Catholic Schools in Washington, DC
By Niels Baardseth · Updated May 2026
Quick answer
Washington DC has 37 Catholic and parochial schools serving K–12. Top high schools: Gonzaga College High School (Jesuit, all-boys, Ward 6), Georgetown Visitation Preparatory (all-girls, Ward 2, est. 1799), Archbishop Carroll High School (co-ed, Ward 5). Top middle school: St. Anselm's Abbey School (Benedictine, all-boys, grades 6–12, Ward 5). Elementary tuition ~$9K–$14K, high school $20K–$36K. All offer need-based financial aid. No central lottery — apply directly to each school.
37 Catholic and parochial schools across Washington DC — Jesuit, Benedictine, and Archdiocesan parish schools serving K–12.
Looking for the best Catholic schools in Washington DC for 2026–27? Catholic education in DC spans three major high schools (Gonzaga, Carroll, Visitation), the Benedictine St. Anselm's Abbey School, and roughly 25 parish elementary and middle schools across the District. Each school manages its own admissions — there is no central lottery like for charter schools. Apply directly via each school's admissions office.
All Catholic schools in DC
Top Catholic high schools in DC
- Gonzaga College High School — Jesuit, all-boys, Ward 6 (NoMa). Est. 1821. Leading Catholic boys' school in DC. Tuition ~$32K with significant aid.
- Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School — All-girls, Ward 2 (Georgetown). Est. 1799 — oldest Catholic girls' school in original 13 colonies. Tuition ~$36K.
- Archbishop Carroll High School — Co-ed, Ward 5 (Brookland). Archdiocesan school with diverse student body. Tuition ~$20K (most affordable Catholic high school in DC).
- St. Anselm's Abbey School — Benedictine, all-boys, grades 6–12, Ward 5. Small, academically rigorous monastery school.
- Georgetown Preparatory School — Jesuit, all-boys, Bethesda MD (not DC). Most prestigious Catholic school in DMV but technically Maryland.
Catholic school tuition in DC (2025–26)
- Parish elementary (K–8): $9,000–$14,000/year. Parishioners often get reduced rate.
- Gonzaga (9–12): ~$32,000/year. Significant need-based aid available.
- Archbishop Carroll (9–12): ~$20,000/year. Most affordable DC Catholic high school.
- Georgetown Visitation (9–12): ~$36,000/year. Aid available.
- St. Anselm's Abbey (6–12): ~$36,000/year.
- Financial aid: All Catholic schools process aid via FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment plus the Archdiocese of Washington Tuition Assistance Program.
Application timeline for 2026–27
- September 2026: Applications open at most Catholic schools.
- October–November 2026: Open houses and shadow days.
- December 2026: HSPT (High School Placement Test) for incoming 9th graders.
- January–February 2027: Application deadlines (varies by school).
- February 2027: FACTS financial aid application deadline.
- March–April 2027: Admissions decisions released. Enrollment deposits due.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Catholic school in Washington DC?
Gonzaga College High School (Ward 6, all-boys, Jesuit) is widely considered the top Catholic high school in DC by college matriculation and selectivity. Georgetown Preparatory School (Bethesda, Jesuit) is the most prestigious Catholic school in the DMV but located in Maryland. Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School (Ward 2, all-girls) leads among Catholic girls schools. National Cathedral School and Sidwell Friends are competitive non-Catholic alternatives.
How many Catholic schools are in Washington DC?
DCSchools.com lists approximately 30 Catholic and parochial schools in Washington DC, spanning K–12. This includes 3 major Catholic high schools (Gonzaga, Archbishop Carroll, Georgetown Visitation), 1 Benedictine abbey school (St. Anselm's Abbey, all-boys 6–12), plus around 25 parochial elementary and middle schools serving K–8.
How much does Catholic school cost in DC?
Catholic elementary tuition in DC typically ranges from $9,000–$14,000 per year. Catholic high school tuition ranges from $25,000–$36,000 (Gonzaga $32K, Carroll $20K, Visitation $36K in 2025–26). All offer need-based financial aid through the Archdiocese of Washington and FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment.
What Catholic high schools are in Washington DC?
Three Catholic high schools operate inside the District boundary: Gonzaga College High School (all-boys, Jesuit, Ward 6, est. 1821), Archbishop Carroll High School (co-ed, Ward 5), and Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School (all-girls, Ward 2, est. 1799 — oldest Catholic girls' school in original 13 colonies). Georgetown Preparatory School and Bullis are in nearby Maryland.
Is Gonzaga the best Catholic school in DC?
Gonzaga College High School is the leading Catholic boys' school in the District proper. It has the strongest Jesuit academic reputation in DC, sends large cohorts to top universities, and offers significant tuition assistance. Georgetown Prep in Maryland is more selective but is technically a DMV school, not DC.
Do Catholic schools in DC accept non-Catholic students?
Yes. All Catholic schools in DC accept non-Catholic students. Some schools give admission priority to parishioners or Catholics, but all welcome students of any faith. Religious instruction (theology, sacrament prep) is part of the curriculum for all enrolled students.
How do I apply to Catholic school in DC?
Each Catholic school manages its own admissions — there is no central lottery. Most schools open applications in September with deadlines in December–February. High schools typically require the HSPT (Catholic equivalent of SSAT). Tuition assistance is processed via FACTS or the Archdiocese of Washington Tuition Assistance Program. Apply early as both seats and aid are competitive.
Are there Catholic elementary schools in every DC ward?
Most DC wards have at least one parish-affiliated elementary school. Higher concentration in Wards 2, 3, and 4 (St. Ann, Annunciation, Blessed Sacrament). Wards 7 and 8 have fewer Catholic options due to demographic shifts. Many DC parish schools have closed since 2008; current operating schools are listed in the directory below.