2023 Best Schools in North Bethesda

• 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

• 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  101 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 101 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  510 reviews

Junior: People are very friendly and it’s got great academic classes. Has a wide variety of ways to get involved with the school and making friends is not hard. Overall the teachers are super nice. Counselors are very helpful. There are many clubs, organizations, fundraisers, sports events and other activities students can get involved in with the WJ community!... Read 510 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,820

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  115 reviews

Sophomore: I have grown to love visi. There are so many supportive teachers and students. I’ve really developed as a person here academically and socially. I have been pushed to succeed by teachers who genuinely care about my success. I will say that most of the school’s issues stem from the student body. There are lots of cliques which appear to reflect socio-economic groups. Most high school students are hyper partisan left wing. That’s just the way of the world. I feel though, that the school has abandoned catholic teaching in the name of preventing conflict with the student body. I can’t fully criticize the school for this because I don’t think there are many solutions but it is a visible tension. The school could facilitate more respect for diversity of thought. Visi does great work to facilitate racial diversity.... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• 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

• Arlington, VA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.9 out of 5  40 reviews

Alum: Top notch faculty and administration, and a great appreciation for global international thinking and performance. The school emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and expression, while still maintaining a strong sense of community. Veritas allowed me to grow into the person I am today. It put me in challenging situations that have benefitted me overall and put me on the path to success. One of my most unique experiences: while at Veritas, I had an opportunity to study abroad at the campus in Beijing. What an experience! I highly recommend my alma mater. #alwaysaspartan... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Sandy Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  76 reviews

Parent: We are a new family coming into the school & will most likely have more to say in the future, but our experience w/the admissions & leadership team deserves a review now. We are thrilled & feel like this is a very good fit for us- values, education & community-wise. From the very first moment I heard leadership and staff announce their pronouns, to throughout the many open houses, I feel like we were seen & belong. Both Shamika & Ashaki were phenomenal throughout the admissions process. Their responsiveness, attention to detail, kindness & professionalism were top notch. They both spent time really getting to know us, and contributed to a feeling that no matter what happened, we had a fairest opportunity in the process. Further, to have received an invite right away for my daughter to join a cooking class for new middle schoolers this week blew my mind- we are months away from start & they would be forgiven for taking a break before jumping into welcoming activities! Thank U SSFS!... Read 76 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 676

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  205 reviews

Alum: Good Counsel is a great academic institution that provides a diverse culture for learning, growth, and engagement. The teachers and administrators are enthusiastic, compassionate, and passionate about what they do. The administration ensures that class sizes are kept small for great student to teacher ratios. They have great clubs for students to become involved in; like the Entrepreneurship Club, the Key Club, Robotics, just to name a few. The cafeteria food was delicious and varied. They offer competitive (championship teams) and non competitive sports activities; football, swimming, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, rugby, and water polo to name a few. GC has a great IB program and a strong college prep and AP program too. I was very prepared for college and did very well making the Dean's List during my freshman year at a top ten university. Thank you GC!... Read 205 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,255

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  53 reviews

Parent: Field has been a life-changing school for my daughter (who just entered the 6th grade there this past fall). From Day 1, the faculty and other students made her feel at home and a part of the community. Many schools encourage students to bring their "whole selves" into the school but Field really means it. The community is tight-knit and there is so much JOY at the school. The art and theater are incredible and the sports have been a great experience for my daughter, with the older girls on the team guiding & supporting the younger girls. The academics have also blown me away. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and fun. And they go deep into their subjects. The faculty not only has a great sense of the students' academic lives, but of their social-emotional lives, as well, and they work hard to make sure the students are thriving in ALL areas of life. We feel so grateful to have found Field! It is truly a special place.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  44 reviews

Junior: Wonderful school, wonderful people and environment. Here's a quick pros and cons list: Pros: - Phenomenal teachers - Great culture - Flexible/open to feedback - Great for college preparedness - Manageable workload while challenging - Diverse, social justice focused Cons: - Not very competitive when it comes to sports - Low budget theatre department - not the greatest in the world - Required Earth System Science class (not very fun, should be optional) - Tiny bit dogmatic in it's social justice focus (although it's overall more a pro than a con)... Read 44 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 308

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Vienna, VA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  129 reviews

Parent: Oakcrest has been a wonderful place for my daughter to learn and grow. Since she arrived in 8th grade, she has grown and blossomed into a more Godly, confident and well-learned young lady. Oakcrest is a rarity in this area: an academically rigorous school that also puts a premium on Godly character development. Plus, Oakcrest truly looks to partner with parents in the education of their daughters, and has many events planned to grow and strengthen parents and families throughout the year - a win/win for all of us! The teachers and support staff are amazing, as is the new campus. Everyone connected with this school from top to bottom is amazing! If you are seeking a challenging academic environment for your daughter, where she can make life-long friends, grow in her faith, and have her character formed for THE BETTER - Oakcrest is your place. Our family is forever blessed because of this school!... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• 3-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  48 reviews

Senior: The Heights School provides a great curriculum, which focuses on the liberal arts. The teachers are probably the best feature of the school. You are not only their student but their friend once you get to know them. The campus is also beautiful with Lower schoolers (3rd-5th grade) having classes in "The Valley".... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 540

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rockville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: I can’t say enough great things about this school! Living in Virginia, I did not think attending a school in Maryland was even possible. The moment we stepped foot in CESJDS, I knew It was the perfect place for my son. It was risky switching schools his Junior year, but it was the best decision we made for him academically, spiritually, and socially. The teachers are very approachable and invested in the well-being of all students. There’s such a tight community and the students share a special bond. My son loves the small class sizes and the close relationships he has made. He loves starting his day with morning Minyan and learning in a pluralistic setting with his Jewish peers. I can go on and on about how this school has impacted my son in the best ways possible. To quote my son, “ I’m in the best place of my life!” If you are Jewish and want to give your children a meaningful, impactful, Jewish education, this school is for you!... Read 35 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 913

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1