2020 Best Schools in Washington, D.C.About this List

Sidwell Friends School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-12
• 46 reviews

Sophomore: I came to Sidwell freshman year, and I’m going to be a sophomore in the fall. Although I have only been here for a short amount of time, I already love the school, and I am proud to be a part of the Sidwell community. I love how the faculty are not only incredibly supportive but honestly do everything they can to help all students, succeed. I love my friends and the competitive academic environment, and although the program is rigorous, that’s what I’m here for, I already love the school.
Read 46 Reviews

• A+

• 1,145 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Georgetown Day School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-12
• 42 reviews

Junior: GDS is in so many ways an ideal learning environment. The teachers are engaging, supportive, and rigorous, the extracurriculars are multifaceted and enjoyable, the athletics are fun and competitive. GDS exemplifies it’s mission, as it leaves students more prepared for life after high school, while instilling them with a crucial sense of right and wrong, and the tools to go out into the world and right some of those wrongs. More than anything else, GDS is what it is because of the students. Collaborative, intellectual, kind, and engaging, the community truly is like no other. People genuinely care about both each other and the school, and that aditude leads to a community that isn’t just in school from 8:15-3:15 and then gone, but one that keeps the building lively at all hours. GDS is truly an incredible place, and I hope that this convinces someone to either apply or attend. I promise you won’t regret it!
Read 42 Reviews

• A+

• 1,075 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Albans School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 4-12
• 41 reviews

Senior: St. Albans changed my life for the better. I learned so many social skills and made very useful friendships. STA teaches people a very important lesson. The lesson of having your brother’s back. STA is an all boys school and that is why I say brothers. I grew up with 3 sisters and I was the youngest in my family. St. Albans gave me the opportunity to have 68 brothers in my class that I knew would always have my back no matter what situation I was in. So all in all, STA is a great school. Despite my shortcomings their academically it taught me how to work hard and thrive in a tough, competitive environment. The friendships I made there are friendships I will have for the rest of my life.
Read 41 Reviews

• A+

• 585 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

National Cathedral School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 4-12
• 49 reviews

Parent: Our daughter joined NCS in 7th grade and she has had an incredible experience. She is a junior now and has loved all of the opportunities the school has provided her academically, intellectually, athletically and socially. The girls were incredibly welcoming when she joined which says a lot as middle school can be an exceptionally challenging time to be the new girl. She has been challenged for sure (which we love!) but more importantly, she has been supported by her teachers, her advisors and her friends. This is one very unique school and we are grateful she is having this experience.
Read 49 Reviews

• A+

• 595 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Maret School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• K-12
• 41 reviews

Parent: I am the parent of three Maret alumni, all of whom started in kindergarten. Each of them, though very different individuals, had a fabulous experience at Maret. We could not be happier with the high-quality academics, sports, and other extracurriculars the school provided them. The ongoing strong sense of Maret community has benefited our entire family. All three of my children were well-prepared academically to attend rigorous colleges post-graduation and were recruited varsity athletes at their respective higher educational institutions. They - and we as a family - are still very involved with their Maret alma mater.
Read 41 Reviews

• A+

• 651 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Anselm's Abbey School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 6-12
• 24 reviews

Senior: Saint Anselm's Abbey School is one of the best things to ever happen to me. The school has an amazing environment that I have not felt outside of St. Anselm's. The faculty love what they do and love to always talk about their respective subjects and offer help to those that need it. The school has a phenomenal community that welcomes in everyone that enters. New students almost immediately become oriented with their new classmates and feel like part of the family the moment they enter the community. The brotherhood at the Abbey cannot be duplicated in high school. Everyone loves each other and seeks the best in each other. There is no bullying or issues like that at our school, there are no cliques or anything of the sort at our school. The sports programs welcome anyone to join, we do not recruit so all of our athletes come from within our walls. I love this school and I encourage anyone looking for a school please consider the Abbey.
Read 24 Reviews

• A+

• 257 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington International School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-12
• 43 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 43 Reviews

