2020 Best Elementary Schools in the Washington, D.C. AreaAbout this List

Sidwell Friends School

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

Senior: I've had an overwhelmingly positive experience at Sidwell. From the passionate and very approachable teachers, to the bright and engaged students, it really is a place where you can enjoy each subject and bond over the large amounts of work. It really is a lot of it, but I've never found that any homework or classwork is tedious or irrelevant, and I've always felt more satisfied and grateful after finishing than bored while at work. With Quaker values always just beneath the surface, Sidwell is really a great place to learn, grow, and make some truly hard-hitting connections.
Read 48 Reviews

• A+

• 1,145 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Georgetown Day School

• Private School
• DC
• PK, K-12
• 42 reviews

Junior: GDS is in so many ways an ideal learning environment. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and rigorous, the extracurriculars are multifaceted and enjoyable, the athletics are fun and competitive. GDS exemplifies it’s mission, as it leaves students more prepared for life after high school, while instilling them with a crucial sense of right and wrong, and the tools to go out into the world and right some of those wrongs. More than anything else, GDS is what it is because of the students. Collaborative, intellectual, kind, and engaging, the community truly is like no other. People genuinely care about both each other and the school, and that aditude leads to a community that isn’t just in school from 8:15-3:15 and then gone, but one that keeps the building lively at all hours. GDS is truly an incredible place, and I hope that this convinces someone to either apply or attend. I promise you won’t regret it!
Read 42 Reviews

• A+

• 1,075 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Holton-Arms School

• Private School
• Bethesda, MD
• 3-12
• 108 reviews

Sophomore: Personally I love Holton. The academics are rigorous, but that is what you sign up for when you choose Holton. I have had nothing but good experiences here and can't wait for more!
Read 108 Reviews

• A+

• 660 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Potomac School

• Private School
• McLean, VA
• K-12
• 62 reviews

Senior: My ongoing academic career at The Potomac School has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life.

When considering what has made my time at Potomac so great, I can immediately refer back to the student body, the class personified teachers, and above all, the fine education they provide.

The student body at Potomac is full of pleasant yet dedicated students who continuously drive me to work harder whether it be in athletics or our strenuous academics.

Another factor that has made my time at the school so great has been the professionalism of the staff and almost everyone who has taught me has appeared to be interested in wanting to know you beyond an academic setting.

Finally, one of the most impactful elements of my school is the impeccable education they provide. The academics have not only allowed me to refine my work habits necessary to help me succeed in college, but they have provided the basis of my individualism and skillfulness as a working adult in America.
Read 62 Reviews

• A+

• 1,060 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Maret School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• K-12
• 42 reviews

Parent: I am the parent of three Maret alumni, all of whom started in kindergarten. Each of them, though very different individuals, had a fabulous experience at Maret. We could not be happier with the high-quality academics, sports, and other extracurriculars the school provided them. The ongoing strong sense of Maret community has benefited our entire family. All three of my children were well-prepared academically to attend rigorous colleges post-graduation and were recruited varsity athletes at their respective higher educational institutions. They - and we as a family - are still very involved with their Maret alma mater.
Read 42 Reviews

• A+

• 651 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Landon School

• Private School
• Bethesda, MD
• 3-12
• 35 reviews

Sophomore: Landon School is not only exceptional in sports and academics, but in arts and in character building. Despite the stereotype emplaced by students who attend other schools, Landon has some of the finest teachers, which don't simply teach your regular education, arts, and character building, but build bonds with you. This allows for all aspects of ones time at Landon to be enhanced. The character building portion of Landon is often overlooked, but when compared to other schools it becomes very apparent that Landon truly does strive to produce men of character and integrity, and they do a pretty good job at it too.
Read 35 Reviews

• A+

• 655 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington International School

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

Senior: My experience at WIS has been overwhelmingly positive. As a senior, it is great to have access to our own indoor/outdoor lounge and a cafe! The campus is beautiful and the academics are rigorous. It would be nice to see some improvement in the arts at WIS, as there are low budgets and a lack of participation. WIS's sports program is top-notch and all students are given the opportunity to participate.

