Top 10 Prestigious Private Schools in Washington, D.C. for 2024

Washington, D.C., is famous for having a diverse academic environment, especially in private schooling. There being so many choices available nowadays, families tend to look for institutions that offer not only education for the mind but also for the heart and character as well as to equip students to face the relevant real-life challenges. Here, I will showcase the detailed guide of the 10 best private schools in Washington DC for the year 2024 along with their specialty and features.

Gonzaga College High School

• Location: 19 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001
• Grades: 9-12
• Enrollment: Approximately 960 students
• Tuition: $21,500

Formally established in 1821, Gonzaga College High School is among the oldest and best-performing Catholic institutions in the United States of America. Gonzaga is situated in the center of the nation’s capital offering college prep education with a focus on Jesuit principles. The school’s mission focuses on academics, leadership, and community service. Being involved in numerous co-curriculum activities in addition to having a well-developed athletics department, Gonzaga trains its students for success and productivity. Admissions common necessities include: transcripts, standard achievement tests, a recommendation from a math and English teacher, and an interview.

Sidwell Friends School

• Location: 3825 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
• Grades: Pre-K-12
• Enrollment: Approximately 1,145 students
• Tuition: $55,140 (high school)

Sidwell Friends School is a Quaker school established in 1883 and received nationwide fame for its academic center and social justice. For all levels of education, Sidwell has provided quality learning facilities, offering Advanced Placement classes, arts as well as athletics. As for famous former students, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, and Chelsea Clinton, the former First Daughter can, therefore, be listed among the leaders produced by the school. The intake procedures offered at this institution include; an application form, interviews, teacher recommendations, and tests.

National Cathedral School

• Location: 3625 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016
• Grades: 4-12 (all-girls)
• Enrollment: Approximately 587 students
• Tuition: $53,000 (high school)

The National Cathedral  School NCS girl’s school was founded in 1900 on Union Fourths Street in the District of Columbia and is nestled on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. NCS applies serious academic work with faith development as well as concern in the community. For the college preparatory program, the school has a comprehensive academic package; for co-curricular programs, it has an array of sports, arts, and leadership. Admissions procedure includes; Transcripts, recommendations as well as participation in an interview are required from any applicant.

Georgetown Day School

• Location: 4200 Davenport St NW, Washington, DC 20016
• Grades: Pre-K-12
• Enrollment: Approximately 1,075 students
• Tuition: $51,325 (high school)

Georgetown Day School (GDS), a private PK-12 presently located in Washington DC, has as a teaching pedagogy an educational philosophy that is progressive in so far as it fosters critical thinkers, who are also socially responsible. GDS was established in 1945 and admits learners between the preschool and high school levels but offers a diverse education tailored through diversity, equity, and inclusion approaches. Besides the core academic program, the school provides the best arts facility and athletes as well as an excellent athletic facility. Admissions procedure involves submitting forms, essays, personal recommendation by teachers and or parents, interviews with the admission board.

St. Albans School

• Location: 3001 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
• Grades: 4-12 (all-boys)
• Enrollment: Approximately 592 students
• Tuition: $55,000 (high school)

St. Albans School is an Episcopalian boys’ preparatory school which was established in 1909. St Albans is one of the most popular schools because of its intense level of commitment to academic programs and the student’s character. It is an AP school with numerous AP courses plus strong athletic and art programs. For any student to stand a chance in Wageningen University, he has to fill an application form and provide his/her transcripts and recommendations and interview.

Holton-Arms School

• Location: 7303 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 (just outside D.C.)
• Grades: Pre-K-12 (all-girls)
• Enrollment: Approximately 500 students
• Tuition: $52,000 (high school)

Holton-Arms School is an all-girls private school whose main campus is in Bethesda, Maryland though it is only a short drive from Washington D.C. It was founded in 1901. Holton-Arms aims at educating and molding young women by offering competitive academic programs that incorporate pre-associate, advanced placement, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school also focuses on leadership qualities besides providing an array of co-curriculum activities to create competency among students. Students have to follow an admissions form, recommendation by teachers, result of the tests and an interview.

The Potomac School

• Location: 1301 Potomac School Rd, McLean, VA 22101 (near D.C.)
• Grades: K-12
• Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students
• Tuition: $49,200 (high school)

The Potomac School is one of the oldest schools in Virginia having begun its operations in 1904, and prides itself in offering proper student development marked by academic prowess across a spectrum of classes cutting across preschool, lower, and high school. By focusing on problem-based teaching and learning throughout the program, Potomac exhibits and cultivates the habits of mind during the learning process while offering well-equipped arts and athletic facilities for good student development. Recommendations also must be submitted, and the applicants need to undergo interviews and fill in the forms.

The Field School

• Location: 2301 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Grades: 6-12
• Enrollment: Approximately 350 students
• Tuition: $50,000 (high school)

The Field School is a private, coeducational school, where classical approaches to learning are applied, and specific emphasis is placed on education through activities. The field is another private school established in 1972; the school aims at having small class sizes for the formidable teacher-student rapport while offering standard AP courses in addition to more elaborate special programs like outdoor education programs. Admission procedures include an application form with essays and Interviews.

Bishop O'Connell High School

• Location: 6600 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA 22213 (near D.C.)
• Grades: 9-12
• Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students
• Tuition: $20,500

Bishop O’Connell High School is a Catholic, college preparatory school situated in Arlington, Virginia, on the outskirts of Washington, DC With various advanced placement classes, the school’s performance is well rounded with special emphasis on athletics and service trips. The admission process also called for the submission of transcripts, scores of standard tests, and recommendations.

Washington International School

• Location: Multiple campuses in Washington D.C.
• Grades: Pre-K–12
• Enrollment: Approximately 900 students
• Tuition: $40,000 (high school)

WIS is especially appreciated for its international focus and commitment to language acquisition. WIS was started in 1966 and provides an IB program whereby students are taught academic and cultural skills in preparation for world citizenship. The school’s multicultural populace contributes to the learning process. Admissions: In this case, the requirements are submitting an application form, assessments and interviews before an individual is granted admission.

Conclusion

Selecting the most appropriate private school is a very important thing for families that want to get their child a great education in a friendly environment. All of these top 10 continuing prestigious private schools in the Washington, D.C region. have special facilities to solve the various problems of different students. All in all, the educational map of Washington, D.C. is replete with potential in the mentioned private schools – each committed to cultivating the young generation as well as setting up their success.

If you are thinking about your child joining any of these prestigious schools or on the other hand if you are planning to invest in property near these schools, you must connect with Nadia Khan at Nadia Khan Estates where she will help you find the best property according to your family’s requirements. Nadia’s know-how of the local area will be an advantage to you and your family when searching for that perfect home close to the schools of your choice.