No early decision. I agree. That being said hooks, legacies, and siblings will be priorities everywhere. I had "hooks" at 2 of the 5 schools, my kid applied to (generally regarded as two of the best in the area) and a contact at a third school which is generally considered top but second tier behind a handful of others (alumni mother was a friend of mine and her daughter was an alumni as well who pushed). Guess what we got into all 3 of those schools. The two where I had no contacts or hook we got one WL and one decline.

I would suggest hiring a local consultant who is familiar with the schools and the ADs. They will be very helpful in this process. It's expensive but it's better than throwing darts in the dark.

Not like college. No early action/early decision. Siblings at schools may have an edge depending on the school. You won't know that going in. Alumni kids will also have an edge.

Depending on the year, there can be less spots due to siblings/alumni kids. Other years more open.

We're applying next year for our first child into HS. We're not from the area originally, so we have no legacy hook. Do most DC private HS's have early decision or action for legacies and siblings? Wondering how many spots in the incoming class are truly open versus already allocated to someone.