2022 Best Schools in Washington, D.C.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  80 reviews

Senior: I love everything about St. Andrew's. The teachers are some of the best teachers I've ever had. They are amazing, understanding, and supportive. The students are incredibly kind, and it is easy to make friends at St. Andrews. Lastly, I like how there is something for every student at St. Andrew's, whether that be volunteering, sports, art, music, etc, St. Andrew's will encourage you to try new things; for me, many of these experiences turned into hobbies and passions.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 653

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  94 reviews

Sophomore: So far it has been a great experience. No matter what your interests are, or what sports you do there is a group for you. it is incredibly easy to make friends. Coming from public middle school I was not the best student. My first complaint is that some teachers are very difficult and fail lots of student, regardless of effort. I was not prepared for what highschool would be like. Very quickly into my Gonzaga experience I realized that I would need to apply myself more if I wanted to go to a good college. Gonzaga helped me with that and I improved as a student. The athletics are very competitive, and when I was cut from my sport, I just joined another. It has helped me have new experiences.My second, and final complaint is the strictness and severity of punishments. Student services can be very "over the top" and makes examples out of student. Overall my experience has been great and the bonds I have formed have changed my life.... Read 94 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 960

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Vienna, VA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  128 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 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 298

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  441 reviews

Senior: B-CC is a pretty above average school I’d say. My time here was alright, honestly. I enjoyed the amount of activities here, honestly there’s something for everyone and I find that pretty nice! Academics are pretty good and rigorous however I think the culture here can get a bit stressful for any student who cares about going to college. From my personal experience, I found it hard to connect with some of my wealthier peers, many here come from families who have enough money to not have to worry about the price of anything really. Teachers were definitely my favorite part of the whole experience next to the amount of things you can get involved in.... Read 441 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,257

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• District of Columbia Public Schools, DC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  414 reviews

Junior: The teachers are very kind and supportive. I've always felt challenged and I'm always learning. However, we have VERY limited facilities (no gym, cafeteria, stage, studio space, field space), so for clubs/sports that don't have outside connections, rehearsing is very challenging!... Read 414 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 591

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  106 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 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  46 reviews

Works Here: As someone who has worked here for many years and has witnessed the transition to a new head of school, I grateful to be part of this school. Field has stayed true to its mission of knowing every student and has stayed committed to its core values through the years. We have shifted to more Project Based Learning which has enhanced, even more so than before, the skills of collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking. With support from teachers, coaches and advisors, students continue to grow in their academic independence and as self-advocates. I am also thrilled that we are able to continue our 2-week internship program, now Winter Intersession, which has expanded even more to intensive on-campus programming. There is a lot to be excited about at Field!... Read 46 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 350

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1