summer mailer about senior pictures at school this summer, but no other information was provided via school email so at first I thought it was a marketing mailer and I almost tossed it.
    Read 215 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 980 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • Lake Forest, IL
    • 9-12
    • 53 reviews
    #18 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: We looked for a faith based education and chose Woodlands for three reasons: small class sizes, the ability to participate in many activities simultaneously, and unique opportunities offered by the school. Our daughter is a sophomore and in all areas we are extremely happy.

    Small classes are taught by caring teachers who made the decision to be at this particular school. They personally connect with each girl and make certain she gets the most from her education.

    Woodlands’ schedule allows students to take orchestra before school, several clubs during lunch, and both choir and sports or theater after school. My daughter plays a sport, is a class officer, sings in two choirs and participates in four clubs. This level of involvement is common.

    Students enjoy unique global experiences - foreign students boarding at school and visiting on exchange, educational and service trips abroad, and the ability to go on exchange to over 100 schools in the Sacred Heart Network around the world.
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 131 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

    • Private School
    • Atherton, CA
    • PK, K-12
    • 97 reviews
    #19 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: I attended Sacred Heart Schools from 2016-2019. It was a great experience, and I enjoyed every second of it. There are tons of extracurriculars if you're a sports person, and the robotics team is pretty good this year. If you like dance, theater, art, science, english, social sciences, robotics, sports, community service, or religion, Sacred Heart is the school for you. The science program is relatively amazing, and social sciences department is totally rocking it. If you like religion, you'll love the religious studies department. The English department is also doing their job really well. Pretty much all the juniors here take AP English Language and Composition, and Sacred Heart definitely prepares everyone for college really well. The counselors here are actually really good overall, and the community is generally very supportive. There's definitely room for growth at Sacred Heart (like it would be nice to offer more math classes), but overall, I totally love this school.
    Read 97 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,180 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Loyola High School

    • Private School
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 9-12
    • 183 reviews
    #20 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: I graduated around 5 years ago, and I'm currently pursuing nursing. I enjoyed my time at Loyola, and I'm proud to call myself an alumnus. The brotherhood that is curated and encouraged really brings an increased sense of unity, the teachers are very passionate about their careers, the staff ensure students are safe and well cared for, and the campus is updated with new technology. There are plenty of clubs and activities for every student, from campus ministry to sports, writing clubs to Model UN, Speech and debate to theater. There is a place for everyone at Loyola. School dances and social gatherings are very enjoyable; the first dance of the year is always off the chains! Proud to be a Loyola grad! #C4L
    Read 183 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,247 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Notre Dame High School

    • Private School
    • San Jose, CA
    • 9-12
    • 224 reviews
    #21 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: This is our daughter’s and the best decision we made was to send our her to ND. This shelter in place has solidified our decision! We are impressed by the professionalism and quick action the school community took to transition to the online platform. Well done everyone!

    Other questions we have received about being at this school is...
    1. How do we feel about the downtown location? It’s really great. The girls are given practical advice when venturing off campus for snacks and they take full advantage of DTSJ.

    2. What’s the homework load like? Not bad at all. My daughter took four honors classes her freshman year and was able to stay on top of it. As a sophomore, she’s picking and choosing the classes where she wants to challenge herself.

    3. What are the strengths of NDSJ? There are many, but the admin, staff, and teachers are all incredibly helpful and understanding. The counseling department is dedicated to the WHOLE student as an individual person.
    Read 224 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 650 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Portsmouth Abbey School

    • Private School
    • Portsmouth, RI
    • 9-12
    • 68 reviews
    #22 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Junior: The academics here are Aplus. The required readings are classic, futuristic, push the envelope, and one of the best curriculums found at preparatory schools. The teachers are involved, accessible and ready and willing to help you get ahead. The campus is beautiful, 500 acres and next to Narragansett Bay. The Benedictine community is very active and many teach classes. The students here are friendly and welcoming, there are many dorm challenge activities such as The Ravens Cup, Community Service, and sports competitions. Family involvement is highly encouraged. This is a top boarding and day school.
    Read 68 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 360 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. St. Ignatius College Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • San Francisco, CA
    • 9-12
    • 323 reviews
    #23 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Alum: Saint Ignatius is a very good school, and the teachers are the best part of it. They are supportive, encouraging, and caring. However, the school does need to work on their clique problem and mental health issues because many of the students have severe depression and anxiety from the pressure to "fit in" and perform well academically. There are many creative and enjoyable clubs to join as well that are sources of community and belonging for many students. The theatre and fine arts department is absolutely amazing, and have exceptional performances. The sports and athletic teams are generally positive and compete at a high level. The school is in a safe area of San Francisco and accessible by Muni which is very convenient for the "city kids", but it isn't too much of a hassle to commute from Marin or the Peninsula either.
    Read 323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,476 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Santa Catalina School

