2025 rankings of best private schools in the DMV

[Anonymous]

Genuine question: I always had the impression that NCS was a big three? Do I have outdated information? I haven’t paid close attention the last couple of years but I did investigate schools pretty intensely in 2019. Has it really changed that dramatically?

Also surprised to see Maret ranked so low (although I thought it was maybe overrated in 2019). My kid doesn’t go to either of these schools, and I have no particular investment in these ordering, but I am curious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here is what ChatGPT says about BIM

ChatGPT is also known to spit out inaccurate answers quite often, so you have no credibility.

[Anonymous]

Like Niche?

[Anonymous]

Precisely. Anyone looking for school guidance from Niche or ChatGPT is guilty of gross negligence as a parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question: I always had the impression that NCS was a big three? Do I have outdated information? I haven’t paid close attention the last couple of years but I did investigate schools pretty intensely in 2019. Has it really changed that dramatically?

Also surprised to see Maret ranked so low (although I thought it was maybe overrated in 2019). My kid doesn’t go to either of these schools, and I have no particular investment in these ordering, but I am curious.

Yeah that pretty outdated. The current Big 3 is BIM, Sidwell, and GDS.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Straight from their website, they admit that the "rankings may be inaccurate if Niche is supplied with inaccurate data from schools, data sources such as the US Department of Education or spam and automated 'bot' reviews." So I'm sensing it's not all or even mostly real people.

Basis has just as many reviews as Sidwell and more than GDS. Pretty good for a school that opened in 2016.

Unlike BIM parents, you don’t find Sidwell and GDS parents rushing to every other random DCUM post to shamelessly promote their Niche rankings. BIM’s desperation for attention, relevance, and respect is sad to watch.

The Sidwell parents always participate in these silly threads. They cannot resist the BIM poster. And I hope none of them ever stop because it is so entertaining to watch.

Read the bolded sentence and **try** to stay on topic, BIM Booster.

What topic? Are you saying there aren’t multiple posts from Sidwell parents on the first page of this thread?

Are you this sensitive in real life? Maybe the BIM poster really should lay off for awhile to spare your feelings.

Are you still this hurt that Sidwell rejected your mediocre, talentless children? It’s been years, Karen, let it go. 😊

Typical Sidwell parent.

DP. Sidwell kids have displayed terrible sportsmanship this fall for the 3rd year in a row. The students were yelling out obnoxious things and the coach was allowing it. We have played so many teams in league and out of league and never witnessed such overt bad sportsmanship. I have seen all I need to see. I would be horrified if my children behaved this way.

This post is extremely vague. Which fall sport are you referring to? And what obnoxious things were the Sidwell students allegedly yelling? What did the opposing team (your side) yell initially or in response?
Try to be fair and balanced and give both sides of the story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question: I always had the impression that NCS was a big three? Do I have outdated information? I haven’t paid close attention the last couple of years but I did investigate schools pretty intensely in 2019. Has it really changed that dramatically?

Also surprised to see Maret ranked so low (although I thought it was maybe overrated in 2019). My kid doesn’t go to either of these schools, and I have no particular investment in these ordering, but I am curious.

Yeah that pretty outdated. The current Big 3 is BIM, Sidwell, and GDS.

The Big 1 is Sidwell. The rest of the “Big 3” schools are debatable.

[Anonymous]

AnonymousThe current Big 3 is BIM, Sidwell, and GDS.[/quote wrote:
Completely laughable. The vast majority of parents at our school, if forced to choose, would send their kids to STA and/or NCS before BIM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question: I always had the impression that NCS was a big three? Do I have outdated information? I haven’t paid close attention the last couple of years but I did investigate schools pretty intensely in 2019. Has it really changed that dramatically?

Also surprised to see Maret ranked so low (although I thought it was maybe overrated in 2019). My kid doesn’t go to either of these schools, and I have no particular investment in these ordering, but I am curious.

Yeah that pretty outdated. The current Big 3 is BIM, Sidwell, and GDS.

