Maret School

“Try something new. Question everything.”

At a Glance

Maret School is an independent, college-preparatory day school serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade in Northwest Washington, DC. Located on Cathedral Avenue in Ward 3, the school offers a continuous educational experience spanning thirteen years, allowing students to progress from early elementary through high school graduation on a single campus. As a private institution, Maret operates independently with its own admissions process and educational philosophy centered on collaborative learning and intellectual curiosity.

The school's K-12 structure means families can potentially keep their children enrolled at the same institution throughout their entire pre-college education, creating continuity in community relationships, educational approach, and school culture from early childhood through the college application process.

What Parents Should Know

As a private school, Maret requires families to complete an independent application process rather than participating in the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Parents interested in enrollment should expect to research application deadlines, campus visit opportunities, and required materials well in advance of their desired enrollment year, as competitive independent schools typically have specific timelines for admission.

The K-12 grade configuration means students experience multiple transitions within the same school community—from lower to middle school, and from middle to upper school. This structure can offer advantages in terms of familiarity and continuity, as students remain within a known community and don't need to change schools entirely during typical transition years. However, families should consider whether they prefer this continuous model or separate institutions for elementary, middle, and high school years.

The school's location on Cathedral Avenue NW places it in the upper Northwest neighborhood of Washington, accessible to families throughout the District and potentially Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Transportation logistics will be an important consideration, as private schools don't provide the yellow bus service that DCPS offers to eligible students. Many independent school families arrange carpools, use dedicated school bus services contracted by the school, or handle drop-off and pick-up themselves.

As a college-preparatory institution, Maret's academic program is designed specifically to prepare students for four-year college admission. Families should expect a rigorous academic environment throughout all grade levels, with the elementary and middle school years building the foundation for high school coursework. The college-preparatory designation signals that the curriculum and school culture are oriented toward students planning to pursue higher education.

Programs and Approach

Maret emphasizes a partnership model between teachers and students, where learning happens through active exploration, discussion, and problem-solving rather than passive reception of information. This collaborative approach to education values student curiosity and encourages debate, creativity, and critical thinking across subject areas. The college-preparatory curriculum is designed to build skills and knowledge progressively across all thirteen grade levels.

Private school families should be prepared for tuition costs and should inquire directly with the school about financial aid availability if needed. Independent schools in Washington, DC typically offer need-based financial assistance programs, and families should not assume private education is financially out of reach without first exploring these options. Admission offices can provide specific information about the application process for financial aid alongside academic admission.

The K-12 structure means that admission processes may vary by entry point. Many independent schools have larger incoming classes at typical entry grades—often kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade—with fewer openings in other years. Families hoping to enter at less common transition points should be prepared for potentially more limited availability.

Visiting and Contact

Maret School is located at 3000 Cathedral Avenue NW in the Woodley Park area of Northwest Washington. Families interested in learning more about the school, arranging campus tours, or beginning the application process should visit https://www.maret.org or call (202) 939-8800 for current information about admissions timelines and visit opportunities.