2024 Best Catholic Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• North Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: The best all-boy high school! My son grew so much from the rigorous studies, incredible teachers, and awesome sports. Prep does an amazing job of turning these young boys into competent men who are ready for college and the world. These high school graduates are not just academically prepared for college but are thoughtful, kind young men. My husband and I found lifelong friends within this beautiful, welcoming community. Truly impressed with the education our son received and the incredible community he'll be a part of forever.... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  45 reviews

Parent: Current parent here. It’s a special place. Really doesn’t feel like there’s anything quite like it in the city. The character development is part of everything that happens there and it’s incredible. Feels like no teacher or administrator ever misses an opportunity to really “dig in” with the boys. You feel that when you first set foot on campus. Academically, it’s wildly impressive. Boys are working hard on very advanced material, but the model and excellent teaching makes it doable. It’s small (40 ish boys per grade) but what’s nice about that socially is that all the boys are friends.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  139 reviews

Parent: After retaining an educational consultant and searching the entire DMV for the right independent school, we chose Stone Ridge. We were impressed with the school's sprawling campus and Aquatic Center, but fell in love with the all-girl environment and the school's ubiquitous message of empowerment. Our lower and middle school daughters have already formed wonderful friendships and a love of learning! My middle schooler is constantly challenged in her rigorous curriculum, but as she puts it, "I never knew school was supposed to be fun." In summary: Best. Decision. Ever.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  100 reviews

Junior: My experience at Gonzaga has been great. I will be a rising Junior in the fall and both my Freshman and Sophomore year have been great. I have made several friends inside and outside the classroom, whether that is through clubs or sports. The academics are rigorous and help you prioritize your time. The athletics are amazing and competitive, which supports athletes to do better on the field, while remaining to be a student-athlete, not an athlete-student. The best part about my experience is like I said, meeting and making new friends through various activities across the school. The worst part about my experience is nothing really, the only thing I wish I did was get involved into clubs a lot earlier since I did not participate in clubs until my Sophomore year. What I would like to see change is the constant construction. We live on a great campus less than 10 blocks away from the Capitol, so there is a lot of construction going on which can be annoying sometimes.... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 964

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  210 reviews

Senior: I have loved Our Lady of Good Counsel. My best experience has to be in the arts department. I am very active in this department whether it be in theatre, band (I play the Tuba), or chorus. I believe it’s one of the most under appreciated parts of my school and would like to see more allocation towards this department because it is truly special and one of a kind!... Read 210 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,255

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Kensington, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  193 reviews

Senior: Going to the Academy of the Holy Cross, I’ve discovered who I am. I loved growing and learning with other young women and sharing different life/culture/ religious experiences with one another. One great memory that I have from Holy Cross is our Holy Cross days! Huge competition between all the grades from 9-12. At the end of the day we all come together as a community and close with a prayer. Even though traditions at Holy Cross do change I hope that everyone’s energy is in the same place! That is something I hope would never change. One thing I would like to see more from Holy Cross are more presentations and celebrations about people cultures. The Academy of the Holy Cross does a good job with celebrating but I hope that there is a little more effort. I love being apart of the celebration and talking about my heritage.... Read 193 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 390

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Chevy Chase, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  263 reviews

Alum: St. John's College High School was a wonderful experience for me! They have a fantastic faulty and staff! Also, the JROTC program is top notch! It has one of the best academic programs in the country that prepares students for college! The sports program is one of the best in the DMV! SJC athletes have won numerous awards and championships!... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Arlington, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  235 reviews

Senior: During my time at Bishop O'Connell, my identity as a Catholic was thoroughly culminated through the frequent and active prayers, services, and activities organized by Campus Ministry. Soup drives, clothing drives, school-wide processions, as well as school-wide mass furthered the sense of community that DJO, and the Catholic faith, strive for. My time at O'Connell was also greatly characterized by the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, where I met my best friends, and where we took back-to-back Catholic State Champion titles. Our fall season was characterized by intense energy on the field and the sidelines, as well as daily practice which brought each of the girls closer together. Finally, the worst part about my four years at O'Connell was the time each class was separated into cohorts during the Covid-19 pandemic. The entirety of the year, the school was empty and cold as a result of constantly being at half capacity. However, the following year, the sense of community completely returned.... Read 235 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,155

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  117 reviews

Sophomore: I have grown to love visi. There are so many supportive teachers and students. I’ve really developed as a person here academically and socially. I have been pushed to succeed by teachers who genuinely care about my success. I will say that most of the school’s issues stem from the student body. There are lots of cliques which appear to reflect socio-economic groups. Most high school students are hyper partisan left wing. That’s just the way of the world. I feel though, that the school has abandoned catholic teaching in the name of preventing conflict with the student body. I can’t fully criticize the school for this because I don’t think there are many solutions but it is a visible tension. The school could facilitate more respect for diversity of thought. Visi does great work to facilitate racial diversity.... Read 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Vienna, VA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  135 reviews

Parent: Oakcrest has been an amazing place for educating my girls. I have two graduates and two there now. The staff cares deeply about the students as individuals and have the goal of helping them become strong young women ready to make the world a better place. My daughters have been extremely well prepared for college, both academically prepared and ready to take on the cultural challenges colleges present. Their faith formation is thorough and helps them see their God given vocation in life. They practice their faith because they want to, and they see the need to. The music and arts program at Oakcrest is second to none. From choir to plays, the girls are led to create truly beautiful productions. Parent involvement is encouraged, and the school has both social and formation events just for parents. I highly recommend Oakcrest School for other parents who want the advantages of an all female student body.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 307

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chantilly, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  191 reviews

Alum: PVI is an engaging community filled with unforgettable people and activities that will help you grow. The campus is very modern and bright. The teachers are there to help you during class and office hours. The classes have various levels to ensure that students can thrive. Lastly, the faith that is instilled in students grows. The entire day is filled with prayer and students have the chance to visit the chapel or attend morning mass. All students experience service outside of school as well!... Read 191 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,193

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  199 reviews

Sophomore: I moved from a small all girls school to Bishop Ireton. While both are private high schools the environment change was a shock. Bishop Ireton has this air about it that was non-existent at my previous school. From the moment I walked in I felt welcome, and accepted. People were friendly and laughing and smiling. The classes are rigorous however you can tell the teachers care for you and want you to succeed. I have never had a teacher so involved and determined to see us succeed as my chemistry teacher. Apart from the classes there are multiple clubs available to students ranging from academic focused clubs, to clubs made to embrace a culture and cultivate a community for minorities, to random interests students have. They are avid in celebrating women history month, black history month, etc. which was another thing absent at my previous school. As a black girl I deeply appreciated the ways they go about honoring and celebrating these special months. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else... Read 199 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 780

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  50 reviews

Parent: Our son started at the Heights in 8th grade. He was coming from a STEM private school (Nysmith) . Video games and social media and phones were the focus at the last school. Was so disheartening. He has blossomed physically and from a mental health perspective at the Heights. The boys live in the real world! No phones, in person interaction and development of their faith and spirituality. They offer amazing trips for the boys as well. Not sure what the other reviewer is talking about with their math and science not being on par. Our son is advanced math and is far more challenged at the Heights than his previous STEM school. This is a truly special school. None other like it. It is an older building that could use a refresh, but it has what is important to us and is so hard to find these days- building strong values for our children and living in truth.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Kensington, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: I have three Brookewood Bengal daughters currently in grades 2, 5, and 6. They love Brookewood and all it has to offer. My wife and I love the academic rigor. The teachers clearly love the subjects they teach, and they love their students. We have felt very much welcomed into the Brookewood family from the first moment my eldest daughter started in first grade. The bonds between my girls and their school friends, and the friendships we have formed with other Brookewood parents is a real gem in today’s strange world of education that is generally disconnected from family life. Brookewood is a small school that offers girls great opportunities to grow in ways academic, emotional and spiritual. Thank you Brookewood Teachers and Staff for being their for us and for our girls!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• Students 210

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: We can't say enough about Holy Child. It is a joyful and challenging all girls Catholic school with a community that is truly kind and caring. It is academically challenging - offering many honors and AP classes, and is also highly individualized. The teachers truly care about and develop relationships with each girl. Teaching methodologies are derived from the latest research. The staff and community see what is special in every girl and infuse confidence that they are comfortable stretching themselves to take on leadership roles, take risks and try new things. And the girls are happy and kind.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Potomac Shores, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  136 reviews

Senior: As a transfer student, Saint John Paul the Great has been extensively welcoming, safe, enjoyable, and focused on what truly matters. I appreciate the emphasis on a well-rounded education that prepares a student for college as well as the faith-based culture and wholesome, friendly atmosphere. The teachers seem to truly care about your success and well-being, and the students are constantly lifting each other up.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A

• Students 735

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Hyattsville, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  195 reviews

Alum: DeMatha Catholic High School will always talk bout how it is a brotherhood and while I was a student I would put it off again and again but after graduating it hit me that it was. DeMatha High School was such a brotherhood school that I would recommend it to anyone who wants a school where you can make a friend group of any kind. The people there are very inviting! The best part of my experience at DeMatha Catholic was the friend groups made and the connections to teachers. The students were welcoming and the teachers were even more excited to help the student if anything was wrong. The worst part of the experience was the constant change in the class schedule, every year for me there was a new school schedule that was better or worse than the last and it was never consistent (this was during the COVID-19 pandemic). What I would like to see change is the size of the campus, it isn't the biggest high school campus there is but it is a great and productive place to be.... Read 195 reviews

