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2022 Best Elementary Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

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1,238 results

  1. Georgetown Day School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 49 reviews
    #1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Freshman: This is my first year at GDS, and so far it's been amazing! All of my teachers are excellent, the classes are challenging, and I've been learning so much. I've been able to go in person two days a week, which is great, and most of my teachers have been on campus as well. The facilities are nice and modern, the students are interesting, and everyone is really kind. The clubs are well-run, too. I would recommend GDS to anyone who is willing to put in work at school and pay the tuition...Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Sidwell Friends School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 65 reviews
    #2 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: Sidwell has provided my children with an exceptional academic experience emphasizing critical thinking and problem solving, writing and communications, and quantitative reasoning. The workload has been substantial at times, but always enriching and interesting (i.e., rarely if ever busywork) and will fully prepare students for the rigors they'll experience in college and beyond. Moreover, Sidwell has done a great job of developing my children as well informed, highly engaged, and socially conscious citizens. Strongly recommend!...Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,145 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Holton-Arms School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • 3-12
    • 132 reviews
    #3 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: We have two daughters at Holton, both started in the 3rd grade and we are currently working our way through the middle school. We can not say enough good things about Holton. It is a warm loving environment that takes seriously its responsibility to shape its students to be compassionate, well rounded leaders. We see it in all aspects of what the school does. In fact, in every local, national, or global challenge that has occurred in our time there (of which there have been many) the schools response has always been exceedingly thoughtful, effective and in line with its values. Holton's Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well (LW3) philosophy creates an environment where students have the freedom to learn and grow with an eye on making themselves and their world a better place. Our daughters have grown and changes in countless wonderful ways throughout their years at Holton. Thank you Holton!...Read 132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. The Potomac School

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • K-12
    • 75 reviews
    #4 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: Outstanding faculty, academics & activities. Teachers are first rate and deeply invested in a student's success. They spend countless office hours working with a student individually to help them understand a concept or just to engage in dialogue over a subject of interest. Students are not just one of many--small classes result in great interaction. The school cares about the whole child and does an excellent job of keeping parents informed and engaged. In every academic and extracurricular area, students have the ability to achieve at the highest levels and do so. Yet students just starting out are equally nurtured and guided to grow and maximize opportunities for future success. Potomac has an incredible college counseling program. College prep is a refined process so the college application season is not nearly as stressful. College counselors know the students well and help strategize with them to find the best fit at the best university. Potomac truly cares about their students!...Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,060 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews
    #5 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: My kids have been attending Basis since before the pandemic, and we are so impressed! Rich academic curriculum, good inclusion of the arts, excellent opportunity for differentiation based on student needs. The teachers are dedicated and so are the parents to the kids' success. While the administration has been bumpy as the school has gotten established (only 5 years old), they earned their stripes during the pandemic. Organized, safety-focused and diligent about communication. We supplement school with sports leagues and scouting outside of school, which many parents do. Easy to do given the extensive choice you have in the DC area. Also appreciate the international study body with impressively bright students from all over the world. A real meritocracy, unlike other private schools that admit based on VIP status or connections/donations. In the next few years, this school will only continue to advance its place in the rankings...Read 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 478 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Maret School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • K-12
    • 48 reviews
    #6 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Niche User: I am currently a Maret School grandmother. My daughter attended, and now her son attends. For that reason, I am one of the oldest people involved with the school, although several teachers are also still there. The teachers are amazing and are there because they simply love teaching. The youth from K-12 are extremely disciplined (all 650 students assembling for a fire drill without speaking a word; and the dismissal of K-12 music performances without a sound are examples), and as in my daughter, it is said that the students Run to get to school. Life long learning!!! My daughter, although bring accepted to all other local private schools, loved the school so much, that she wanted her son to be nurtured by the life long learning experience. Hungry to learn students, motivated teachers parents involvement, and top leadership are key factors to this scholastic learning Power house! ...I would like to have more land to expand!Read 48 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Landon School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • 3-12
    • 56 reviews
    #7 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Junior: Landon is an incredible institution with excellent teachers, advisors and coaches. I have been a student here for 7 years, and I have experienced many wonderful moments, and created a plethora of memories. Landon is a very special place, and the brotherhood between the students is evident through grades 3-12!...Read 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 690 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Washington International School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 52 reviews
    #8 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 52 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 901 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Bullis School

