Sheridan School

“Learning That Lasts a Lifetime”

At a Glance

Sheridan School is an independent progressive school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade in Northwest Washington DC's Ward 3. As a private K-8 institution, Sheridan follows a progressive education philosophy that centers student inquiry, critical thinking, and engagement with social justice themes. The school is known for maintaining small class sizes and fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.

Families choosing Sheridan are selecting a progressive alternative to traditional education models, with an emphasis on developing independent thinkers who are prepared for the academic and social challenges of secondary school. The school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion shapes both its community composition and its educational approach.

What Parents Should Know

As a private independent school, Sheridan operates outside the My School DC lottery system and manages its own admissions process. Families interested in enrollment will need to apply directly through the school, which typically involves submitting an application, scheduling a visit, and going through an interview process. Private school admissions in DC can be competitive, and families should plan to begin the application process well in advance of their desired enrollment date.

The K-8 grade configuration means students can remain at Sheridan for their entire elementary and middle school years, which offers continuity and the chance to build long-term relationships with peers and teachers. However, families should be prepared for a secondary school transition after eighth grade, as students will need to apply to high schools in the DC area or beyond. Many DC private elementary and middle schools have established relationships with area independent high schools, which can be helpful during the application process.

Sheridan's location in Ward 3 places it in a residential area of Northwest DC, which may influence commute considerations for families living in other parts of the city. Private school families in DC often travel across ward boundaries, so transportation planning is an important factor in school selection.

The progressive education model distinguishes Sheridan from more traditional academic approaches. Parents should understand that progressive education typically emphasizes student-centered learning, project-based work, and collaborative problem-solving rather than lecture-based instruction and standardized testing preparation. This approach resonates strongly with some families while others may prefer more conventional educational structures.

Programs and Approach

Progressive education at the K-8 level focuses on developing students who are curious, engaged, and able to think critically about the world around them. This educational philosophy typically involves hands-on learning experiences, opportunities for student choice and voice in the classroom, and attention to social-emotional development alongside academic growth. The small class sizes that characterize Sheridan allow teachers to know students well and tailor instruction to individual learning styles and needs.

The school's emphasis on social justice reflects a commitment to helping students understand diverse perspectives and engage thoughtfully with issues of fairness, equity, and community responsibility. This theme often weaves through curriculum across subject areas and grade levels in progressive schools.

As an independent private school, Sheridan sets its own curriculum, calendar, and policies without oversight from DC Public Schools or the DC Public Charter School Board. Families pay tuition to attend, and many independent schools offer financial aid programs to support economic diversity within their communities.

The K-8 structure allows the school to create a cohesive educational experience across nine grade levels, with older students often serving as mentors and role models for younger ones. Middle school students in K-8 environments benefit from being the oldest students in the building while still being in a relatively nurturing, elementary-school-sized setting rather than a large high school environment.

Visiting and Contact

Sheridan School is located at 4400 36th Street NW in Northwest Washington DC. Families interested in learning more about the school's programs, community, and admissions process should visit https://www.sheridanschool.org or call (202) 362-7900 to inquire about tour opportunities and application timelines.