2022 Best Private Schools in Washington, D.C.

#1 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Georgetown Day School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

PK, K-12,

49 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says 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....

Read 49 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,075,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#2 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Sidwell Friends School

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

PK, K-12,

67 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 67 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,145,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,

#3 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

National Cathedral School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

4-12,

71 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 71 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 597,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,

#1 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

Holton-Arms School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BETHESDA, MD,

3-12,

133 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 133 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 665,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,

#4 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

St. Albans School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

4-12,

48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I attended St. Albans in the recent past and many would probably think that my testimony to STA would be negative overall but its quite the contrary. St. Albans provided a the academic pressure that....

Read 48 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 592,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,

#5 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

St. Anselm's Abbey School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

6-12,

38 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says 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....

Read 38 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 256,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,

#1 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

The Madeira School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

MCLEAN, VA,

9-12,

88 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says As a current junior at this school, I love it! The community is so warming, especially towards international students who are easier to get homesick. Also, the campus is very beautiful..

Read 88 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 324,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#2 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

Episcopal High School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

ALEXANDRIA, VA,

9-12,

46 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 46 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 464,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,

#3 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

The Potomac School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

MCLEAN, VA,

K-12,

75 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 75 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,060,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#4 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

BASIS Independent McLean

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

MCLEAN, VA,

PK, K-12,

42 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 42 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 478,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#6 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Maret School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

K-12,

48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Niche User says 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...I would like to have more land to expand!.

Read 48 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 651,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#3 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

Landon School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BETHESDA, MD,

3-12,

58 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says 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....

Read 58 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 690,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 5 to 1,

#7 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Washington International School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

PK, K-12,

52 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says 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...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....

Read 52 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 901,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,

#5 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

Georgetown Preparatory School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

NORTH BETHESDA, MD,

9-12,

59 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Prep is an amazing school and gives an educational, athletic, and social experience of a lifetime. It is very challenging but all the teachers are there for you and the school gives you so many....

Read 59 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 496,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,

#9 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

Bullis School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

POTOMAC, MD,

K-12,

109 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Works Here says 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....

Read 109 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 900,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#10 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BETHESDA, MD,

PK, K-12,

122 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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....

Read 122 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 718,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,

#8 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

ALEXANDRIA, VA,

PK, K-12,

132 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says 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...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....

Read 132 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,183,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#12 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

St. Andrew's Episcopal School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

POTOMAC, MD,

PK, K-12,

78 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says 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....

Read 78 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 653,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#13 Best Private High Schools in Maryland.

Rochambeau The French International School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

BETHESDA, MD,

PK, K-12,

23 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says 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....

Read 23 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 1,000,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,

#8 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Gonzaga College High School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

9-12,

93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says 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....

Read 93 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 960,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,

#16 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

Oakcrest School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

VIENNA, VA,

6-12,

128 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says Oakcrest has been a wonderful place for my daughter to learn and grow. Since she arrived in 8th grade, she has grown and blossomed into a more Godly, confident and well-learned young lady. Oakcrest....

Read 128 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 298,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#9 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

9-12,

106 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Parent says This is an amazing school with excellent and inspirational teachers. The administration of the school has been in good hands as well. I love the quality of the students and the volunteerism of the....

Read 106 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 500,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 10 to 1,

#10 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

The Field School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

6-12,

45 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Works Here says As someone who has worked here for many years and has witnessed the transition to a new head of school, I grateful to be part of this school. Field has stayed true to its mission of knowing every....

Read 45 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 350,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,

#11 Best Private High Schools in District of Columbia.

Edmund Burke School

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

WASHINGTON, DC,

6-12,

44 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says 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 focusedCons:- 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.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 308,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,

#25 Best Private High Schools in Virginia.

Veritas Collegiate Academy

Blue checkmark.

Private School,

VIENNA, VA,

K-12,

35 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says 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....

Read 35 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade: A+,

Students: 152,

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,