Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

“Be who you are and be that well”

At a Glance

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School is an all-girls Catholic high school serving grades 9-12 in Ward 2. Founded in 1799, it stands as one of the oldest girls' schools in the United States, operating in the Salesian tradition with a mission to educate young women of faith, vision, and purpose. Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Northwest DC, the school combines more than two centuries of educational heritage with a contemporary approach to college preparatory learning.

As a parochial institution, Georgetown Visitation draws families seeking a faith-based, single-gender educational environment for their high school daughters. The four-year high school structure means families typically look to Visitation as students complete eighth grade, and students remain through graduation, building a tight-knit community across all four years of secondary education.

What Parents Should Know

Georgetown Visitation operates as a private Catholic school, which means it follows an independent admissions process rather than the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment will work directly with the school's admissions office, and should expect an application process that typically includes submission of academic records, recommendations, and campus visits. As a parochial school, there is tuition, though many Catholic schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

The all-girls model is central to the school's educational philosophy. Research on single-gender education suggests benefits including increased participation in STEM fields, leadership development, and academic confidence, and families considering Visitation should understand this is a defining characteristic of the school environment. Students will spend their entire high school experience in an environment specifically designed for young women's learning and development.

The Georgetown location places students in one of DC's most historic and walkable neighborhoods, with proximity to public transportation, cultural institutions, and the Georgetown University campus. Families should consider commute logistics, as Georgetown is not served by Metro rail, though multiple bus lines serve the area. The neighborhood setting provides both a contained campus feel and access to the broader resources of Northwest Washington.

The school's Salesian tradition, rooted in the teachings of Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal, emphasizes a spirituality of gentleness, hospitality, and community. This means Catholic faith formation is woven throughout the educational experience, including theology courses, retreats, service opportunities, and daily expressions of faith life.

Programs and Approach

As a college preparatory high school, Georgetown Visitation provides a rigorous academic program designed to prepare students for higher education. The four-year structure allows for developmental progression, with students typically engaging in foundational coursework in ninth and tenth grades before advancing to more specialized study in junior and senior years. The Catholic identity means religious studies are part of the core curriculum, alongside traditional college prep subjects.

Beyond academics, Catholic schools traditionally emphasize service learning and community engagement as expressions of faith in action. Campus life at an all-girls school often includes robust athletics, arts, and extracurricular programming without the social dynamics of co-educational settings. The relatively small size of a grades 9-12 high school compared to larger institutions can mean students have opportunities for leadership, team participation, and relationship-building across all four grade levels.

Parents exploring Georgetown Visitation should contact the school directly to learn about specific program offerings, the admissions timeline, tuition and financial aid, and opportunities to visit campus and meet the community. The school's website provides detailed information about the application process, academic expectations, and the daily life of students.

Visiting and Contact

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School is located at 1524 35th Street NW in the Georgetown neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit https://www.visi.org or call (202) 337-3350 for current information and next steps.