2024 Best Private Schools in Olney

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  137 reviews

Parent: Without a doubt, Holton Arms is the best decision we've made with our daughter's education. From academics to diversity... the community to the athletics, Holton Arms is... hands down... a great place for girls to grow, create community and to build great educational & social skills. As a family who's been a part of lower, middle & upper school, we love the support of each division and the opportunities for risk taking and maturation that our daughter has been exposed to. We highly recommend Holton Arms!... Read 137 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 665

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: Rochambeau follows the French curriculum, most classes are taught in French, but it is more an international school with IB options. Our daughters have had classmates from endless countries (around 70 represented). It prepares our children to live with others that have different cultures, languages, experiences, and religions ... in other words, it prepares them for their multicultural future. Studying at Rochambeau can be challenging at times, because of the high academic level of the French system, but this high amount of work will also depend on the (many) options that are offered. All of this is also balanced by a great School's sports teams program which is a fantastic experience for our children. Lastly, my husband studied there in high school in the early 90s and he still has many friends that he still sees regularly. So your children will create lifetime bonds with an international community.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,149

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  137 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 137 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  86 reviews

Junior: I love St. Andrews becuase it is just a heartwarming, friendly, and accepting community! My overall experience has been excellent as I have been supported by my peers and my teachers. The school cares about its students and the work that goes into it as well as the student voice, the student's voice is defiantly something that I can proudly say has been listened to more and taken into perspective. St. Andrews is a very heart-filling community and is definitely one a prospective student should take into consideration.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 707

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Sandy Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  78 reviews

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 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 676

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  207 reviews

Alum: Good Counsel is a great academic institution that provides a diverse culture for learning, growth, and engagement. The teachers and administrators are enthusiastic, compassionate, and passionate about what they do. The administration ensures that class sizes are kept small for great student to teacher ratios. They have great clubs for students to become involved in; like the Entrepreneurship Club, the Key Club, Robotics, just to name a few. The cafeteria food was delicious and varied. They offer competitive (championship teams) and non competitive sports activities; football, swimming, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, rugby, and water polo to name a few. GC has a great IB program and a strong college prep and AP program too. I was very prepared for college and did very well making the Dean's List during my freshman year at a top ten university. Thank you GC!... Read 207 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

• Silver Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: The Barrie School is a very diverse high school in terms of the student population. The diversity between faculty and administration is definitely lacking. Since the staff is not very diverse students of color often experience many microaggressions. The school's academics are solid because they have a creative curriculum that uses a project-based learning approach. The student-to-teacher ratio is quite small which allows students to truly get one-on-one attention if they need it. Since the student body is so small the school is not great for socializing and activities. In terms of college prep, they have a specific college counselor that helps students with the college process throughout their high school career. The school offers a program called "extended study week" where students can travel locally or abroad and learn about different topics.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rockville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  36 reviews

Alum: Great faculty aside from a couple of teachers. Ultimately, each faculty and staff member looks out for each individual student and their success. Jewish culture is existent but not overtly present. The school culture is very communal but also competitive which is toxic, however, the faculty are very helpful in assisting students that need help or are overwhelmed.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 913

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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 4.13 out of 5  39 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 39 reviews

• grade A

• Students 210

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Spencerville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  66 reviews

Alum: As a student at Spencerville Adventist Academy, I have experienced numerous benefits including: small class sizes allowing for personalized attention, a focus on spiritual development, a wide range of extracurricular activities, opportunities for service and leadership, a strong sense of community, global awareness and cultural understanding, and a strong academic program that prepares students well for college. The teachers are dedicated and passionate about their subjects and provide the support and guidance necessary for students' academic success.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A

• Students 381

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: MCS is my home. I have been in this school since 1st grade and I have grown up with everyone learning many things from them and maturing with their help. We need more clubs and activities, more interaction between parents and the school, and more involvement of the alumni.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 93

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  24 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 24 reviews

• grade A

• Students 264

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rockville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  18 reviews

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 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 712

