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

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  1. Georgetown Day School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 49 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,075 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Sidwell Friends School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 65 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,145 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 552 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 552 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,809 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. National Cathedral School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • 4-12
    • 71 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 597 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Holton-Arms School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • 3-12
    • 132 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 665 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. St. Albans School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • 4-12
    • 47 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Alum: 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 it took for me to be pushed to become the best student and young man possible. "Pressure makes diamonds." STA is far form perfect and at times certain hopeful endeavors of bettering the school may seem hopeless but I personally believe that the higher ups in the St Albans community have the greater community's interest in mind...Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 593 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. St. Anselm's Abbey School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • 6-12
    • 37 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 256 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. The Madeira School

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • 9-12
    • 87 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Junior: 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 87 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 324 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Episcopal High School

    • Private School
    • ALEXANDRIA, VA
    • 9-12
    • 44 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 44 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 464 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. The Potomac School

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • K-12
    • 75 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: Outstanding faculty, academics & activities. Teachers are first rate and deeply invested in a student's success. They spend countless office hours working with a student individually to help them understand a concept or just to engage in dialogue over a subject of interest. Students are not just one of many--small classes result in great interaction. The school cares about the whole child and does an excellent job of keeping parents informed and engaged. In every academic and extracurricular area, students have the ability to achieve at the highest levels and do so. Yet students just starting out are equally nurtured and guided to grow and maximize opportunities for future success. Potomac has an incredible college counseling program. College prep is a refined process so the college application season is not nearly as stressful. College counselors know the students well and help strategize with them to find the best fit at the best university. Potomac truly cares about their students!...Read 75 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,060 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 478 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Maret School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • K-12
    • 48 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 651 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Landon School

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • 3-12
    • 56 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 56 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 690 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Washington International School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-12
    • 52 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 901 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Poolesville High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 317 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 317 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,205 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Georgetown Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • NORTH BETHESDA, MD
    • 9-12
    • 58 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 496 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Walt Whitman High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 236 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 236 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,039 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Winston Churchill High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 312 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 312 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,274 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Bullis School

    • Private School
    • POTOMAC, MD
    • K-12
    • 109 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 828 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Pinnacle Academy

    • Private School
    • CHANTILLY, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 22 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 22 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 188 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

    • Private School
    • BETHESDA, MD
    • PK, K-12
    • 122 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: 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 we have ever made!...Read 122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 718 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

    • Private School
    • ALEXANDRIA, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 131 reviews
    #18 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Parent: We have experienced the lower, middle, and upper schools and our children have had extraordinary teachers who have taken the time to get to know and appreciate them as individuals. Small class size (around 16 kids per class) contributes to this, but it’s just as much about the genuine interest and care that they show our children. Every time our teenagers rave about their teachers at dinner (a frequent occurrence!) my wife and I feel so fortunate that the strong connections they formed with teachers in the Lower School have been replicated in the other divisions. Our kids have different strengths and interests and they have each found a home and great friends through academics, the arts and athletics. Speaking of the arts, our daughter was so excited to watch the Tonys with friends and then learn that next year’s theater/arts trip to NYC will include seeing Hadestown and having dinner with the cast!...Read 131 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,183 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. McLean High School

    • Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
    • 9-12
    • 321 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    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 321 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,369 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Walter Johnson High School

    • Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
    • 9-12
    • 477 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Junior: Best school and best teachers! So many people excited about their job and students curious about their classes; so many opportunities for everyone to find what they like. Just like any school, WJ has areas to grow, such as including a wider variety of topics for the books in the media center, or more types of sports, but overall, I'm lucky and proud to be a Wildcat!...Read 477 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,747 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Flint Hill School

    • Private School
    • OAKTON, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 80 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area

    Niche User: Incredible faculty. Great school for both academics and sports. A diversity of strengths for well-rounded students that simply can’t be matched by other private schools in Northern Virginia. Students genuinely support each other, even after they become alumni. It’s not uncommon for alumni to return from prestigious universities to share how well the school prepared them for the academic challenges ahead. Also, the robotics program is literally world class!...Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,097 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    National Presbyterian School

    • Private School
    • WASHINGTON, DC
    • PK, K-6
    • 11 reviews

    Parent: We are so happy at NPS! The community is so kind and welcoming, and the academic experience outstanding. The school’s core values (love, respect, honesty, safety, and responsibility) really are at the center of the experience there. Our children thrive with multiple recess breaks and physical education to keep them moving across the school day, and they so enjoy the art, music, Spanish, and other specials. We’ve been so impressed with the resources available for individual learning needs and the customized approach to helping each child with academic or counseling needs. Especially during Covid, we felt like the school put out a safety net and caught our children. Our son is in his fifth year there, daughter in her third, and they simply love going to school...Read 11 Reviews

    • 303 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • MCLEAN, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 42 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 42 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 478 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    St. Bernadette School

    • Private School
    • SPRINGFIELD, VA
    • PK, K-8
    • 34 reviews

    Parent: My daughter began attending St. Bernadette School in the 7th Grade following our move to Northern Virginia. We couldn't be more pleased with her experience. The teachers, staff, student and parents are dedicated, kind, and caring. They helped her transition to a rigorous Catholic education, including first-time instruction in religion, grammar, cursive, and Spanish. The school is part of a vibrant parish; the priests are about campus and in the classroom. St. Bernadette School is Catholic education at its best!...Read 34 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 468 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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