Where to start research on privates near NW DC for middle/high schooler?
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Anonymous
Respectfully, see them as back ups. They’re nice schools. But if you can get into a 6-12 and it’s a great fit, and you stay for high school, you will be so happy that you’re not making applications again and keeping your fingers crossed for admissions in the highly competitive 9th grade. |
Anonymous
| GDS sounds like a good fit |
Anonymous
| Please look into Sheridan. Their placement for 9th is excellent and school is so warm. |
Anonymous
Not with the stats OP mentioned. 25% student will not get in there without a substanial hook. More likely admits: Bullis, St. Andrews, Burke, and Field. |
Anonymous
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I value convenience over a ton of things…you should consider Maret which is just a quick shot across the park.
Lowell is somewhat of a quick shot up 16th. WIS is also convenient to Mt Pleasant. Sounds like NCS isn’t a fit. |
Anonymous
Definitely not! |
Anonymous
Kid who is at 25% in a public school is not getting into Maret. |
Anonymous
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Edmund Burke School sounds like a potentially great fit. It’s grade 6-12 so most kids enter in 6th or 9th (they expand class size from middle to high school). It’s a wonderful, welcoming community where teachers really nurture and challenge students. Lots of individualized and personalized attention.
I agree about planning to attend open houses in the fall. Most are in Sept/Oct and then you’d apply in the fall and winter if looking to start private school in fall 2026. |
Anonymous
PP’s post makes it sound like kid is at 25%, but OP actually said TOP 25%, just not top 10%. |
Anonymous
No kidding. Duh. Student who is only at " top 25% is not getting into Maret, GDS or any top tier private here in DC without some special hook. |
Anonymous
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Burke and Field both sound like excellent target schools. They get lumped together because they’re both in the District and serve grades 6-12. They’re both known to be warm, inclusive, and supportive of imperfect students. But I’ve heard that in terms of curriculum and educational style they can be quite different. Burke is probably closer to you and provides that city vibe. I’m not sure if I’ve ever read anything critical about the school on this forum. Field has more students. It’s a very nice campus, and they’ve been investing in substantive renovations and new building projects. They seem to open eyes each year with the great outcomes of their college admissions. There might be some other great schools that others have recommended. Check them out and make applications because you need options if things don’t go as expected. Explore GDS and Maret, even though they might be too rigorous and high pressure. Going to their open houses gives you some comparison as to what a wrong school looks like versus a right school for your kid.
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Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
Lowell is in the middle of a lot of turmoil and is losing a lot of teachers again this year. It will take some time to rebuild. Sheridan seems to be on a decent track at this point but still has its share of issues. In your case it isn't worth applying to a PK-8 at this point. Honestly, the parameters you laid out, you're not going to find what you're looking for in a private school around here. I'd stick with either Deal or JR! They are both great schools with dedicated teachers and a lot of support that none of the privates can or will provide. |
Anonymous
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Take a look at Templeton in downtown DC. Great if you want small class sizes, excellent teachers, warm and inclusive environment, and solid academics.
It’s a SMALL school, 20-25 kids per grade, so it’s not for everyone. But it was our kid’s first choice, he clicked with the vibes, and he is enjoying it. |
Anonymous
+1. Lowell has more sections per grade level, but they are both smaller classes with warm teacher. Great options. K-8 can be wonderful for middle school, as it lets them be he big kids on campus. Burke and Field are great options for 6-12. |