2023 Best NCEA Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  43 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 43 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 256

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• North Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: Steeped in tradition and academic excellence, Georgetown Prep is the best all-boys high school in the state of Maryland. From the very first visit, our son knew that he didn't want to attend any other school. We've met so many wonderful people and he's made genuine friends. We're extremely pleased with our family's decision to join the Prep community. And we're looking forward to next few years, as we watch him grow from a boy to a distinguished young man.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 496

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  136 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 136 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  117 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 117 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 500

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  96 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 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 960

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• 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

• 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

• Kensington, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  193 reviews

Senior: Going to the Academy of the Holy Cross, I’ve discovered who I am. I loved growing and learning with other young women and sharing different life/culture/ religious experiences with one another. One great memory that I have from Holy Cross is our Holy Cross days! Huge competition between all the grades from 9-12. At the end of the day we all come together as a community and close with a prayer. Even though traditions at Holy Cross do change I hope that everyone’s energy is in the same place! That is something I hope would never change. One thing I would like to see more from Holy Cross are more presentations and celebrations about people cultures. The Academy of the Holy Cross does a good job with celebrating but I hope that there is a little more effort. I love being apart of the celebration and talking about my heritage.... Read 193 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 390

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• 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+

• Students 1,250

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Chantilly, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  183 reviews

Junior: I really enjoy the overall energy of PVI. Everyone is friendly and respectful, and you just feel like you’re welcome everywhere. The classes had the perfect amount of rigor, and the teachers were always available for a chat. That’s is one thing in particular I appreciate. At my old school there was no such relationship with our teachers. Here, you can email your teachers as well as asking during or after class. This was the case for a large percent of my classes. I hope this helps anyone looking into PVI!... Read 183 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,193

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Arlington, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  228 reviews

Senior: During my time at Bishop O'Connell, my identity as a Catholic was thoroughly culminated through the frequent and active prayers, services, and activities organized by Campus Ministry. Soup drives, clothing drives, school-wide processions, as well as school-wide mass furthered the sense of community that DJO, and the Catholic faith, strive for. My time at O'Connell was also greatly characterized by the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, where I met my best friends, and where we took back-to-back Catholic State Champion titles. Our fall season was characterized by intense energy on the field and the sidelines, as well as daily practice which brought each of the girls closer together. Finally, the worst part about my four years at O'Connell was the time each class was separated into cohorts during the Covid-19 pandemic. The entirety of the year, the school was empty and cold as a result of constantly being at half capacity. However, the following year, the sense of community completely returned.... Read 228 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,155

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Potomac Shores, VA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  131 reviews

Parent: This is a school that genuinely cares about its students. Starting with the Freshman Seminar, developed by a JPG teacher to help freshmen transition into high school both academically and socially, the faculty and staff really actively care about the success of each student. The Bioethics classes, again developed by a faculty member, teaches students how to understand and process the very complicates issues they face in today's society in a way that is in line with their faith teaching but also in a real world context that allows them to productively discuss these issues with people of different faiths or even no religious beliefs. To change anybody's mind you have to be able to have a civil conversation about issues. JPG prepares its students to succeed in the real world while still being strong and faith filled examples of the Catholic faith and God's love.... Read 131 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 735

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Potomac, MD•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: We can't say enough about Holy Child. It is a joyful and challenging all girls Catholic school with a community that is truly kind and caring. It is academically challenging - offering many honors and AP classes, and is also highly individualized. The teachers truly care about and develop relationships with each girl. Teaching methodologies are derived from the latest research. The staff and community see what is special in every girl and infuse confidence that they are comfortable stretching themselves to take on leadership roles, take risks and try new things. And the girls are happy and kind.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Hyattsville, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  189 reviews

Senior: Challenged Received strong support from faculty and staff Felt safe Feel prepared for college Developed strong faith in God Experience community service Strong feeling of brotherhood... Read 189 reviews

• grade A

• Students 850

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Bladensburg, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  322 reviews

Freshman: 2021-2022 was my first year as a high schooler and I would say Elizabeth Seton High school made the transition better than I expected! I first learned about the school through a friend's older sibling. I toured the school for the first time. My first impression of the school was great and very welcoming! A few of the then seniors talked to me about the school itself and I almost instantly loved the woman-empowered environment around the school. The idea of an all-girl school at first did not thrill me but now I can definitely say it was a great decision! The school offers many inclusive clubs and sports. I joined the soccer team before the school year began and met amazing people. Even if soccer isn't your thing, they also offer basketball, swimming, and many other sports. It's not all sports based though! There is also a robotics club, book club, equestrian club, BSU, theater and so much more. Seton does a great job of being inclusive and the diversity in the school is amazing!... Read 322 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 564