It is also important to note that students at WIS tend to be more stressed, driven, and over-achieving. As all students take the rigorous full IB program in addition to hours of extracurriculars and college prep, many are overcommitted and stressed. However, the WIS administration does a good job of providing student resources and the college counseling department is excellent!
Read 44 Reviews

• A+

• 901 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Flint Hill School

• Private School
• Oakton, VA
• PK, K-12
• 64 reviews

Niche User: Incredible faculty. Great school for both academics and sports. A diversity of strengths for well-rounded students that simply can’t be matched by other private schools in Northern Virginia. Students genuinely support each other, even after they become alumni. It’s not uncommon for alumni to return from prestigious universities to share how well the school prepared them for the academic challenges ahead. Also, the robotics program is literally world class!
Read 64 Reviews

• A+

• 1,097 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

• Private School
• Alexandria, VA
• PK, K-12
• 101 reviews

Parent: We have experienced the lower, middle, and upper schools and our children have had extraordinary teachers who have taken the time to get to know and appreciate them as individuals. Small class size (around 16 kids per class) contributes to this, but it’s just as much about the genuine interest and care that they show our children. Every time our teenagers rave about their teachers at dinner (a frequent occurrence!) my wife and I feel so fortunate that the strong connections they formed with teachers in the Lower School have been replicated in the other divisions. Our kids have different strengths and interests and they have each found a home and great friends through academics, the arts and athletics. Speaking of the arts, our daughter was so excited to watch the Tonys with friends and then learn that next year’s theater/arts trip to NYC will include seeing Hadestown and having dinner with the cast!
Read 101 Reviews

• A+

• 1,133 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Bullis School

• Private School
• Potomac, MD
• 2-12
• 79 reviews

Senior: Bullis is an awesome place for college prep. The school has a great, fun, culture in the classroom and it is very rare to have a class without any laughter or fun. The varsity sports teams are all very good, with many programs on the rise. The administration and teachers at Bullis are very supportive, and there is plenty of time before, during, and after the school day to see teachers for extra help in class.
Read 79 Reviews

• A+

• 845 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

• Private School
• Bethesda, MD
• PK, K-12
• 92 reviews

Parent: We have had a wonderful experience with SR. We enrolled at SR in upper school coming from a public middle school and there are pros and cons with doing this. My daughter quickly bonded with the other girls who were new to SR because those who attended in lower or middle school had a tendency to stick together. That’s to be expected. I see my daughter’s confidence and academics significantly improving since attending SR. The administrative staff has been very visible and welcoming. The diversity when it comes balancing race, religion, and socio economic status seems on par or better than some of the other neighboring private schools we visited. While we won’t benefit from the new facilities, I’m glad to see the efforts to improving the school.
Read 92 Reviews

• A+

• 727 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Andrew's Episcopal School

• Private School
• Potomac, MD
• PK, K-12
• 70 reviews

Alum: Honestly, this was the best school I've ever attended. I've gone to private schools my entire life and they were all insane pressure cookers. St. Andrew's produces the same results, but actually see its students as actual people and cares for them in the way they need to be in order to thrive. They understand not everyone learns the same and teachers are always willing to meet with you during lunch, break, or after school. I always felt supported and never felt like I had to play catch up or compete with other students. The diversity was also really great and it was something I'd never really had before.
I'll always recommend St. Andrew's, and even though I'm out of college and 21, I still hold a fond place in my heart for it!
Read 70 Reviews

• A+

• 617 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rochambeau The French International School

• Private School
• Bethesda, MD
• PK, K-12
• 18 reviews

Parent: Our two children have attended Rochambeau for seven years. We have been quite pleased overall. Our children love school, their friends and have become responsible, organized, self motivated students.
Positives - Experienced, highly educated and accessible faculty, strength of the French curriculum combined with a strong English department offering a number of levels, after school clubs, numerous school sports teams, music and theatre options, diverse parent community. Most students who continue thru high school graduate fluent/proficient in three languages. Small classes compared to public schools. Fantastic school trips. Graduates receive both a US high school diploma and the French Bac. Many attend top US, French, Canadian and European universities/colleges.
Negatives: Faculty changes, not a "neighborhood" school (many students commute far), students work hard both at school and at home, may be too rigorous depending on your child.
Read 18 Reviews

• A+

• 1,000 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

• Private School
• Rockville, MD
• PK, K-12
• 19 reviews

Parent: I can’t say enough great things about this school! Living in Virginia, I did not think attending a school in Maryland was even possible. The moment we stepped foot in CESJDS, I knew It was the perfect place for my son. It was risky switching schools his Junior year, but it was the best decision we made for him academically, spiritually, and socially. The teachers are very approachable and invested in the well-being of all students. There’s such a tight community and the students share a special bond. My son loves the small class sizes and the close relationships he has made. He loves starting his day with morning Minyan and learning in a pluralistic setting with his Jewish peers. I can go on and on about how this school has impacted my son in the best ways possible. To quote my son, “ I’m in the best place of my life!” If you are Jewish and want to give your children a meaningful, impactful, Jewish education, this school is for you!
Read 19 Reviews