• grade A

• Students 814

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: St Jerome is a relatively new High School in DC founded in 2018. It is a Socratic, seminar-based school, where the culture is characterized by dialogue and wonder. Most fundamentally, the school is fully infused with the Catholic faith, where the ultimate purpose of our shared work is to lead us ever closer to Christ. I am a part of the inaugural group of 12 students who started at St Jerome. Some of us entered as freshmen, sophomore and a junior. 5 of them are now off to various universities in the US. SJI is focused on developing the whole person. The curriculum is very rigorous where teachers constantly challenge us to go deeper. I welcome this challenge here because our teachers are excellent mentors and instructors. Given that there is only a few of us in each class, instructions always foster lively discussion which I really like. I am really blessed to have found this school where it is not only helping me prepare for college but also help me grow in virtue!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 63

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bladensburg, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  332 reviews

Freshman: 2021-2022 was my first year as a high schooler and I would say Elizabeth Seton High school made the transition better than I expected! I first learned about the school through a friend's older sibling. I toured the school for the first time. My first impression of the school was great and very welcoming! A few of the then seniors talked to me about the school itself and I almost instantly loved the woman-empowered environment around the school. The idea of an all-girl school at first did not thrill me but now I can definitely say it was a great decision! The school offers many inclusive clubs and sports. I joined the soccer team before the school year began and met amazing people. Even if soccer isn't your thing, they also offer basketball, swimming, and many other sports. It's not all sports based though! There is also a robotics club, book club, equestrian club, BSU, theater and so much more. Seton does a great job of being inclusive and the diversity in the school is amazing!... Read 332 reviews

• grade A

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Forestville, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  363 reviews

Parent: My son was in public school for K-8th grade and I had some concerns with him moving to private school this school year. There was a brief time for him to get adjusted to the stronger academic demands, but it didnt take him long. McNamara is a family environment as everyone is so welcoming, helpful, and supportive. It's the culture. The teachers offer time for the students after school if students need help. The communication from the school, administration/admissions, teachers, staff, coaches, etc. is great. They just added a new science and tech facility which is amazing. The safety and security of the students is clearly a priority that they take very seriously. The athletic programs are awesome and they are in the WCAC, one of the best and most competitive athletic confercenes in the entire country for every sport. I strongly encourage you to attend one of the open house sessions like my son and I did. You'll see it for yourself!... Read 363 reviews

• grade A

• Students 887

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Wheaton, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  37 reviews

Works Here: I have been extremely happy during my time here at Avalon(9 Years). A lot of times people get blinded by the "big name" of a school but what it is offering our future leaders falls short of expectation. If I could tell any potential student, parent, or guardian about what they should focus on when choosing a school, I would say this: "Don't focus on what the campus looks like, the buildings, and/or the technology of a school. Focus on the people inside those buildings and on campus... and yes, technology is cool. However, if we rely on calculators and devices to work for our brains, what happens when that "battery" dies? The foundation of the core curriculum should be learned by the brain FIRST, it sticks with you and will be there when you need it the most." The people inside the building of Avalon are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They are selfless, discipline, chivalrous, and most of all... INTELLIGENT. Choose Avalon-Duc In Altum!... Read 37 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 204

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Laurel, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  161 reviews

Alum: My experience was awesome! I really enjoyed my years of attending. Great academics, support, sports, teachers overall. We always had something to do and the school doors always stayed opened for those that played sports or were involved in after school activities. The food was good overall. If you didn’t have money in your account they still allowed you to eat but you had to pay. Advisors could have been more attentive but they were good overall. Let’s talk about the students. No judgment zone for the most. I really met some awesome friends for life. We still get together while we are still in the area. My friends will be my life long friends. The principle really listened and took what the students had to offer. No better place I would’ve wanted to spend my high school years. Great senior day, great graduation, great teachers and admin and students. I can’t think of a bad experience.Well we had our not so great days but overall I had better days that bad days. Panther pride for life!... Read 161 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Takoma Park, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  198 reviews

Junior: Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School has helped me mature, and grow in many different ways. It has brought me into the real world, and made me realize how the working environment works. DBCR has taken me out of my comfort zone in order to grow become more confident in myself, and make me realize that I am capable of anything. As their way of education has helped me develop a better mind.... Read 198 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 387

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  76 reviews

Alum: The experience I had at that school was amazing, I really enjoyed being there and actually loved what was offered to me, such as the interesting programs. To the administration they were very helpful when first starting because I was very confused about the process, but they made it much smoother for me when getting enrolled into classes. I loved being there almost every day, not just because it was a catholic school, it made me have a better connection with God and just being able to talk to other students as if there my family. I would not trade my place at that school for any other experience. The things i accomplished and the people I met. Finally all the things I learned at that school has made me a better person today and overall, I am a proud graduate of that school. I will continue to inspire and even give back to denote to funding at the best school to me in Washington D.C .... Read 76 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 396

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Manassas, VA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  91 reviews

Alum: The incorporation of the Catholic faith is top notch. It is central to every aspect of the school and life in the community. Each teacher truly cares about every student and their emotional, physical, academic, and spiritual wellbeing. The relationships among students are so unique since the school is small and closely knit. The only thing I hope for the school would be increased funding for some of the building’s needs and teacher salaries.... Read 91 reviews

• grade B

• Students 356

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1