2023 Best Private Schools in Logan Circle/Shaw

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  52 reviews

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 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  71 reviews

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 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,145

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: Absolutely top notch school . Our junior (11th grade) joined in 6th grade and it has been very socially fulfilling and academically rigorous but with support systems in place as needed. Over the last five years in this community we have seen our daughter become more confident, more motivated and focused while showing great kindness and humility to those around her. She loves NCS and we have made good friends in the parent community. She is surrounded by confident, kind, and very supportive peers. I have countless examples I could cite of seniors helping juniors just in the last few weeks alone! The college counseling preparation is also excellent. It is very easy to write this review because we have had a very good experience.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 587

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  49 reviews

Junior: St. Albans has taught me time management skills because we are required to play a sport every season and practices end around 6. It truly is a strenuous environment academically but the friends you make in your years here make it all worthwhile. Knowing you aren’t the only person struggling or going through rigorous tests and papers makes it all more bearable. Other traditions like the BEEF Club, family style lunches, and chapels in the little sanctuary bring everyone closer together and really make you feel at home. I came to the school in eighth grade but even so I can tell I’ve made lifelong friends here. You’re excited to go to school everyday because your brothers will be there with you.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 592

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: Both my children went here and they received an outstanding education, flourished in a small environment that challenged them and encouraged them at the same time. They found their passions, were able to take on leadership roles and became excellent writers and critical thinkers because this is what the school stresses. While we are white, we are not rich, or entitled. The school does an excellent job with financial aid opportunities and strives to promote diversity. As with any school, the equity and diversity component is a work in progress. The facilities are second to none! The faculty overall is outstanding and the work load, while extremely rigorous, is not just busy work, but work with purpose. We loved our experience at Potomac!... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,069

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  47 reviews

Parent: My son went here, and he loved his four years at the Holy Hill. He was a 3 year varsity football player, and has especially fond memories of playing the game against Woodberry Forest School, every November. It is a great place to send your child!... Read 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  49 reviews

Alum: I went to Maret and was transformed by my experience. Maret's participation in the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) program was particularly helpful in preparing me for college. MSON classes are structured like college courses and offered on a semester basis. Topics I took ranges from Genetics and Genomics to Quantum Physics and the Psychology of Popular Culture. I also went on to compete athletically in college, and would not have been able to without the resources and training available through the school. While I had my own social and learning difficulties my freshman and sophomore years, with hindsight I can see that the Maret community built me up, and is a large part of the reason I am an honors student at a top university now.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  43 reviews

Alum: Like some other alums have mentioned, Saint Anselm’s changed my life, giving me the chance to build confidence in myself, explore my interests, and form strong relationships. With these opportunities, I flourished academically, athletically, and personally. I built a strong college resume and got into a great college!... Read 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  52 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 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 901

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  133 reviews

Parent: As the parent of two children in the lower school, I am extremely pleased with SSSAS. The Early Saints teachers make each day engaging for my 3-year-old. The monthly units the ES learn have prompted my son to apply what he’s learned to the world around him (the food unit they completed prompts a nightly discussion about which foods on his plate are muscle foods, brain foods, etc.). His teachers started a recent parent conference with 3 very specific adjectives to describe my son and given the examples they gave me, it is clear that really understand him as a whole child. My experiences with JK and K were also nothing short of fantastic; even during the pandemic the teachers were able to connect with my son. The K and 1st grade teachers have also provided my son a solid educational foundation; they have identified his strengths and given additional challenging work so that he hasn’t been bored. Any issues I’ve had have been quickly and appropriately addressed by his teachers.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,241

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  115 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 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  95 reviews

Sophomore: So far it has been a great experience. No matter what your interests are, or what sports you do there is a group for you. it is incredibly easy to make friends. Coming from public middle school I was not the best student. My first complaint is that some teachers are very difficult and fail lots of student, regardless of effort. I was not prepared for what highschool would be like. Very quickly into my Gonzaga experience I realized that I would need to apply myself more if I wanted to go to a good college. Gonzaga helped me with that and I improved as a student. The athletics are very competitive, and when I was cut from my sport, I just joined another. It has helped me have new experiences.My second, and final complaint is the strictness and severity of punishments. Student services can be very "over the top" and makes examples out of student. Overall my experience has been great and the bonds I have formed have changed my life.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 960

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: Field has been a life-changing school for my daughter (who just entered the 6th grade there this past fall). From Day 1, the faculty and other students made her feel at home and a part of the community. Many schools encourage students to bring their "whole selves" into the school but Field really means it. The community is tight-knit and there is so much JOY at the school. The art and theater are incredible and the sports have been a great experience for my daughter, with the older girls on the team guiding & supporting the younger girls. The academics have also blown me away. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and fun. And they go deep into their subjects. The faculty not only has a great sense of the students' academic lives, but of their social-emotional lives, as well, and they work hard to make sure the students are thriving in ALL areas of life. We feel so grateful to have found Field! It is truly a special place.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  44 reviews

Junior: Wonderful school, wonderful people and environment. Here's a quick pros and cons list: Pros: - Phenomenal teachers - Great culture - Flexible/open to feedback - Great for college preparedness - Manageable workload while challenging - Diverse, social justice focused Cons: - Not very competitive when it comes to sports - Low budget theatre department - not the greatest in the world - Required Earth System Science class (not very fun, should be optional) - Tiny bit dogmatic in it's social justice focus (although it's overall more a pro than a con)... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 308

