Parkmont School

“Small school, big impact”

At a Glance

Parkmont School is a small private school serving students in grades 6-12 in Northwest DC's Ward 4. Founded in 1972, the school maintains an intimate enrollment of approximately 65 students, allowing for highly individualized attention throughout the middle and high school years. The school emphasizes personalized learning connections and immersive educational experiences designed to help students discover and develop their individual strengths.

Located on 16th Street NW, Parkmont offers families an alternative approach to secondary education with a focus on preparing students for both college and career pathways through dynamic teaching methods and close mentoring relationships.

What Parents Should Know

As a private school, Parkmont operates independently of the DC public and charter systems, meaning families apply directly to the school rather than through the My School DC lottery. Parents interested in enrollment should contact the school to learn about application timelines, admission requirements, and availability for their student's grade level.

The school's 6-12 grade configuration means students can potentially remain in one school community throughout their entire secondary education journey, from middle school entry through high school graduation. This continuity can benefit students who thrive with consistent relationships and a familiar environment, though families should consider whether their student would prefer the fresh start that comes with transitioning to a new high school after eighth grade.

With just 65 students total across seven grade levels, Parkmont's small size translates to very small class sizes and close student-teacher relationships. This environment may be ideal for students who need more individualized attention, prefer discussion-based learning over large lectures, or have not thrived in larger school settings. However, families should also consider whether their student would miss the wider range of peers, activities, and course options typically available at larger schools.

The school's longevity—operating continuously since 1972—demonstrates stability and an established track record serving DC families. The emphasis on helping students develop confidence in their abilities and interests suggests an approach that may particularly suit learners who benefit from encouragement and personalized support as they prepare for their next educational chapter.

Programs and Approach

Private schools in DC offer families alternatives to the traditional public school model, with independent curricula, teaching philosophies, and school cultures. Parkmont describes its educational approach as centered on individualized connection and immersive learning, suggesting hands-on experiences and strong mentoring relationships between faculty and students.

The school's focus on helping students identify and build on their gifts and interests indicates a student-centered philosophy where learning may be tailored to individual strengths rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This type of environment often appeals to families seeking more flexibility or personalization than they've found elsewhere, or whose students learn best when engaged through their own interests and curiosity.

As a private institution, Parkmont operates with its own academic calendar, policies, and tuition structure. Families considering private school education should inquire directly about costs, financial aid availability, and what's included in tuition. Private schools manage their own admissions processes and timelines, which may differ significantly from DC's public and charter school lottery calendar.

The school's stated mission of preparing students for both higher education and the workplace suggests attention to college readiness alongside practical skill development. Families should ask about college counseling resources, the school's track record with college placement, and how the curriculum prepares students for standardized tests and college applications.

Visiting and Contact

Parkmont School is located at 4842 16th Street NW in Ward 4. Families interested in learning more about the school's approach, touring the facilities, or beginning the application process should visit https://www.parkmont.org or call (202) 726-0740 for current information and to schedule a visit.