    • Private School
    • Monterey, CA
    • 9-12
    • 77 reviews
    #24 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Senior: It's an amazing school with a beautiful campus. The academics can feel like a lot, but there's tons of places to get help. It's very easy to make friends here, and due to all of the different contexts of boarding life, you're never stuck with just one friend group. Some of my best friends are students from different grades who I met in my extracurricular! Boarding students have a lot of freedom, although it can feel kind of mandated at times - there's only a few places to go on the weekends, you have to write a form weeks in advance if you're staying overnight with your parents, and if you're sick you stay in a hot room for 9 hours with nobody checking on you. Not to mention church every Sunday, signing into dinner every night, and singing practice every Wednesday. At least our uniforms have some freedom! Of course, all of these events are still enjoyable, and there's nothing that brings people together like complaining. I love Catalina - it's my home! And I wouldn't go anywhere else.
    Read 77 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 216 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. St. Ignatius College Prep

    • Private School
    • Chicago, IL
    • 9-12
    • 337 reviews
    #25 Best Catholic High Schools in America

    Parent: We are so fortunate to have our daughter attend this exceptional school. It’s incredible and you really have to go there to truly experience for yourself it’s outstanding academics, community and stunning campus.

    My daughter tells us all of the time how grateful she is that she was able to go to school here,and my husband and I wish we’d had the opportunity to go here as well! I cannot express that this school knows how to educate students and prepare them for college. They also leave with a special bond to the school and community that they will have for a lifetime in addition to having the the honor of being a graduate.
    Read 337 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,404 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Providence Classical School

    • Private School
    • Williamsburg, VA
    • K-12
    • 55 reviews

    Parent: PCS has been/is the best place for my daughter's education! The curriculum is strong, the teachers are top-notch, and the administration is outstanding. In addition to all of that, this school is Christ-centered and that makes all the difference. The children have "prayer buddies" each year, there is a weekly chapel, and the teachers encourage the children not only in their education but also in their learning about God's word. I know that my daughter is safe when I drop her off at school each day - she is physically safe and she is emotionally and spiritually safe. The students that have graduated from PCS have scored high on college entrance exams and have been accepted to well known colleges and universities. I know that my daughter will be fully prepared for college after receiving a classical Christian K-12 education from Providence Classical School!
    Read 55 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 194 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • Herndon, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 8 reviews

    Middle School Student: It is the best school I have ever been to and has opened the gates for me to really be able to learn. I especially like language arts and my teachers truly have a broad understanding of the world and inspire us. I have read books including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Power of One, Frankenstein, Henry IV, Henry V, Oedipus The King, and many more. I came in 7th grade and I thought I would have a hard time, but that was not the case. The school is so diverse and I have gotten to learn about a bunch of different cultures and it has given me a better understanding. I went to public school before and until I got to this school I did not really know whiten outstanding education was. I feel ready to share my ideas with the world.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Lowell School

    • Private School
    • Washington, DC
    • PK, K-8
    • 12 reviews

    Parent: I have one alum and two middle schools sons at Lowell. The younger two started in Kindergarten and the oldest in third after attending our local public elementary school. Although my sons are completely different, Lowell has managed to understand and bring out the best in each of them. My oldest, the quiet introvert at public school, was completely brought out of his shell and is now a confident 10th grader. Lowell taught him self advocacy. My younger two have been encouraged to use their over abundance of self-confidence to boost other children up. Thanks to Lowell, they are empathetic leaders. Lowell has helped me parent my boys to be their best selves -- confident yet kind, thoughtful and public-spirited. All of that PLUS a leading edge curriculum that allows them to easily attend the top public and independent high schools in the city!
    Read 12 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 340 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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