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Chevy Chase, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: I’ve loved my time at SJC! It took a little bit of time to get used to as a freshman because of how technologically dependent the school is. Most, if not all, work is done on the IPad which is great for so many reasons. The student life is amazing and staff want to see you succeed. However, some of the older teachers tend to get stuck in their ways of teaching and need to modernize their methods. Overall, SJC is a great environment for high schoolers, especially those athletically and academically driven.... Read 258 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: My daughter has been attending BISW since nursery due to our well regarded public school remaining close during the pandemic. We’re in Primary now and we simply love the school and have no plans to leave despite having a local and good public option. Staff at BISW are competent, kind, responsive and the school is well organized. Clear and constant communication from teachers and administrators is the norm. The curricula is strong and very focused on child literacy. My child is thriving. As others have mentioned, the facilities are not grand, but given the small classes and school size they certainly make good use of the space. Classrooms are well appointed. A new gym being built. I feel that there is PLENTY of racial and ethnic diversity, since BISW attracts embassy and international families. I’ve met people from all around the world.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 510

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Arlington, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  225 reviews

Sophomore: O’Connell is a great school! There’s lots of nice people there which provides for an amazing learning environment. The traditions and close connection to Christ the school shares make your 4 years at O’Connell something to remember. The teachers and staff there are always happy to be there which is obvious when you learn about how hard they worked to get us back in school in the middle of a pandemic, of course following all the guide lines to help keep us all safe. I truly recommend O’Connell to anyone who wants a high school experience to remember... Read 225 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,155

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  192 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 192 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 813

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: Commonwealth Academy is above and beyond what anyone could possibly imagine for their child. We needed to find a small, specialized school so that our daughter could thrive and succeed. It was a thrill to find such an inclusive atmosphere filled with dedicated administrators and teachers. My daughter has an anxiety disorder and OCD. Every single teacher CARES. The combination of education, creativity and fun that they have created is unmatched. The classrooms are small and kids with every learning difference are treated with respect and patience. Without the chaos and fear of a big school, our daughter got past the nerves that held her back and learned to speak to adults and advocate for herself. She had warm and nurturing advisors who saw her potential and appreciated her strengths - they gave her CONFIDENCE. The education and unparalleled college prep she received from C/A is why she's thriving in college today, and why our younger daughter is now a C/A student.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Hyattsville, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  188 reviews

Parent: DeMatha is an amazing multicultural institution that stimulates boys academically and socially. It creates gentlemen and scholars, because the employees are great role models. During the 2021-22 academic year, I watched DeMatha students, faculty, and staff embrace and encourage my little introvert, to come out of his shell. Amazingly, the learning environment empassioned him to ask for academic support, when needed. Before DeMatha, he experienced little to no cultural diversity. Now, he is eager to meet with teachers and classmates before, during, and school. In addition, he is in position to build positive cultural bonds with that will last forever. Third, he found a second family as a member of the athletic program. Forth, he is enthusiastic about classes like Band, World of War, Photography, Sports Medicine, etc. Next, he loves the variety of food offered at lunch and I like the prices. Most importantly, I know he will receive an awesome education on a safe college-like campus.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  11 reviews

Niche User: It would be tough to find another school like Parkmont. Actually small classes, students and families from so many different backgrounds, a huge emphasis on hands-on experiential learning, teachers that know every single student as individuals, the list could go on and on. If you're looking for a truly welcoming school and community where a love for learning is valued over memorization, lectures, and high-pressure situations, Parkmont is the place.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 68

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Hyattsville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  57 reviews

Works Here: I've been teaching in New Hope Academy for 30 years and am still impressed with the level of support and love of the administration and staff. The students also are generally enthusiastic and interested in learning, due to the investment of the teachers. All of our children went to this school and now the grandchildren. The fact that most of the faculty with children have enrolled them here indicates trust in the knowledge of the direction, vision, and commitment to the development of the whole child.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A

• Students 196

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bladensburg, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  320 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 320 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Suitland, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  74 reviews

Alum: I have been a student of From the Heart Christian School since K3. That's 15 years of long-lasting and unforgettable memories with my classmates, teachers, and peers. K3-K5 at FTHCS was the beginning of my educational development. Every year was exciting, challenging, and awarding. I have always been an honor roll student. I won several awards in oratorical contests, county science fairs, and sports activities. In addition, I have been the school’s Student Government Association Chaplain from 2019 to 2022. During these tender years, I learned how to play the trumpet and have performed in school programs and ceremonies. Now, I am a graduate of From the Heart Christian School. This school has blessed me with both the tools and knowledge that I need to succeed as I enter a new stage in my academic life, college. The school has also helped me strengthen my relationship with the Lord and my peers. Therefore, I honestly can't think of any other school but From the Heart Christian School!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 235

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Takoma Park, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  96 reviews

Senior: The overall experience at Takoma Academy is very welcoming. There is a family environment created by the closeness between the students. The teachers are involved and active in student learning. They offer after school session times so that they can have the academic support they may need. The college counselor is well versed with many connections. They are very helpful with helping students make decisions about college, finding scholarships, and making connections.... Read 96 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1