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

• C•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.82 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 4.22 out of 5  72 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 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,145

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  564 reviews

Alum: TJHSST offers a unique high school experience. The academics are definitely much different and difficult from what I've experienced in middle school. However, the communities and relationships formed at the school are unmatched. TJ offers many unique opportunities that can't be found at traditional high schools. For example, I learned the Russian language for four years. I know Russian is not a course offered at many other high schools throughout the US. TJ also offers many clubs through 8th period. We are able to choose 4 different clubs per week allowing us to further explore both our academic and creative interests during school. TJ is the perfect place for students who want to challenge themselves and always aim to do better.... Read 564 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 4-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  75 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 75 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 587

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  49 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 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 588

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  99 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 99 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 4.41 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

• D•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  58 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 58 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 700

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• 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 650

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  41 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 41 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 4.03 out of 5  332 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 332 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,236

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• North Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  65 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 65 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  241 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 241 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,991

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  130 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 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  339 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 339 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,317

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  324 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 324 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,245

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  130 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 130 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  574 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 574 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,410

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Oakton, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  85 reviews

Senior: The one thing Flint Hill has that most High Schools do not is an extensive Robotics lab. The lab has private servers for coding classes, materials for building robots, and space for testing. My Freshman year in High School, I was fortunate enough to take Robotics as one of my elective classes, and my first impression became a rush of desire to find out, and problem solve. This class allowed me to live out my dream of working with a team, and allowed me to create something that is all my own. My Robotics teacher impressed me most of all with his considerable knowledge, and through watching him I developed a passion to be just as knowledgeable. I experienced challenges in the form of deadlines that had to be met within a limited time, but it was here that I learned how much time needs to be put into something for it to be successful. My task was to design the Robots which would take movable objects and stack them on top of one another; and after each challenge.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,014

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  532 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 532 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,037

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1