1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Private Schools

Washington, DC Area Schools

As you begin your search for the right school for your child, look at as many schools as you can. Make a list of all the schools which interest you. Once you have done that, you can begin to shorten the list and visit the schools which seem to be the best match.
Academy of the Holy Cross, Kensington, MD
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Academy of the Holy Cross gives young women a unique and enriching high school experience which lays the foundations for life. The Academy was founded in 1868.
Alexandria Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Alexandria Country Day School teaches an enriched preparatory curriculum in a community which prizes diversity and self-discipline.
Annunciation Catholic School, NW
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Annunciation Catholic School educates the whole child spiritually, academically, physically, and socially in a caring, intimate environment that embraces diversity.
Archbishop Carroll High School, Northeast
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 8-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Archbishop Carroll High School provides a variety of college preparatory courses designed to expand students' thinking and develop the skills necessary to succeed at college level studies. The school was founded in 1951.
Ascension Lutheran School, Landover Hills, MD
Religious affiliation: Lutheran
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Ascension Lutheran School offers an enriched academic curriculum which stimulates and develops young minds in their formative, early years. ALS is accredited by the Middle States Commission of Elementary Schools and National Lutheran Schools Accreditation.
Assumption Catholic School, SE
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Assumption Catholic School combines traditional Catholic teachings with solid academics to stimulate and inspire young minds in their formative years.
The Barrie School, Silver Spring, MD
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Barrie School is dedicated to the development of creative thinking, independent learning and problem-solving skills according to the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori in the lower school. It uses a traditional approach in the middle and upper school.
Beauvoir The National Cathedral Elementary School
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: PK-3
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Beauvoir is part of the National Cathedral Schools. It offers an enriched academic curriculum which stimulates and develops young minds in their formative, early years.
Bishop Ireton High School, Alexandria, VA
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Bishop Ireton High School is operated by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Religious Congregation. The school offers a structured and challenging environment that encourages spiritual, moral, academic and social growth.
Bishop McNamara High School, Forestville, MD
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Bishop McNamara High School gives young people a unique and enriching high school experience which lays the foundations for life.
Bishop O'Connell High School, Arlington, VA
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Bishop O'Connell High School provides a variety of college preparatory courses designed to expand students' thinking and develop the skills necessary to succeed at college level studies.
Blessed Sacrament School, Northwest
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Blessed Sacrament School combines traditional Catholic teachings with solid academics to stimulate and inspire young minds in their formative years.
Browne Academy, Alexandria, VA
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Browne Academy teaches an enriched preparatory curriculum in a community which prizes diversity and self-discipline.
Burgundy Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Burgundy Country Day School educates the whole child spiritually, academically, physically, and socially in a caring, intimate environment that embraces diversity.
Capitol Hill Day School, Washington
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Capitol Hill Day School was founded in 1969. It is located in the Dent Building. The city is its campus. This is a school which teaches an enriched preparatory curriculum in a community which prizes diversity and self-discipline.
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Rockville, MD
Religious affiliation: Jewish
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School combines traditional Jewish teachings with solid academics to stimulate and inspire young minds in their formative years.
Christ Episcopal School, Rockville, MD
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: PK-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Christ Episcopal School cultivates the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, creative and physical development of its students. Small class sizes, strong academics and well-rounded curriculum are the essence of this small Episcopal school.
Concord Hill School, Chevy Chase, MD
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-3
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Concord Hill School is dedicated to the development of creative thinking, independent learning and problem-solving skills.
The Congressional Schools of Virginia, Falls Church, VA
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Congressional Schools prepare children to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities they will face as global citizens by teaching an innovative and accelerated curriculum.
Connelly School of the Holy Child, Chevy Chase, MD
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 6-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Connelly School of the Holy Child provides the guidance a Catholic student needs in the formative years to incorporate the teachings of moral and spiritual values of the Catholic Church in an intellectual, social and emotional environment.
