Anonymous
Post 11/06/2025 21:13     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Anonymous wrote:We had planned to ride out DCPS for a few years after kindergarten and take our time deciding on private school options versus moving to the 'burbs and finding a good public school out there. Plans are changing now though after learning how much teachers are relying on the TV (heard one teacher simply threw on a few episodes of Bluey during what was supposed to be a specialty class) and seeing one of our children struggle emotionally with the loud, often chaotic environment at our neighborhood elementary. We are now thinking kindergarten may be as far as we go in DCPS. We don't make the cash for the Beauvoirs or Lowells of the world and don't really travel in the kinds of social circles I assume makes up a lot of those parental communities. We were both raised Catholic and spent significant portions of our educations in Catholic schools. So with that in mind and the generally more affordable tuition Catholic schools offer, I think we're headed that route for our children.

My spouse seems to think that the academics are comparable between DCPS and most Catholic grade schools (I disagree) but putting that to the side, we are interested in a calmer, more structured learning environment, greater focus on discipline and hard work, and better positioning for admission to competitive middle/high school later on. We live in upper NW, close to Takoma but are willing to commute a bit for the right school. Would anyone like to offer suggestions on Catholic schools that would be a step up from DCPS without looking at a $50k+ tuition?



Saint Bernadette in Four Corners is great! Hubby and I don't go to church and that's totally fine, there's no pressure. The school is diverse and there's a great focus on kindness and treating others like you want to be treated. My son is in elementary school, and so far academics are great. We tried public school in DC, but my son really benefits from a more disciplined and structured environment.
Anonymous
Post 06/03/2025 15:11     Subject: Re:K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Just want to point out that even among Catholic K-8s, tuition can vary quite a bit. For example, people have suggested Woods, which is $30k, Holy Trinity, which is $20k, and Our Lady of Victory, which is $13k.
Anonymous
Post 05/26/2025 21:58     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Anonymous wrote:holy trinity in georgetown


Holy Trinity has openings for rising 1st (this current school year, J was under enrolled for the first time in 6+ years… so at least 4 open spots for 1st).
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2025 18:05     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
I second St Bernadette’s. There are several Tacoma Park families attending. I’ve been very happy there and have students in the elementary & middle levels.
Anonymous
Post 05/24/2025 12:52     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Blessed Sacrament in Chevy Chase


All of those kids will go on to expensive private high schools.

Our lady of victory


I’m pretty sure kids from BS and kids from OLV apply to the same set of Catholic high schools.


+1
Anonymous
Post 05/24/2025 07:36     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Blessed Sacrament in Chevy Chase


All of those kids will go on to expensive private high schools.

Our lady of victory


I’m pretty sure kids from BS and kids from OLV apply to the same set of Catholic high schools.
Anonymous
Post 05/22/2025 23:47     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
OLV is great but would be a blah commute from Takoma Park. BSS or SH would be better. SBS in Silver Spring is a solid choice too.
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2025 09:28     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
You can look into Woods Academy which isn't too far away.
Anonymous
Post 05/21/2025 08:47     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Close to the MD/DC line:
Our Lady of Victory
Annunciation Church Catholic School
Little Flower School
Our Lady of Lourdes School
Anonymous
Post 05/20/2025 14:51     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I second OLV. They always have spots available.


+3


They don't have any slots of available in some grades (including middle school) but they do have spots in some of the younger grades and certainly in early childhood, which is an entry point for the school.
Anonymous
Post 05/20/2025 11:22     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
Anonymous wrote:I second OLV. They always have spots available.


+3
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 21:06     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
St Bernadette in Silver Spring is not far from Takoma - 2 classes per grade, strong academics and community.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2025 18:04     Subject: K-8 Catholic Schools in NW
I second OLV. They always have spots available.