The Big 1 is Sidwell. The rest of the “Big 3” schools are debatable.

A school with rolling admissions, no waiting list, and radio ads is pretty clearly not Big 3 apart from the fantasies of some parents. Just wait until application season heats up on DCUM in a few weeks; BIM won't even get mentioned.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Straight from their website, they admit that the "rankings may be inaccurate if Niche is supplied with inaccurate data from schools, data sources such as the US Department of Education or spam and automated 'bot' reviews." So I'm sensing it's not all or even mostly real people.

Basis has just as many reviews as Sidwell and more than GDS. Pretty good for a school that opened in 2016.

Unlike BIM parents, you don’t find Sidwell and GDS parents rushing to every other random DCUM post to shamelessly promote their Niche rankings. BIM’s desperation for attention, relevance, and respect is sad to watch.

The Sidwell parents always participate in these silly threads. They cannot resist the BIM poster. And I hope none of them ever stop because it is so entertaining to watch.

Read the bolded sentence and **try** to stay on topic, BIM Booster.

What topic? Are you saying there aren’t multiple posts from Sidwell parents on the first page of this thread?

Are you this sensitive in real life? Maybe the BIM poster really should lay off for awhile to spare your feelings.

Are you still this hurt that Sidwell rejected your mediocre, talentless children? It’s been years, Karen, let it go. 😊

Typical Sidwell parent.

DP. Sidwell kids have displayed terrible sportsmanship this fall for the 3rd year in a row. The students were yelling out obnoxious things and the coach was allowing it. We have played so many teams in league and out of league and never witnessed such overt bad sportsmanship. I have seen all I need to see. I would be horrified if my children behaved this way.

Give them a break. The Sadwell kids need an outlet to let go of the pain and emotional trauma of going to a school where everyone is so miserable all the time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question: I always had the impression that NCS was a big three? Do I have outdated information? I haven’t paid close attention the last couple of years but I did investigate schools pretty intensely in 2019. Has it really changed that dramatically?

Also surprised to see Maret ranked so low (although I thought it was maybe overrated in 2019). My kid doesn’t go to either of these schools, and I have no particular investment in these ordering, but I am curious.

Yeah that pretty outdated. The current Big 3 is BIM, Sidwell, and GDS.

It’s not just niche. Any site, paper, or magazine that ranks DC area schools has BIM in the top 3. People want to hate for whatever reason, but that’s what it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Genuine question: I always had the impression that NCS was a big three? Do I have outdated information? I haven’t paid close attention the last couple of years but I did investigate schools pretty intensely in 2019. Has it really changed that dramatically?

Also surprised to see Maret ranked so low (although I thought it was maybe overrated in 2019). My kid doesn’t go to either of these schools, and I have no particular investment in these ordering, but I am curious.

The Big 3 changes over time. Currently, it is Sidwell, BIM, and Madeira.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No one cares what gets posted here except triggered Sidwell parents.

Here is what ChatGPT says about BIM, which is consistent with what parents and kids say as well as the data:

BASIS Independent McLean is known for its rigorous academic program and strong emphasis on STEM education. The school often receives high marks for its curriculum, which includes advanced coursework and a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it offers a range of extracurricular activities and support for college preparation.

Parents often appreciate the school’s commitment to a well-rounded education, including arts and humanities alongside its strong math and science offerings. The faculty is typically experienced and dedicated, fostering a challenging yet supportive learning environment.

As with any school, individual experiences can vary, so it's beneficial to visit, talk to current families, and consider what aspects of education are most important for your child. Overall, BASIS Independent McLean is well-regarded in the community and often attracts families looking for a challenging and comprehensive educational experience.

Seems accurate to me.

-Big 3 parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any site, paper, or magazine that ranks DC area schools has BIM in the top 3

What "site, paper, or magazine" ranks DC area schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any site, paper, or magazine that ranks DC area schools has BIM in the top 3

What "site, paper, or magazine" ranks DC area schools?

Only Niche. BIM Boosters are also liars.