    • Private School
    • POTOMAC, MD
    • K-12
    • 110 reviews
    #9 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Works Here: Bullis is amazing! I am so impressed with the curriculum. Teachers challenge students academically, yet they incorporate a joyful hands-on learning experience. The enriching opportunities are endless in academics, arts, athletics, and service, which provides a well-rounded education and cultivates respect for others, confidence, and the joy of discovery. Faculty, students, and parents are incredibly welcoming and friendly. I grew up in the DC area and assumed a different experience. However, the modern-day folklore that lingers — nothing could be further from the truth! Everyone I've met is genuinely kind, caring, and helpful. I am thrilled to be a part of the Bullis community...Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 828 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Pinnacle Academy

    • Private School
    • CHANTILLY, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 22 reviews
    #10 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: I met with this school when I moved to NOVA. I have two kids graduated from Pinnacle Academy. First of all, the teachers are so passionate and dedicated to their craft. My kids had incredible opportunities in fine arts, and other extracurricular activities. The school administrators recognize the children by name and have a loving community...Secondly, the school has the powerful and challenging academic curriculum. I followed my kids improving themselves at finding out and expecting higher from themselves as well. Now, my daughter and my son get accepted good universities with good scholarship. The school has a dual credit enrollment opportunity with NOVA College for eligible students that help students get acceptance good colleges...They loved the school environment and they were happy.Highly recommend!Read 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 188 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 122 reviews
    #11 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: Amazing school in every way! My elementary school daughter could not be happier and is learning so much both academically and socially. Wonderful, welcoming community and amazing staff. Best decision we have ever made!...Read 122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 718 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

    • Private School
    • ALEXANDRIA, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 131 reviews
    #12 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,183 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Flint Hill School

    • Private School
    • OAKTON, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 80 reviews
    #13 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,097 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. St. Andrew's Episcopal School

    • Private School
    • POTOMAC, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 78 reviews
    #14 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Senior: I love everything about St. Andrew's. The teachers are some of the best teachers I've ever had. They are amazing, understanding, and supportive. The students are incredibly kind, and it is easy to make friends at St. Andrews. Lastly, I like how there is something for every student at St. Andrew's, whether that be volunteering, sports, art, music, etc, St. Andrew's will encourage you to try new things; for me, many of these experiences turned into hobbies and passions...Read 78 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 653 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Rochambeau The French International School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 23 reviews
    #15 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Junior: Rochambeau, French International school is an amazing place to spend your highschool years. Enriched by a multi-cultural student body, Rochambeau has the mix of rigorous academia and a fun social life. The school is primarily taught in French, following the Baccalaureate curriculum. Students are given the option of classes they wish to develop as their "specialties': these include Humanities, Philosophy and French Literature, Social Economic Science, Political Science, Physics, Biology, and Maths. Most teachers are extremely insightful and engaging, and show off an extremely impressive resume from working at international schools around the world. One disadvantage that the school has would maybe be it's limited class size (200 in whole highschool) However, this could be considered a good thing as most students are really close.Overall, the bi-lingual education that is offered with the IB system serves as extremely good preparation to college, while still being a formative experience...Read 23 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,000 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Fairfax Christian School

    • Private School
    • DULLES, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 38 reviews
    #16 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Senior: I like the atmosphere of this school very much. Both the teachers and officers are very enthusiastic. They will help me with patient if I encounter any problem in study or life. The type of courses is also very rich, which can meet my various needs. The classroom environment is very good, the number of students in one class is not much, therefore the teacher can take care of each student's learning state. We also have some self-selected activities, which enriches my free time and gives me a chance to study and perform...Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 276 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Trinity Christian School

    • Private School
    • FAIRFAX, VA
    • K-12
    • 40 reviews
    #17 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 40 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 750 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Veritas Collegiate Academy

    • Private School
    • VIENNA, VA
    • K-12
    • 35 reviews
    #18 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Alum: Top notch faculty and administration, and a great appreciation for global international thinking and performance. The school emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and expression, while still maintaining a strong sense of community. Veritas allowed me to grow into the person I am today. It put me in challenging situations that have benefitted me overall and put me on the path to success. One of my most unique experiences: while at Veritas, I had an opportunity to study abroad at the campus in Beijing. What an experience! I highly recommend my alma mater. #alwaysaspartan...Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 152 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

    • Private School
    • ROCKVILLE, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 32 reviews
    #19 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 913 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Sandy Spring Friends School

    • Private School
    • SANDY SPRING, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 71 reviews
    #20 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: We are a new family coming into the school & will most likely have more to say in the future, but our experience w/the admissions & leadership team deserves a review now. We are thrilled & feel like this is a very good fit for us- values, education & community-wise. From the very first moment I heard leadership and staff announce their pronouns, to throughout the many open houses, I feel like we were seen & belong...Both Shamika & Ashaki were phenomenal throughout the admissions process. Their responsiveness, attention to detail, kindness & professionalism were top notch. They both spent time really getting to know us, and contributed to a feeling that no matter what happened, we had a fairest opportunity in the process. ...Further, to have received an invite right away for my daughter to join a cooking class for new middle schoolers this week blew my mind- we are months away from start & they would be forgiven for taking a break before jumping into welcoming activities! Thank U SSFS!...Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 603 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Washington Waldorf School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 29 reviews
    #21 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: WWS is an extraordinary place! The dedication and commitment of the staff and faculty is unmatched. I'm amazed with their tireless work to create an inspiring and loving environment for all the kids. We've been attending classes since our son was 6 months old - starting with the parent/child classes. He's now attending his second year of Waldorf in the Woods, which was been such a beautiful experience. It's rich traditions, cultivation of imagination and reverence for nature are touchstones needed more than ever. ...The way they've worked to handle the pandemic is a marvel. They planned early and worked around the summer to develop a safe school environment. Their renovations and improvements have been impressive. I’m just constantly in awe of all the work the faculty does. There a sense of unity as everyone is working toward the same mission. Many members are wearing new hats or multiple hats to adapt to the circumstances and it makes us feel that much more connected!...Read 29 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 274 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. The Heights School

    • Private School
    • POTOMAC, MD
    • 3-12
    • 47 reviews
    #22 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 540 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Barrie School

    • Private School
    • SILVER SPRING, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 13 reviews
    #23 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: This is my second year sending my 2 kids to Barrie. Although no schools are perfect and this year in particular is extremely challenging for parents/kids with Covid, the school has done an extraordinary job organizing safe and effective, in-person learning. And it has made an incredible difference for my kids and for our family. The school leadership is phenomenal and their communications has been above and beyond... just the "push" but interactive and engaging meeting we have had as a school-parent community. I am paying out of pocket for this school, and private education is not cheap.. but it's worth every penny... each of my girls has 2 teachers, small class size, access to a beautiful outdoor space, emphasis on their social and emotional health and well being (shout out to nurse Kirstie and counselor Maddison!) I hope I can keep my kids here for a long time! Finally, this is a high "value" school choice. Community is chill and not snobby, people are friendly & progressive!...Read 13 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 364 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy

    • Private School
    • ROCKVILLE, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 17 reviews
    #24 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Alum: Good school, old building but they have fixed it up a lot. A lot of the administration has left from when I was there, so there will be different faces and leaders.Read 17 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 712 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. British International School of Washington

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 11 reviews
    #25 Best Private K-12 Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: Our daughter goes to the Pre-Nursery program for 2 year olds (the description on this Niche site says that Preschool program starts at age 4 - not correct) and she is thriving. She is able to recognize letters and count, and loves her music class. There's library session once a week, and very well thought out learning modules. The teachers are excellent and have wonderful communication with the parents. My husband and I were both former teachers at private institutions and we love the school!...Read 11 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 510 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Nysmith School for the Gifted

    • Private School
    • HERNDON, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 9 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 9 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 580 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Burgundy Farm Country Day School

    • Private School
    • ALEXANDRIA, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 10 reviews

    Parent: My husband and I wanted an inclusive school that would be an extension of our family, and we found that in the Burgundy Community. We made the decision to send my son to Burgundy in JK and looking back now as he is in the midst of 2nd grade, choosing Burgundy was the best decision. Burgundy is a nurturing community that fosters the whole child, ensuring life long learners. Burgundy leans into a child's individual character and ensures every child is heard and has a voice. My son loves Burgundy and is thriving. I know without a doubt that Burgundy will lay the foundation for my son's continued success, not only in his future academic pursuits, but in life as a whole!...Read 10 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 286 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Oneness-Family School

    • Private School
    • CHEVY CHASE, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 15 reviews

    Alum: As a child of international parents moved from school to school, I found Oneness-Family School to be a warm, caring community, where I could explore my passions and interests, engage with my peers on creative projects, learn at my own pace, and enjoy a range of activities, including art, music, yoga, camping, and especially musical theater!...At Oneness-Family School, social and emotional learning is taught alongside a challenging academic curriculum. I so much value the "soft skills" and values I learned there. Additionally, I felt heard, cared for and respected by all my teachers, and am still in touch with many today!...Read 15 Reviews

    • 127 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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