Deutsche Shule Washington, Potomac
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Deutsche Shule Washington offers a structured and challenging environment that encourages spiritual, moral, academic and social growth. The school follows the German education diploma program.
Devereux Children's Center of Washington, DC
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-6
School Type: Coeducational, boarding/day school
Comments: Devereux Children's Center of Washington is part of the Devereux network of schools specializing in special needs education.
Edmund Burke School, Northwest
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Edmund Burke School teaches an enriched preparatory curriculum in a community which prizes diversity and self-discipline. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary School.
Elizabeth Seton High School, Bladensburg, MD
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Girls, day school
Comments: Elizabeth Seton High School gives young women a unique and enriching high school experience which lays the foundations for life.
Episcopal High School, Alexandria, VA
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Coeducational, boarding/day school
Comments: Episcopal High School teaches an enriched preparatory curriculum in a community which prizes diversity and self-discipline. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Evergreen School, Kensington, MD
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-6
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Evergreen School is dedicated to the development of creative thinking, independent learning and problem-solving skills according to the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori.
The Field School, Northwest
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: 7-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: The Field School is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults. The school does not offer AP courses preferring instead to encourage its students with a traditional curriculum of discovery and intellectual enrichment.
Flint Hill School, Oakton, VA
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Flint Hill School provides a variety of college preparatory courses designed to expand students' thinking and develop the skills necessary to succeed at college level studies.
Free State Montessori School, Fork, MD
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: N-6
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Free State Montessori School teaches children in multi-age classrooms with teacher-guided learning according to the principles of Maria Montessori.
Georgetown Day School, Georgetown
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: PK-12
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Georgetown Day School embraces the progressive approach to learning. It is dedicated to providing children with the tools necessary to become lifelong learners and participating members of society.
Georgetown Preparatory School, Bethesda, MD
Religious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, boarding/day school
Comments: 70% of Georgetown Preparatory School's students are Roman Catholic. The Jesuits are renowned for their academic excellence. You can be assured that your son will receive a rigorous academic education at Georgetown Prep.
Gersher Jewish Day School of Northern Virginia, Fairfax, VA
Religious affiliation: jewish
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Gersher Jewish Day School of Northern Virginia offers an enriched academic curriculum which stimulates and develops young minds in their formative, early years.
Gonzaga College High School, Northwest
eligious affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: 9-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: Gonzaga College High School gives young men a challenging and stimulating high school experience designed to provide a solid foundation for achievements in later life. This Jesuit high school was founded in 1821.
Grace Episcopal Day School, Silver Spring, MD
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Grace Episcopal Day School combines traditional Episcopal teachings with solid academics to stimulate and inspire young minds in their formative years.
Green Acres School, Rockville, MD
Religious affiliation: Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
School Type: Coeducational, day school
Comments: Green Acres School embraces the progressive approach to learning. It offers the finest enriched learning experience for preschool and primary children.
Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA
"Green Hedges School is committed to providing a classical education to a socially and culturally diverse group of children." K-8. Coed. Day.
The Harbor School, Bethesda, MD
"For more than 25 years, The Harbor School has been offering a creative and challenging learning environment for young children, while seeking to build independent thinkers, cooperative learners, and most importantly, a thoughtful, caring classroom community."
Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Northwest
"Holy Redeemer School is coeducational and is dedicated to the development of the spiritual, moral, intellectual, and physical capabilities of it's students."
Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School, Bowie, MD
"As a kindergarten through eighth grade school, Holy Trinity has the capacity to serve 360 students."
Holy Trinity School, Georgetown
"Holy Trinity accepts children of all races, cultures, nationalities, and religions. We offer a program for three-year olds (Nursery) and we continue though grade 8; although we are not strictly a neighborhood school, our students live in various neighborhoods in Washington, DC or in nearby Virginia or Maryland."
Holton-Arms School, Bethesda, MD
"Dedicated to the education not only "of the mind but of the soul and spirit."
Islamic Saudi Academy, Alexandria, VA