• A+

• 901 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 9-12
• 97 reviews

Parent: This is an amazing school with excellent and inspirational teachers. The administration of the school has been in good hands as well. I love the quality of the students and the volunteerism of the parents. The community is real. I don’t intend to say that everything is perfect, but it’s the best I have seen or experienced. Everyone can find a supportive peer group if they engage. The young women who graduate from Visi are poised, confident and competent. Both of my daughters have gone here and although they couldn’t be more different in their natures they have both made friends that will last them a lifetime while getting a world-class education. I couldn’t recommend anything we have engaged in as a family more highly that this amazing gem of a school. It nurtures the young ladies talents and allows them all of the academic tools they will ever need!
Read 97 Reviews

• A+

• 492 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Gonzaga College High School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 9-12
• 77 reviews

Alum: I owe my life’s success to the Gonzaga College High School.I graduated from Gonzaga in 1977. After eight years of public school in DC, I went to Gonzaga and it did miraculous things for me academically, culturally and spiritually. I will always be in debt to the big G. It really does produce men for others. EAGLES FLY HIGH!
Read 77 Reviews

• A+

• 960 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Field School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 6-12
• 29 reviews

Senior: Field is a great place that allows a variety of different people to get what they want out of the school. It is a different approach than a lot of traditional wealthy metropolitan schools, but in my opinion, it is an approach that leaves less people behind. The curriculum Field offers is one that from what I have seen is unmatched, it allows you to learn at your own pace and take what you want from the school, and is overall an amazing place. The teachers are extremely intelligent and passionate. The students are much kinder than many other high school environments. As a whole, Field just cares more about everyone, not just numbers and raising funding, and that is a refreshing thing in today's climate. I wish everyone had access to an education like the one at Field because I truly believe the world would be a better place.
Read 29 Reviews

• A+

• 370 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The School Without Walls High School

• District of Columbia Public Schools, DC
• 9-12
• 374 reviews

Alum: People have always said that Walls was a challenging school and they are right. The collegiate environment, the rigorous course load, and the opportunities that arise at Walls are nearly unmatched in the city. The culture of Walls allows students from all corners of DC to break down any educational barriers and succeed. The school is a refreshing pool of intellectuals, leaders, and talented individuals. The orchestra/Jazz band, art department, and sports teams are on the rise. There are a ton of clubs to match any teen's varying interest. I will not lie and say that Walls doesn't come without its fair share of struggles. However, the stress, tears, and sleepless nights definitely prepare students for college, which (if you ask most Walls alum) is almost a breeze. Walls is definitely demanding, but it is well worth it in the end. Go Penguins!
Read 374 Reviews

• A+

• 585 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
• 9-12
• 388 reviews

Senior: I love BCC. I've had such an amazing experience and can't wait for my senior year to start! We are filled with individuals from all walks of life, different cultures, orientations, financials situations - and for the most part everyone gets along.
Read 388 Reviews

• A+

• 2,064 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

District of Columbia International School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• 6-12
• 8 reviews

Freshman: As the only school in DC to offer all branches of the International Baccalaureate system, graduates from DCI will be better prepared for college and have the advantage of an IB diploma going into post-secondary education and the workforce. Not only is the faculty accepting and helpful to students and parents as they build bonds with families and are genuinely invested in their work, but countless friendships are made across grade levels which is the best place for advice and help. There are some organizational issues as the school is just five years old, but the majority of them do not affect the student body and will likely be resolved through trial-and-error. If you are considering applying as 6-8th grader I recommend it 100% but as a 9th or 10th grader I do hope you have some experience in whatever language track you are applying to because starting from scratch can be a difficult and overwhelming experience because of the rigor of the IB program. Nevertheless, we welcome you!
Read 8 Reviews

• A+

• 520 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Edmund Burke School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 6-12
• 39 reviews

Alum: I was accepted as a late transfer when I had problems with my previous HS. When I entered the school during my junior orientation, I immediately met nice and inclusive students. The teachers were extremely supportive and helped me develop a safe space in a new environment. My entire experience here was extremely wonderful- despite the cringe assemblies and songs that were played. The teachers were by far the nicest and most supportive people ever. Burke has been the best thing that has happened to me and it's extremely diverse, weird in its own way, and fun.
Read 39 Reviews

• A+

• 297 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. John's College High School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 9-12
• 217 reviews

Parent: I had two children go through SJC! When I sent them there, I was hoping that they would enjoy the experience. Both were involved in sports, clubs and student government. Many times they would stay after school to work one on one with a teacher or to study with a friend. This created a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the school because after studying, they would watch soccer or field hockey or cheer on some other team. The hardest part was getting them to come home. Both are in college now and look back fondly on their time spent at SJC. The new improvements in the facilities and seeing their teachers and administrators at games when they are home just drives home the point that no matter where they go...they will always be Cadets.
Read 217 Reviews

• A+

• 1,113 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Latin Public Charter School - Middle School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• 5-8
• 6 reviews

Niche User: The are truly dedicated to the students and want each student to succeed.
Read 6 Reviews

• A+

• 362 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-5
• 1 review

Parent: Great school! Great students! Great teachers! I am so glad my child goes to such a multicultural and unique school. I’ve seen her grow so much as a learner and a person and it doesn’t hurt that she can also speak Chinese!
Read 1 Review

• A+

• 571 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

D.C. Preparatory Academy Public Charter School - Edgewood Middle Campus

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• 4-8

• A+

• 330 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Washington Latin Public Charter School - High School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• 9-12
• 131 reviews

Alum: Washington Latin PCS is a great school! I’ve been affiliated with this community since the 5th grade. This school offers a wide range of classes such as: Arabic, Robotics, DC History and Astronomy. I was one of a few students who studied Arabic and travel to Morroco for spring break. Overall, Washington Latin has amazing networking and traveling opportunities for the students. The only thing worth changing is the food.
Read 131 Reviews

• A

• 335 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

BASIS DC Public Charter School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• 5-12
• 21 reviews

Senior: This school is very good for academics, and I loved my time here! The teachers are supportive, and there are systems established so that anyone can succeed here, if they want to. You have to love learning to succeed here because of the rigorous curriculum. The school is also rather small, but it's location makes it easily accessible by metro and the D6, so most kids living in the city should not have a hard time getting there. The community is small yet very caring in my opinion, as the senior class this year is a tight knit community. I do not know about the other grades. Overall, this school is very good, and very deserving of its ratings.
Read 21 Reviews

• A

• 599 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Emerson Preparatory School

• Private School
• Washington, DC
• 9-12
• 8 reviews

Works Here: Best school for students who are intimidated by large class sizes, but want rigorous courses, independent courses, and unique courses like Astronomy instead of just General Science, or Western Medicine, instead of Health, or Minority Voices in Literature instead of English 10, or Anatomy instead of Bio. The clubs are awesome too, Debate, Model UN, ACLU, Gaming, and more! Students are a part of a small family group with very dedicated and caring teachers. And I have taught at many schools, private, public and charter. I enjoy coming to work and teaching Epic Poetry and Shakespeare to students who love it!
Read 8 Reviews

• A

• 50 Students
• 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

D.C. Preparatory Academy Public Charter School - Edgewood Elementary Campus

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-3

• A

• 447 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

KIPP DC - Promise Public Charter School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• K-4

• A

• 525 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Woodrow Wilson High School

• District of Columbia Public Schools, DC
• 9-12
• 353 reviews

Alum: I went to WWHS for my final two years of high school, and I had a positive experience for the most part! In the beginning of the year, I had a hard time making friends but pretty soon I had met many people who we all shared many interests. The material we learned I found to be very informative and correlated with the goal of having every student reach their highest potential. Specifically with college readiness, I feel that the school helped me most with giving options that were close to home and that met my interests for college when I had no idea of which colleges I wanted to attend. Overall I feel the school is a great place for any student. The school is right by a metro station with many shops and places to eat all around. I've never met any issues around the school as there are police always around as well.
Read 353 Reviews

• A

• 1,750 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

E.L. Haynes Public Charter School

• Public School
• Washington, DC
• PK, K-4

• A

• 345 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio