2022 Best Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  50 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 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  68 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 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,145

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  557 reviews

Senior: I've had a lot of fun at TJ. I'm a senior and I've really enjoyed my 3.5 years at TJ so far! Fingers crossed for college decisions. I like the nerdy atmosphere. It's really nice to sit around before school starts talking about the latest research and our favorite books. I've also had really good luck with teachers. Every teacher in all four years has been really good. I especially like DNA and Biotech. Lots of fun toys and we get to design our experiments! Marching band is really fun and anyone who plays a band instrument should join. You make a lot of friends that way. Homecoming is always really fun. Homecoming will probably be delayed. I hope COVID vaccines will be out for the general public by the end of the year so we can have senior homecoming! It's very rigged so the seniors always win even if they don't show up. :-) About workload, I've never been overwhelmed and I had time to goof off and relax even during junior year.... Read 557 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  72 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 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  133 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 133 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 665

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  50 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 50 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 592

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  38 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 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  88 reviews

Sophomore: I am a rising sophomore at The Madeira School, and my experience with this school has been wonderful so far! My favorite thing about Madeira is the inclusive, friendly, and extremely supportive community. As an international student coming from no previous experience living or even going to school in the US, my transition was SO much more easier and comfortable thanks to the people at my school. I also love the location (only a few minutes from Washington DC), which gives me so many opportunities in such a wide range of fields. One example is the junior year co-curriculum internship at Capitol Hill (Something I am most excited about!!). Our school's close proximity to Washington DC provides us with so many valuable opportunities. One thing I also like is the campus. We have a large campus with lots of nature - we even have a whole pond & three nature trails in our campus! I love taking walks/runs/hikes with my friends every Friday in one of the trails.... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 324

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  46 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 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 464

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  75 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 75 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,060

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  47 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 47 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 522

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  48 reviews

Niche User: 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 also still there. The teachers are amazing and are there because they simply love teaching. The youth from K-12 are extremely disciplined (all 650 students assembling for a fire drill without speaking a word; and the dismissal of K-12 music performances without a sound are examples), and as in my daughter, it is said that the students Run to get to school. Life long learning!!! My daughter, although bring accepted to all other local private schools, loved the school so much, that she wanted her son to be nurtured by the life long learning experience. Hungry to learn students, motivated teachers parents involvement, and top leadership are key factors to this scholastic learning Power house! I would like to have more land to expand!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 651

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 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 690

• 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 4.02 out of 5  321 reviews

Junior: There is definitely a rigorous academic culture in the magnet program and I'm so thankful to have met some of the most genuine, kind teachers I've ever had. The global ecology program has been so much fun! In my experience it's a close-knit community where most people know each other. One thing I'd like to see changed, though, would be improved infrastructure. The school building itself seems pretty old and poorly made. There also seems to be an insect problem and asbestos in the ceilings, but everyone's pretty much used to that.... Read 321 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,205

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• North Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  60 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 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 496

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: My experience at Walt Whitman High School was relatively positive. When I look back at my high school experience I will have lots of wonderful memories thanks to the community that Whitman provided for me. The staff and administrators care a lot about the students and strive for each individual to do well while feeling comfortable in their surroundings. There are a lot of club opportunities that range from sports to charity to movie club. I personally love to go to football games and participate in the school spirit. There really is a place for everyone. As for classes there are lots to choose from and many great opportunities for developing academic interests. Overall, Walt Whitman gave me a really rewarding high school experience and I am proud to say that I definitely feel prepared for college next year. Go vikes!... Read 237 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,039

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  319 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 319 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,274

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  112 reviews

Works Here: 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 in academics, arts, athletics, and service, which provides a well-rounded education and cultivates respect for others, confidence, and the joy of discovery. Faculty, students, and parents are incredibly welcoming and friendly. I grew up in the DC area and assumed a different experience. However, the modern-day folklore that lingers — nothing could be further from the truth! Everyone I've met is genuinely kind, caring, and helpful. I am thrilled to be a part of the Bullis community.... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Chantilly, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  25 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 25 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 245

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: Stone Ridge is an amazing school home for our 3 daughters. It has spirit, focus, intentionality, academic rigor, beautiful facilities, and fabulous, caring and dedicated teachers. Our kids are genuinely excited to go to school each and every day. Thoughtful leadership from the Admin team, and the school is academically firmly planted in the 21st century. The students are nurtured to become our future leaders who care and give of themselves to make our world better. Could not be more delighted with a fabulous school.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 718

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Alexandria, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  132 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 132 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,183

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  333 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 333 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,369

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  493 reviews

Alum: These four years has been fun while it lasted, but I would never want to relive the experience. The academic programs at WJ are wonderful, and there are many AP classes to choose from. The elective choices are a bit lacking though. Grades are also rather subjective based on what teachers you get. There's also insane grade inflation at this school. There are many clubs to choose from, but most honor societies are poorly organized. There are many students who are super hardworking but also many who aren't. It's easy to make friends here because we're such a large school. Even though WJ diverse in ethnicity, it's not really that diverse in culture. Most teachers I have had as an upperclassman has been more supportive than my underclassmen teachers. WJ's career and college services could use some improvement because there's generally a lack of communication surrounding the whole application process. Some things that are very nice about WJ are open lunch and no dress codes.... Read 493 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,747

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Oakton, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: Flint Hill has been a wonderful experience for our family with two children in the Lower School. The teachers truly know each of my children. They can't wait to come to school every day and leave every day excited about the next day. It is warm and nurturing while also being sure they are challenged. I am amazed at the things they learn and how well they understand what they are learning. I can't personally speak to the Middle and Upper Schools yet and know they deal with issues all school with adolescents face but hear the balance, challenge, offerings and college counseling is well worth it.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,014

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1