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Forestville, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  349 reviews

Senior: So glad I went to school here and didn’t choose anyone else. It’s true what our alma mater says, we are not a community we’re a family. I’ve made great memories across four years and my teachers have prepared me for the next step. My only concern would be the lunch and how it has become less appetizing, however I’m sure it will change. Go Mustangs!... Read 349 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 841

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Laurel, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  157 reviews

Parent: We have been so happy with Pallotti. We switched our kids from public to private, and we are delighted we made the change. My kids transferred from a school district that is supposed to be one of the best in the country, and it fell way short of that. The students at Pallotti are very kind, and everyone has a place there. Teachers are way better than where they previously were and make learning easier. Smaller classes give my kids more attention which they like. The teachers are there to teach and keep politics out of education. There is a much more diverse student population than where we were before, which is great in many ways, in my opinion (that's how the real world is). You can tell that the faculty and staff genuinely care about their students, and I know my kids are being looked out for. But the one thing that stands out to me, my kids are so happy there and thriving! They often thank us for sending them there!... Read 157 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Takoma Park, MD•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  195 reviews

Senior: Don Bosco has been the school that really brought me into reality. I started my first day as a freshman not knowing anything but going in with confidence. When I met the faculty I told them exactly that they would know my name by heart because I was going to make an impact. Don Bosco had brought the leadership characteristics out of me whether it be academically or through extra-curricular. With rigorous courses and highly developed and trained faculty and staff, they provided courses for me that allowed me to learn and apply it to my life. They ensure their students are also prepared for the real world, having an amazing corporate work study program within the curriculum. This gives an advantage to us students because we are able to build a network beyond just their high school career. The school provides nothing but guaranteed advantage upon future life endeavors.... Read 195 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 387

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Garrett Park, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.55 out of 5  20 reviews

Parent: My children attend the elementary and pre-kindergarten programs at Holy Cross schools. The staff is warm and welcoming, knowing each child's name from the first week even with a uniform and masks on! The curriculum is rigorous yet many fun classic elementary school activities are still integrated as much as the pandemic allows. For example, the students couldn't go to the pumpkin patch, so the pumpkin patch was brought to them! We feel very fortunate to have made the switch into Holy Cross School for elementary!... Read 20 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 262

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bethesda, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.57 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: My son is in third grade at St. Bart's. We moved from an independent Catholic school and the change in his self-confidence was obvious right away. Class size is small, my son has a homeroom teacher and additional teachers for Spanish, Music, PE, library and computer lab. Although we don't need extra help in the classroom, I know resources are available for kids who have different challenges. Extracurriculars are provided through CYO or private companies and include chess, sports, science, robotics. The school body is small and teachers know all the kids by name. Recess is well supervised, and aftercare is fun. Hot lunch is catered and the caterer offers reasonably balanced meals. Uniform is easy, no jacket for the little guys in lower school! We'd love to see more after school activities being offered to the kids.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Darnestown, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  14 reviews

Parent: We have been lucky to call MoN home for the past 11 years. From competitive athletics, to ample service opportunities, to a strong arts program, there is truly something for every student — and that’s on top of the solid academic curriculum, caring faculty, and beautiful campus. In fact, there is something for every parent, too! With plenty of opportunities to volunteer and a school commitment to community building, we have made lifelong friendships and have enjoyed our time at MoN as a family. We will truly miss it!... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: Holy Trinity School is amazing! The teachers are some of the most caring people in the world, and the administration goes out of the way to make sure that the children receive the right balance of nurturing and knowledge. One of the best feelings in the world is hearing you child share openly about how much they like talking to Charlie Hennessy or hearing about listening to stories from Daniela Krum. These experiences don't just make school fun and exciting. They teach children that community matters. That is a life lesson that will be as valuable as anything that they ever learn in a book.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 333

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Springfield, VA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.91 out of 5  33 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 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 490

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Washington, DC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Our family had two children go through OLV; both of them left with high marks and were well prepared for high school. OLV students are taught to be curious, thoughtful, courteous and academically driven. It’s a small school (which slightly affects their resources) but it positively impacts the attention and care that each student receives. As a non-Catholic family, we were always impressed with how inclusive and supportive the community was. Would definitely recommend!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 224

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Waldorf, MD•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: Strongly recommend! Our child has attended since pre-K and we've had nothing but great experiences. The teachers and staff are deeply invested in students' success. Everyone at the school is kind and welcoming. We are especially proud of the culture, which embraces and promotes inclusivity and diversity. Moreover, St. Peter's School has done a great job of developing our child to be a well informed, highly engaged, and socially conscious student.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1