• A+

• 913 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Heights School

• Private School
• Potomac, MD
• 3-12
• 42 reviews

Alum: The community and spirit at the Heights is amazing. From several annual festival days full of tradition and athletics, to phenomenal spirit supporting our sports team, there is a great sense of family. The teachers are great at personal mentoring with students and prepare students well for the APs and college, without sacrificing rigor in the liberal arts and academic and personal development. One student received a perfect score on the AP Microeconomics exam, having been prepared so well in the school's courses, which go beyond what is sufficient. I would highly recommend and my friendships forged there still remain.
Let us walk the way, boys!
Read 42 Reviews

• A+

• 540 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity Christian School

• Private School
• Fairfax, VA
• K-12
• 30 reviews

Senior: The community here is absolutely amazing! Walking around the halls, you basically know everyone you see and the environment is so welcoming especially to new students. The close community is Christ-centered and familial. I love the teachers here! They actually CARE... They are always so willing to put in the extra time and effort to ensure that everyone understands the lesson while also keeping a great balance of humor and teaching. school has also strengthened my faith and encouraged my walk with Christ. My biggest problem with Trinity is the choice of electives. There's really only like music, art, and some academic electives such as philosophy and economics, but they're definitely not as interesting as electives that you can find in public school. Oh and the lunch at Trinity is amazing. Students pay for special lunch at the beginning of every quarter to get Chick-fil-a or Domino's, and the school works hard to create grade bonding events to promote community.
Read 30 Reviews

• A+

• 687 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fairfax Christian School

• Private School
• Dulles, VA
• PK, K-12
• 31 reviews

Parent: It's a wonderful place. Caring teachers, challenging curriculum, excellent facilities. All of our children have attended and gone on the top universities and amazing careers. Thank you!
Read 31 Reviews

• A+

• 296 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Waldorf School

• Private School
• Bethesda, MD
• PK, K-12
• 26 reviews

Niche User: I have been at wws for years and have always enjoyed it. One of the most special aspects of the school is how you can build relationships with your teachers. The teachers are excellent and experienced but are willing to listen to you, communicate, and help clarify any further thoughts. However, wws greatly lacks in diversity, both in the student body and in the faculty, and does not represent the metropolitan area the school is located in. Furthermore, being a small school, wws lacks many athletic resources and has very limited athletic opportunities. However, we do not lack school spirit, especially during basketball season.
Read 26 Reviews

• A+

• 304 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sandy Spring Friends School

• Private School
• Sandy Spring, MD
• PK, K-12
• 55 reviews

Parent: New to SSFS, we were welcomed warmly by staff. Our son was given numerous opportunities to connect with other students and has made many friends. It was magic in the first week of term to see him smile, laugh and grow in confidence as he settled in. The academics are excellent and suddenly the 'not so keen student' is interested in his studies. He really loves history now! The organisation of the school day and year has been done thoughtfully and allows students time to decompress - this is such a blessing. I was impressed that the school guided our son in how to study, how to manage his time, to organise his work. Staff care. More than one teacher gave time after school if extra input was needed. Art (ceramics) was enjoyed for the first time and Farming for Fitness has been amazing. The parent association is active; people are friendly and kind to each other. People do what they can. Choosing SSFS was the best decision we ever made for our son.
Read 55 Reviews

• A+

• 603 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Arlington Traditional Elementary School

• Arlington Public Schools, VA
• PK, K-5

• A+

• 534 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-5
• 1 review

Parent: Great school! Great students! Great teachers! I am so glad my child goes to such a multicultural and unique school. I’ve seen her grow so much as a learner and a person and it doesn’t hurt that she can also speak Chinese!
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 571 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Al-Huda School

• Private School
• College Park, MD
• PK, K-12
• 45 reviews

Junior: My experience was filled with memorable encounters with teachers that connected with me and understood what I was and still am going through in High School. Most show empathy to the hardships of High School and try and make it fun and memorable. I believe my transition from Public school to Private school was easier than vice versa, but it may just be the religious factor playing its role. The school moto for Al-Huda is "Where guidance is part of the curriculum" and I feel that we're always kept on our toes one way or another, we're challenged in ways that improve our capability. Although my school could improve in many places, just like any school would, and as cliché this may sound I believe it is perfectly imperfect.
Read 45 Reviews

• A+

• 531 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Christian Academy

• Private School
• Olney, MD
• K-12
• 17 reviews

Parent: Washington Christian Academy is more than a Christian private school. It is a community of like minded parents, faculty, and staff who create an environment for the children to thrive - academically and extracurricularly. My son was able to try new sports and get extra resource support. He became part of a tight knit group of friends who got together regularly outside of school during the year and in the summertime. I was supported by other parents in many ways - carpooling, discussing school and family issues. I wouldn’t trade everything being a part of the WCA family has meant to our family!
Read 17 Reviews

• A+

• 290 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cold Spring Elementary School

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
• PK, K-5

• A+

• 322 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Wayside Elementary School

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
• PK, K-5

• A+

• 517 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio