2023 Most Diverse Private High Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Dulles, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: We have been parents here at Fairfax Christian for the past three years. We now have a child in each level of the school, lower, middle and high school. The school kept our children safe and in school during the tumultuous time of the pandemic and we will be forever grateful. We have been blessed with teachers who are attentive and care about the character and education of our children. The challenging curriculum, diverse student population and a Christian education will keep our family at Fairfax Christian.... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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+

• grade A+

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Spencerville, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  63 reviews

Alum: As a student at Spencerville Adventist Academy, I have experienced numerous benefits including: small class sizes allowing for personalized attention, a focus on spiritual development, a wide range of extracurricular activities, opportunities for service and leadership, a strong sense of community, global awareness and cultural understanding, and a strong academic program that prepares students well for college. The teachers are dedicated and passionate about their subjects and provide the support and guidance necessary for students' academic success.... Read 63 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 381

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Gaithersburg, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  57 reviews

Senior: What made my school positively stand out from others were the teachers and environment. Everyone in general was very kind, especially since respecting and uplifting others was part of the honor policy. The teachers at my school genuinely cared about the students. Not only did they care about the student's academic performance, but for their physical/mental health as well. Every teacher I interacted with would gladly take time out of their day to help me with school work outside of class, or simply ask me how my day was. That's why students and teachers at my school have great relationships and even can be considered friends. AP art is the best!... Read 57 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 436

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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+

• grade A+

• Students 1,149

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Silver Spring, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: The Barrie School is a very diverse high school in terms of the student population. The diversity between faculty and administration is definitely lacking. Since the staff is not very diverse students of color often experience many microaggressions. The school's academics are solid because they have a creative curriculum that uses a project-based learning approach. The student-to-teacher ratio is quite small which allows students to truly get one-on-one attention if they need it. Since the student body is so small the school is not great for socializing and activities. In terms of college prep, they have a specific college counselor that helps students with the college process throughout their high school career. The school offers a program called "extended study week" where students can travel locally or abroad and learn about different topics.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 364

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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+

• grade A+

• Students 676

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Chevy Chase, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  18 reviews

Alum: As a child of international parents moved from school to school, I found Oneness-Family School to be a warm, caring community, where I could explore my passions and interests, engage with my peers on creative projects, learn at my own pace, and enjoy a range of activities, including art, music, yoga, camping, and especially musical theater! At Oneness-Family School, social and emotional learning is taught alongside a challenging academic curriculum. I so much value the "soft skills" and values I learned there. Additionally, I felt heard, cared for and respected by all my teachers, and am still in touch with many today!... Read 18 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade A+

• Students 141

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Herndon, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: Temple Baptist School is a great place foe your children to grow academically and spiritually. the academics at Temple are outstanding. Students who go to this school will be challenged with the rigorous courses and schedules. Students who go to Temple do exceptionally well on standardized tests and do well when in college. Temple is also a great place for your children to grow spiritually. The teachers care about the students we being! Also the weekly chapel meetings are a great way for students to stay focused on their faith. Temple also has Bible class every morning, and teachers start every class with word of prayer. I believe that Temple Baptist School is a great place for students to excel in life!... Read 13 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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+

• grade A+

• Students 1,255

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Herndon, VA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.92 out of 5  24 reviews

Senior: When I was younger, school was a source of confidence. I felt like I was good at it and could end the day feeling accomplished. As I got older, that changed. School became frustrating. It began to make me feel badly about myself. This was so discouraging and degrading. I started not wanting to go to school, not wanting to even try. My sophomore year I knew things had to change if I wanted to have a good future and go to a good college. We found Cortona Academy and, honestly, my life changed! Cortona Academy made me feel good about learning again and helped build-up my confidence. They made school less frustrating, making sure I understood something before moving on, making certain I had a strong foundation and could successfully tackle any subject put in my path. Cortona Academy helped bring up my GPA and, most importantly, helped me feel ready for college. I no longer feel discouraged; I no longer feel like I can't. Cortona Academy has shown me that I “can,” no matter what.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Mclean, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  100 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 100 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 343

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Olney, MD•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: Washington Christian Academy is more than a Christian private school. It is a community of like minded parents, faculty, and staff who create an environment for the children to thrive - academically and extracurricularly. My son was able to try new sports and get extra resource support. He became part of a tight knit group of friends who got together regularly outside of school during the year and in the summertime. I was supported by other parents in many ways - carpooling, discussing school and family issues. I wouldn’t trade everything being a part of the WCA family has meant to our family!... Read 24 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Students 290

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  49 reviews

Alum: I went to Maret and was transformed by my experience. Maret's participation in the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) program was particularly helpful in preparing me for college. MSON classes are structured like college courses and offered on a semester basis. Topics I took ranges from Genetics and Genomics to Quantum Physics and the Psychology of Popular Culture. I also went on to compete athletically in college, and would not have been able to without the resources and training available through the school. While I had my own social and learning difficulties my freshman and sophomore years, with hindsight I can see that the Maret community built me up, and is a large part of the reason I am an honors student at a top university now.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Students 650

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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+

• grade A

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Hyattsville, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  188 reviews

Parent: DeMatha is an amazing multicultural institution that stimulates boys academically and socially. It creates gentlemen and scholars, because the employees are great role models. During the 2021-22 academic year, I watched DeMatha students, faculty, and staff embrace and encourage my little introvert, to come out of his shell. Amazingly, the learning environment empassioned him to ask for academic support, when needed. Before DeMatha, he experienced little to no cultural diversity. Now, he is eager to meet with teachers and classmates before, during, and school. In addition, he is in position to build positive cultural bonds with that will last forever. Third, he found a second family as a member of the athletic program. Forth, he is enthusiastic about classes like Band, World of War, Photography, Sports Medicine, etc. Next, he loves the variety of food offered at lunch and I like the prices. Most importantly, I know he will receive an awesome education on a safe college-like campus.... Read 188 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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+

• grade A

• Students 707

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• College Park, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  55 reviews

Alum: I've spent all of my formative years at Al-Huda School, and it is one of my most memorable experience by far. The school is a welcoming facility where they encourage all of the students to abide by the Quran and the Sunnah, which is exemplified by the excellent role models in the teachers, faculty, and staff. The smaller teacher to student ratio is ideal for learning and quality of attention provided to each students. In terms of education, I definitely never felt like the students fell behind, especially in high school. Although the offerings of secular courses are slightly more limited than other schools in the area, I formed a strong understanding of the core courses that matter most when applying to college (AP Biology, AP Calc AB, AP Government, AP Language). There is a particular emphasis on STEM, which was highly helpful when I continued my post secondary school journey into college.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 531

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• College Park, MD•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 32

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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+

• grade A

• Students 1,075

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Triangle, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: Calvary has small class sizes which facilitates highly personalized, individualized instruction. The teachers and administration is very communicative with parents and strives to be inclusive. Safety is of utmost concern. I have picked up in different vehicles, unfamiliar to the staff, twice and both times my presence on school grounds was investigated immediately (in a very friendly way) by the staff who met me in the parking lot before even made it to the building. I know my children are safe and well taken care of there! The classrooms are clean, filled with appropriate learning materials and the walls and hallways are covered with projects and artwork the children have completed. What was most striking to me when I first visited was how happy, cheerful and outgoing the students were. On my tour, the children stopped on the playground to wave and welcome my family.... Read 14 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade A

• Students 70

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Fairfax Station, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: It’s the right place for my children. They have been there since kindergarten and now my oldest is a senior. High quality education that uses the Abeka and BJU curriculums. Teachers have their educational degree and are committed to teach and mentor the students. Every year they incorporate new experiences to the students. Despite Covid-19, the school was able to provide in person schooling very early and implement safety protocols without issues or need to closed again. It’s a school that seek to provide a Biblical world view for students to grow in their faith and relationship with God. I’m very thankful for the administration and staffs and for the support we have received in multiple challenges throughout these 12 years. It’s the right and safe place for children to study in this crazy world!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Students 225

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Chevy Chase, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: I’ve loved my time at SJC! It took a little bit of time to get used to as a freshman because of how technologically dependent the school is. Most, if not all, work is done on the IPad which is great for so many reasons. The student life is amazing and staff want to see you succeed. However, some of the older teachers tend to get stuck in their ways of teaching and need to modernize their methods. Overall, SJC is a great environment for high schoolers, especially those athletically and academically driven.... Read 258 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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+

• grade A

• Students 1,145

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• White Plains, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  36 reviews

Junior: Great teachers and staff! Love going to family events and seeing kids of all ages. I enjoy seeing old friends and teachers fellowship together for the glory of the Lord. SMCA also provides great opportunities for their students in different areas like the Math Olympics, leadership conferences, and college fair opportunities.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Students 398

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1