2023 Best Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• 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

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  569 reviews

Sophomore: Overall TJ is an excellent school for those who are willing to be apart of a very academically rigorous environment. Education wise, it has some of the most talented teachers who’ve done years of professional training in whatever backgrounds they’ve pursued. The students here are one of the top kids in the state and have done lists and lists of impressive things. You can imagine how much of an overwhelming environment it is…Going into it makes you feel less capable than your peers who’ve launched space rovers or worked on political campaigns. As a student there, my GPA may not be good and my grades may look unexpected, but what I do know is that every student in this school, including myself, are the most hardworking and driven people I’ve ever seen. Sure high school will be undeniably difficult, but the students here will be more than prepared for whatever comes next.... Read 569 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• 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

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  52 reviews

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 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 588

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: Madeira's mission of "launching women who change the world" guides every aspect of this unique educational experience. I am extremely grateful for my education and appreciate the environment Madeira fosters to make every student thrive. From small, personalized class with the modular schedule, to a tight community of both students and faculty, to worldly experiences, Madeira prepares us for the future that we will inherit. Of particular note is the Co-Curriculum program that gives us real world experiences each year -- something that a teenager cannot find anywhere else. It is extremely impressive to be able to go to a college interview or job interview and say you have worked on Capitol Hill! I think Madeira is made up of small moments - traditions, laughing in the library, baking with your teachers - that become impactful, life-changing moments at such a pivotal age. This personal attention gives us the confidence and the leadership skills to take on any issue. Life changing!... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• 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

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  134 reviews

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 134 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 665

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  59 reviews

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 59 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• 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

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  335 reviews

Alum: Poolesville high school is a great high school with many different opportunities for it's students. It has a magnet program, thats focused on different rigorous subjects in the school. It was ranked continuously the best public high school on the east coast for a couple of years in a row. They have great clubs that allow students to express their interests in many different fields and subjects. They had extra curricular activities that were diverse. They had a great sports program that would encourage students to exercise and to join sporting teams. I personally had a great time in poolesville. I was a soccer player as well as a student. I was part of the chemistry club, and was also part of the Independent studies program at school in which I received an award for in my senior year of high school because of a presentation. Poolesville could make some improvements tho. Most of the facilities in the school was old and outdated. I feel like that was a negative part of my high school.... Read 335 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,236

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• North Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  64 reviews

Freshman: 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 resources to succeed. The reason I did not give it 5/5 stars is for two reason : a mediocre science department and the fact that it is all-boys. Not having girls around is pretty rough. The school has an amazing buffet-style lunch and we have champ titles in almost all of our sports. Our dorms need improvement, but at the moment we are building a new boarding facility!... Read 64 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 496

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  24 reviews

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 24 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,149

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  245 reviews

Senior: The academics, staff, and students are great overall! There are many opportunities to get involved and get help. However, the school is very competitive.... Read 245 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,991

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  133 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 133 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  346 reviews

Junior: Offers a wide variety of opportunities for a diverse student body with exceptional academics, arts, and clubs & activities, where many students are able to go above and beyond pursuing their passions. While there are plenty of resources-for example, students have their first 6 AP tests financially covered by the school-the facilities need renovations and the cafeteria should provide healthier and more wholesome options (then again it's cafeteria food). Though the school fosters excellence, the competition can become less healthy and more toxic, and the predominantly rigorous, college-oriented environment can become stressful. I make sure to maintain my mental health, but I am thankful for the flexible array of academic opportunities offered by McLean's course offerings. The student-counselor relationship is relatively close here compared to other schools and getting the classes/schedule modifications you want is not difficult. There're also tons of school spirit and awesome people!... Read 346 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,317

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  328 reviews

Senior: School size is very manageable compared to some other county schools. It did feel like a community. Overall, there is a good mix of old school and newer teaching methods with the teachers. Also, the sports programs at Churchill are very competitive and fun to support. It's a great way to stay involved and meet new people. There are a variety of clubs as well -- whatever you're interested in, there is definitely something for you! If you don't find what you're looking for, Churchill makes starting a club very easy.... Read 328 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,245

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  131 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 131 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  578 reviews

Parent: My daughter graduated from Richard Montgomery and she got an excellent education! RM is our zoned school but she tested into and was accepted into the IB programme. The teachers were exceptional and compassionate. The administrators were receptive to parental input. We have an amazingly involved PTSA that advocates for staff and students. My daughter applied to eight universities and was accepted to seven. My daughter is now in her freshman year and has transitioned well as she has a strong foundation. The school is diverse and there are extracurricular activities for almost any interest. The students are encouraged to provide input for change. Overall, it’s a great environment and my daughter really thrived... Read 578 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,410

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Oakton, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  89 reviews

Senior: I have been a student here since Lower School (elementary school) and I am currently a Senior. The opportunities provided in education, art, music, athletics, community, leadership, research, and more are simply incredible. Flint Hill has allowed me to join several clubs and become a leader of multiple. I am in the Spanish Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Major Minors A Capella group, and more. I have been given this amazing opportunity through their spectacular financial aid resources. If I could rate the school any higher, I would give it a 100,000/5!... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,014

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  536 reviews

Junior: Overall, I think Wootton High School is a good school. The academics are top tier, most of the teachers are helpful, and there is a vast amount of extra curricular activities. However, if you're a black student then you will experience racism from other students (Whites, Asians); and possibly even teachers at times. But in totality, Wootton is a great school and I would definitely recommend it to anybody!... Read 536 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,037

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1