"The Academy is an independent, non-profit educational institution, funded by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." PK-12. Coed. Day.
The Jewish Primary Day School, Silver Spring, MD
JPDS is an independent, co-educational community day school providing students with an outstanding education in both general and Judaic/Hebrew studies.
The Lab School of Washington
"Internationally recognized for its innovative programs for children and adults with learning disabilities."
Landon School, Bethesda, MD
"Landon School prepares talented boys for productive lives as accomplished, responsible, and caring men whose actions are guided by the principles of perseverance, teamwork, honor and fair play." 3-12. Boys. Day.
The Langley School, McLean, VA
"The Langley School, founded in 1942, is an independent day school for boys and girls in nursery through eighth grade."
Linton Hall School, Bristow, VA
"The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, sensitive to the local community's needs, revised the school's format in 1988. The military and boarding aspects were dropped, and the school became a K-8, coeducational day school."
The Lowell School, Northwest
"Integral to 'The Lowell Way' is our demonstrated interest in and support of a strong parent/school alliance.
The Madeira School, McLean, VA
Offers a top-notch education, extraordinary teachers, excellent facilities and programs, and a safe and happy campus. 9-12. Girls. Boarding.
Maret School, Northwest
"Maret is the only independent, coeducational day school in Washington with students in grades K-12 all on a single campus."
The McLean School of Maryland, Potomac, MD
"An independent, coeducational day school for students in grades kindergarten through grade nine."
Model Secondary School for the Deaf, Northeast
"The Model Secondary School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive day and residential four-year high school program for students from various states and United States territories."
Montessori Country School, Herndon, VA
"Montessori Country School (MCS) is a non-profit, parent owned school, operated in Herndon, Virginia, since 1971."
Muslim Community School, Potomac
"The Administration and Instructional Staff of MCS continuously work hard to develop an environment where students can acquire academic and life skills that they will find constructive, positive, and useful as they march forward in life."
National Cathedral School, Northwest
National Cathedral School is an independent, Episcopal day school for girls. 4-12. Girls. Day.
National Presbyterian School, Northwest
"Limiting enrollment to 250 boys and girls in Nursery through Grade VI, a commitment to academic excellence forms the basis for the School's educational philosophy."
Norwood School, Bethesda
"An independent, coeducational day school located on a beautiful, forty acre campus in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC." K-6. Coed. Day.
Parkmont School, Northwest
"Parkmont is an independent school in Washington, D.C. for kids looking for an alternative education--one that is more hands-on, individualistic and dynamic than more traditional schools." 6-12. Coed. Day.
The Potomac School, McLean, VA
"Potomac teachers insist upon high standards but know how to listen and how to temper discipline with affection. They are available to students--encouraging, correcting, challenging." PK-12. Coed. Day.
Saint Alban's, the National Cathedral School for Boys, Northwest
Religious affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: 4-12
School Type: Boys, day school
Comments: St. Albans School was founded in 1909. Over the past century the school has remained committed to fostering the spiritual, intellectual, artistic, and physical development of young men.
Saint Andrew's Episcopal School, Bethesda, MD
"An independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for grades six through twelve."
Saint Ann's Academy, Washington
"At St. Ann's Academy, academic excellence is emphasized and nurtured throughout the Grades."
Saint Anselm's Abbey School, Washington
"St. Anselm's Abbey School, located in Washington, D.C., is a private Catholic school for young men in grades 6 through 12."
Saint Patrick's Episcopal School, DC
"St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School educates children in Nursery through Grade 8. The active, growing, changing individuals within this diverse learning community - students, teachers, parents - recognize the infinite value of every participant as a child of God."
Saint Peter's Interparish School, Washington
"St. Peter's Interparish School is a coeducational elementary school (grades Pre-K through 8th) with a total enrollment of approximately 250 students."
Saint Stephen's & Saint Agnes School, Alexandria, VA
"St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School is a college preparatory Episcopal Church School in the Diocese of Virginia that educates boys and girls from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Sidwell Friends School, Northwest
"Coeducational program of academic rigor in a Quaker setting." PK-12. Coed. Day.
Sheridan School, Northwest
"Sheridan believes in developing the whole child. To do this, we have embraced the Responsive Classroom model. One of the main tenets of this model is that for children to feel safe, children must feel seen."
Trinity School at Meadow View, Falls Church, VA
An independent, private, coeducational school in Falls Church, Virginia. Challenging curriculum, performance-based arts. Grades 7 through 12.
Washington International School, Northwest
"Washington International School, founded in 1966, is a selective, independent co-educational, non-sectarian day school."
The Woods Academy, Bethesda
"Founded a half-century ago as the Ursuline Academy, it was re-established in 1975 as The Woods Academy, a Catholic, independent, co-educational day school. The program includes grades one through eight, as well as Montessori Preschool."

Explore Private Schools

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Private Schools
  4. U.S. Schools
  5. U.S. Schools
  6. Schools By City
  7. Washington, DC

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.