2024 Best Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  61 reviews

Parent: My 2 children have attended Basis for 6 years, since elementary age and are currently in middle and high school. My children are thriving both socially and academically, they are challenged! It is an environment that will teach self advocacy, independence, executive functioning skill sets that will bring out your child's grit. It will make them stronger, more confident in themselves and their abilities. It isn't for the faint at heart when it comes to work, time management is taught and is critical in grades 8 and above. Every school has its share of issues, but if you want a stellar education and a place where they will learn resilience, commitment and discipline then consider Basis. I gave it 4 stars only because they lack high quality PE facilities that other private high schools in the area have.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 588

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: My child started at Sidwell in 9th grade and absolutely loved it! He came from a school without grades, so we weren’t sure how it would go at a place we had heard was pretty intense, but it was wonderful. He loved the Quaker ethos and silent meetings and loved the challenge of his classes. He was able to participate in theater, music, and sports, and he felt that the program completely supported his desire to try new things. He excelled at the sport he tried for the first time there and felt the camaraderie of the team was one of the best parts of his school life. The friendships he made at Sidwell are still his closest. He did very well academically and surprised us by heading off to an Ivy League School with a generous scholarship (and not a sports recruit). Can’t say enough good things.... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,142

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.79 out of 5  53 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 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  112 reviews

Sophomore: I have had a very positive experience at Madeira. The teachers and staff are friendly and talented, and the campus is beautiful. The food is pretty good (especially taco days!) The mod schedule eliminates the week many students dread: finals week. It does mean that every week 5, the end of a mod, is particularly stressful. I think the schedule is worth it overall though because it means I can dive deeper into a concept, such as a time period in history in my Global Studies class. My favorite part of Madeira will always be the spirit of the community, across all the events and extracurriculars. Go Snails!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  78 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 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 599

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  582 reviews

Junior: I’ve been a student for 2 years now, and I’ve experienced good and, not so good. The general community at TJ is pretty great, most people are friendly and welcoming with, of course, a few exceptions. I’ve also had some AMAZING teachers, and some teachers I would prefer not to interact with. For a school that is so STEM focused, some of the STEM teachers just don’t seem to understand that not everyone learns the same way, or some people just won’t get it the first time. The expectations are HIGH, as everyone knows, but in reality, if you ask, some teachers will tell you that the average test scores for regular honors classes is about a B+ (this includes a bunch of As and a bunch of Fs). I don’t know much about AP and post-AP as I haven’t taken any of those yet though. Certain people will thrive at TJ, I personally am doing well academically as long as I take a portion of my time to study, but you wouldn’t really know until you try it out. But, overall, it’s an experience worth taking!... Read 582 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,902

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: Episcopal High School boasts an impressive faculty, comprised of knowledgeable and experienced educators who are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential. The school's extracurricular offerings are diverse and plentiful, with opportunities for students to explore interests in the arts, athletics, community service, and beyond. The campus is well-equipped with modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Episcopal High School places a strong emphasis on service, both to the local community and the world at large. The school encourages students to think beyond themselves and engage in meaningful ways with the world around them. With its rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and commitment to service, the school offers a transformative educational experience that prepares students for success in college and beyond.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 463

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.58 out of 5  50 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman at STA, having started in 4th grade, I have always been incredibly proud of the school that I go to, and been exceedingly excited and happy to go to school every day. The reasons for this are many, but in my eyes, the clear primary reason for the love of the school that is shared between nearly all of the students here is the powerful sense of community and brotherhood that is interwoven into every aspect of the school from the very first day. In the weekly assemblies, the daily lunches that promote interaction between students in different grades, and the chapels, which give all members of the school a chance to rest and come together, the sense that every person in the school has the back of everyone else is clear. All of that leaves little time to discuss the excellent athletics and academics, which, while posing a challenge to every student, are never too difficult, and the coaches and teachers truly love the school and strive to ensure that every student succeeds.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 592

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  62 reviews

Parent: We sent our twin boys to Landon two years ago in response to MCPS's delay in going back to school during the pandemic. We had friends with children there during the pandemic and the priority that Landon put on their students' mental health was very apparent. They made sure to keep the boys physically safe while also educating them and allowing the boys to have physical activity and maintain friendships. Although the pandemic is now behind us, our boys couldn't imagine leaving Landon. The relationships that they have built with their classmates and teachers are deep. The teachers do more than educate - they get to know the student on a personal level and they become mentors. My boys have very different personalities - you would never know that they are twins - but both of them think Landon is the perfect school for them. I think that says a lot about the nurturing environment. Everyone knows everyone. From the head of school to the maintenance crew, everyone is friendly and polite.... Read 62 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  78 reviews

Senior: I absolutely adore Potomac School! It holds a special place in my heart due to its incredible community of students and people. The atmosphere here is exceptionally supportive, encouraging, and nurturing, making it a truly remarkable learning environment. The sense of camaraderie among the students is infectious, fostering genuine friendships and a strong sense of belonging. Not only does Potomac School prioritize academic excellence, but it also places a high emphasis on the overall well-being and personal growth of its students. With engaging activities, events, and a fun-filled approach to education, Potomac School ensures that every day is filled with joy and memorable experiences.... Read 78 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,069

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  54 reviews

Junior: I am a junior, and it is my third year at Maret. The teachers at Maret make their classes engaging and interesting for students and are also very helpful and available for help outside of class. The Maret community is vibrant, supportive and inclusive in both academic and athletic. Overall, I am very happy with my experience at Maret!... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 650

• 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

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  53 reviews

Middle school student: I have been at WIS since Pre-K and I’ve absolutely loved my time here. It has amazing people with an amazing community, a great campus and provides a great education. Some areas of improvement would be that WIS has a bit of trouble holding on to teachers for a long time and someone’s it can feel like the administration is a little unorganized. All the teachers I have had have been incredibly supportive and kind and typically I feel the correct challenge level in the classes I take.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 902

• 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

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  45 reviews

Parent: Current parent here. It’s a special place. Really doesn’t feel like there’s anything quite like it in the city. The character development is part of everything that happens there and it’s incredible. Feels like no teacher or administrator ever misses an opportunity to really “dig in” with the boys. You feel that when you first set foot on campus. Academically, it’s wildly impressive. Boys are working hard on very advanced material, but the model and excellent teaching makes it doable. It’s small (40 ish boys per grade) but what’s nice about that socially is that all the boys are friends.... Read 45 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  350 reviews

Senior: Poolesville High School is a 3/4 magnet school with academically ambitious and intelligent individuals. During my experience there, I'm constantly challenged by our projects and curriculum, and have received a top quality education thanks to our hardworking teachers. I enjoy how small Poolesville, and especially my program (SMCS), is, because it fosters a tight-knit community of like-minded peers who want to succeed, but also want to help each other succeed. One thing I would like to see change is the maintenance of our school setting, where our building is old and unreliable, and the air is often poor due to badly-timed construction.... Read 350 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,272

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Arlington, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.9 out of 5  48 reviews

Junior: I came to this school last September as an 11th grade student. The faculty at this school is very adequate, all teachers are very good, they are very responsible, and the small class size system allows students to get a better education. This school has an unparalleled authority in academics and I will continue my studies at this school in the 12th grade and look forward to your joining us!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Chantilly, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  27 reviews

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 27 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 245

• 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•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  133 reviews

Parent: There are so many aspects of Bullis that we love and it is hard to fit them all in one review! We have 3 children at the school who are very different learners, different personalities and different interests. Yet each is thriving at Bullis and the teachers meet each of their needs. We love that school is joyful and fun. Our kids WANT to go to school and have fun learning. They get a great balance of academics, arts, athletics, STEM, etc. It is a nice community of parents and friends who watch out for each other and help each other. And there is a strong value to diversity in race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, style of learning, etc. It is a very special place!... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,023

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Dulles, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  44 reviews

Parent: This is a truly caring place that will stimulate your kids to think. Teachers are kind and attentive to both academics and keeping a supportive class environment. The administration takes behavior incidents seriously and handles them well. Class sizes are small and allow teachers to work with each child and get their best learning experience. The campus is clean, pleasant and in a convenient location. Kids get a good amount of time to exercise through PE. The playground is being expanded so we look forward to that. Homework is fairly light, I’m a little confused by the reviews that say it is heavy. The teachers come from a variety of Christian denominations, so the Bible lessons don’t focus on only one church. French for all ages was a huge plus for us. Clubs and activities are always running. There is less variety of sports than some schools, but the local area has so many sports leagues there is nothing lost there. Overall a great learning environment, worth getting a tour.... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  262 reviews

Senior: I have found that over the past two years I have been at Whitman it is a great academic environment! Although it might be a bit competitive, staff and teachers really do try to give students the best secondary level education that MCPS has to offer. There are lots of options extracurriculars such as sports, theatre, co-ed, and more! Personally, I have been involved in Whitmans theatre department. It is a great way to try new things and meet so many new people since Whitman is a large school! I’m regards to a bad experience I have seen or experienced at Whitman was the Antisemetism hate speech that was found by students on campus. Hopefully one day students such as ourselves not just in Whitman but across the world can come to realize that no one deserves any kind of hate such as this.... Read 262 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,029

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  150 reviews

Parent: SSSAS is an excellent school in every sense of the term. The teachers, school administration, families altogether have built this amazing community. We just finished our truly magical Kindergarten year and all I can say is what an excellent, attentive, loving and nurturing community! The quality of instruction, the school traditions, and day to day activities all reflect the values of “goodness as well as excellence”. This is exactly the kind of environment we envisioned for our kids.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,210

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1