+1 to Madeira or New School. New School in particular if it isn’t too small for you.

Seems like Madeira might be the best option for what you described. Flint Hill is another good option.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just my two cents: I'd broaden your choices by looking at metro-accessible NW DC schools too. You only get the 30-minute drive outside rush hour, but GDS and Burke (for example) have that focus on progressive education/student independence, and also have bus systems (GDS has the larger one) and the metro (Burke is super close). I wouldn't do this for lower school, but when it's high school, I'd totally go further afield for the right fit.

Neither Georgetown Day nor Burke are within 30 minutes of vienna. I wouldn’t even consider those commutes from east McLean. Just trying to get over the American Legion bridge for Burke is a nightmare.

You don’t need the American Legion Bridge. There are a couple other ways to go and sounds like the kid is old enough to get on the subway.

All of the Potomac bridges are a mess. MetroRail takes quite a long time each way to/from Vienna. Short of a helicopter, anything across the Potomac River is not viable from Vienna.

Howard Gardner - not sure how that commute would be in rush hour

I think New School is your best option

Veritas is the top ranked school in Virginia.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just my two cents: I'd broaden your choices by looking at metro-accessible NW DC schools too. You only get the 30-minute drive outside rush hour, but GDS and Burke (for example) have that focus on progressive education/student independence, and also have bus systems (GDS has the larger one) and the metro (Burke is super close). I wouldn't do this for lower school, but when it's high school, I'd totally go further afield for the right fit.

Neither Georgetown Day nor Burke are within 30 minutes of vienna. I wouldn’t even consider those commutes from east McLean. Just trying to get over the American Legion bridge for Burke is a nightmare.

You don’t need the American Legion Bridge. There are a couple other ways to go and sounds like the kid is old enough to get on the subway.

Not Basis for a strong athlete

New School in Fairfax gives students a lot of freedom. Not sure that the sports would meet your needs, but definitely has the student choice/freedom you noted wanting.

Anonymous wrote:Just my two cents: I'd broaden your choices by looking at metro-accessible NW DC schools too. You only get the 30-minute drive outside rush hour, but GDS and Burke (for example) have that focus on progressive education/student independence, and also have bus systems (GDS has the larger one) and the metro (Burke is super close). I wouldn't do this for lower school, but when it's high school, I'd totally go further afield for the right fit.

Neither Georgetown Day nor Burke are within 30 minutes of vienna. I wouldn’t even consider those commutes from east McLean. Just trying to get over the American Legion bridge for Burke is a nightmare.

Madeira

Just my two cents: I'd broaden your choices by looking at metro-accessible NW DC schools too. You only get the 30-minute drive outside rush hour, but GDS and Burke (for example) have that focus on progressive education/student independence, and also have bus systems (GDS has the larger one) and the metro (Burke is super close). I wouldn't do this for lower school, but when it's high school, I'd totally go further afield for the right fit.

Too many and everyone’s response on here will be biased (and some people enjoying being mean on an anonymous forum). Start with the more well known ones within your distance requirements, and come back once you’ve narrowed down to 2 or 3 choices for more meaningful feedback. Here are the more discussed ones that you can start researching on Google or the search bar for this forum, in no particular order.

Potomac
Madeira
Basis McLean
SSSAS
Flint Hill

If you want a smaller school, it’ll be a completely different list.

Madeira, if all girls is an option. The academic structure is unique with seven five-week periods called mods. The girls have an internship in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade for one mod. My DD is there, strong athlete, literally said, "I love Madeira so much" last night when we were chatting about school. It's hard, but it's great. Check it out.

Hello! I am looking for a private high school for my daughter. She is above average student, interested in science. She is a strong athlete and is very social.
I am looking for a high school within 30 minute drive from Vienna. I am interested in "progressive" education, where children have more freedom, but will consider a good classical education system as well. Any recommendations?