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  51 reviews

Junior: 1. Technology Technology is rapidly improving and it has begun to proliferate every aspect of the average person’s daily life, including his education. Though technology can do some wonderful things, some teachers find it challenging to keep up with the latest advances and to utilize them effectively for educational purposes. Furthermore, many public school districts simply don’t have the funds to equip their classrooms with modern technology which leaves teachers to do their best with limited resources and unreliable equipment. As technology becomes more readily available, however, it is becoming one of the best ways to capture a student’s attention – if a school doesn’t have the funds or the knowledge to use technology for the benefit of its students, those students may fall behind.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A

• Students 495

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Gaithersburg, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  59 reviews

Senior: What made my school positively stand out from others were the teachers and environment. Everyone in general was very kind, especially since respecting and uplifting others was part of the honor policy. The teachers at my school genuinely cared about the students. Not only did they care about the student's academic performance, but for their physical/mental health as well. Every teacher I interacted with would gladly take time out of their day to help me with school work outside of class, or simply ask me how my day was. That's why students and teachers at my school have great relationships and even can be considered friends. AP art is the best!... Read 59 reviews

• grade A

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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 3.91 out of 5  160 reviews

Parent: We have been so happy with Pallotti. We switched our kids from public to private, and we are delighted we made the change. My kids transferred from a school district that is supposed to be one of the best in the country, and it fell way short of that. The students at Pallotti are very kind, and everyone has a place there. Teachers are way better than where they previously were and make learning easier. Smaller classes give my kids more attention which they like. The teachers are there to teach and keep politics out of education. There is a much more diverse student population than where we were before, which is great in many ways, in my opinion (that's how the real world is). You can tell that the faculty and staff genuinely care about their students, and I know my kids are being looked out for. But the one thing that stands out to me, my kids are so happy there and thriving! They often thank us for sending them there!... Read 160 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Silver Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  25 reviews

Alum: The Yeshiva is an incredible school! The teachers are incredible, and really care about all their students. The school facility works hard to help every girl succeed. The students are are a wide mix from the Jewish community, and every girl feels valued for what they are. The Jewish experience in the school is beautiful - the teachers live what they teach, and work to pass on the depth and beauty of Judaism. The secular studies are also strong, and they offer AP classes, honors classes. An amazing place!... Read 25 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 133

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Silver Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 2.4 out of 5  5 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 147

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rockville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  20 reviews

Other: Christ Episcopal School really lives up to its mantra - A Little School with a Big Heart. CES is a small but mighty school that strives to provide a whole-child education for its students. Caring and dedicated teachers and administrators and small class sizes create a community of learning for students of all backgrounds and experiences. Students are provided with unique educational experiences that could not be provided in larger schools. If you are looking for a nurturing environment to help your student blossom, CES is for you!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 126

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: My son is in third grade at St. Bart's. We moved from an independent Catholic school and the change in his self-confidence was obvious right away. Class size is small, my son has a homeroom teacher and additional teachers for Spanish, Music, PE, library and computer lab. Although we don't need extra help in the classroom, I know resources are available for kids who have different challenges. Extracurriculars are provided through CYO or private companies and include chess, sports, science, robotics. The school body is small and teachers know all the kids by name. Recess is well supervised, and aftercare is fun. Hot lunch is catered and the caterer offers reasonably balanced meals. Uniform is easy, no jacket for the little guys in lower school! We'd love to see more after school activities being offered to the kids.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  22 reviews

Parent: St. John's Episcopal School focuses on high academic standards but also creates a safe and loving environment for all children. My children have been attending for several years now and has have been attending St. John's since Preschool. They enjoy going to school. The faculty and staff are wonderful, and the leadership makes this school exceptional. St. John's implements technology so learning is actually fun. Students use Chromebooks, enjoy a STEM class, and have a media technology class. At the same time, children also learn traditional values, they still learn to write in cursive and learn their multiplication table. They are taught to love their neighbors through service projects and other community activities. St. John's also has a new playground and a sports field where children can play during recess. This school is truly an Incredible school, and I highly recommend it!... Read 22 reviews

• grade A

• Students 182

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1