Private Schools in Washington DC

Sidwell Friends School (Quaker, K–12, Ward 3) is the most widely recognized #1 private school in Washington DC — best known nationally as the school both Obama daughters attended. Georgetown Day School (GDS), Maret School, National Cathedral School (NCS) and St. Albans School are routinely cited in the same top tier. Rankings depend on metric (selectivity, college matriculation, endowment), so check each school directly.

A representative top-10 private school list for Washington DC: 1) Sidwell Friends School, 2) Georgetown Day School (GDS), 3) National Cathedral School (NCS, girls), 4) St. Albans School (boys), 5) Maret School, 6) Holton-Arms (girls, just outside DC), 7) Gonzaga College High School (Catholic, boys), 8) Georgetown Preparatory School (Jesuit, boys, just outside DC), 9) Edmund Burke School, 10) Washington International School (IB). Catholic and parochial options like Archbishop Carroll, St. John's College High School and Holy Trinity round out the field. Tuition typically ranges $35K–$55K for independent, $10K–$20K for Catholic.

DCSchools.com lists 91 private schools across the District of Columbia — 51 independent (non-religious) schools, 34 parochial schools, 3 Catholic schools, and 3 Episcopal schools.

No. The DC school lottery is for DCPS public schools and public charter schools only. Private schools have their own application processes, deadlines, and admissions criteria. Contact each private school directly to apply.

Most private schools in DC open applications in September or October for the following school year, with deadlines in December or January. Priority deadlines for need-based financial aid often fall earlier than general admission deadlines.

Tuition at DC private schools varies widely. Independent K–12 schools typically range from $35,000 to $55,000 per year. Catholic and parochial schools are usually $10,000 to $20,000. Most schools offer need-based financial aid.

Ward 3 has the highest concentration of private schools (30 schools), covering neighborhoods like Cleveland Park, Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Georgetown. Ward 2 is second with 15 schools.

Yes. The Kids Ride Free program covers all DC residents ages 5–21 enrolled in any school in the District — public, charter, parochial, or private. Free Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator on school days.

Washington DC is home to several nationally recognized private schools. Top independent schools include Sidwell Friends School, Georgetown Day School (GDS), Maret School, National Cathedral School (NCS), and St. Albans School. Catholic high schools include Gonzaga College High School, Georgetown Preparatory School, and Archbishop Carroll. All have their own selective admissions processes.

Yes. Most private schools in Washington DC offer need-based financial aid. Independent schools like GDS, Sidwell, and Maret have significant endowments and can offer substantial aid packages. Catholic and parochial schools often provide lower baseline tuition and some financial assistance. Apply early — financial aid funds are limited and awards are made on a rolling basis.

Most selective independent private schools in DC require entrance assessments. Lower school (K–5) applicants typically take the WPPSI or similar developmental assessment. Middle and high school applicants usually take the ISEE or SSAT. Some schools use proprietary assessments. Catholic schools typically have their own placement tests. Check each school's admissions page for specific requirements.

Independent private schools are non-religious, governed by their own boards, and typically the most expensive. Catholic schools are operated by the Archdiocese of Washington or a religious order and usually less expensive. Parochial schools are affiliated with a local parish congregation (any denomination). Episcopal schools in DC are affiliated with the Episcopal Church and include National Cathedral School and St. Albans.

Ward 3 has the highest concentration of private schools in DC, with about 30 schools in neighborhoods like Cleveland Park, Tenleytown, Georgetown, and Chevy Chase. Ward 2 includes Georgetown and Dupont Circle schools. Ward 4 and Ward 5 have fewer private schools but several parochial options near Catholic parishes.