The Woods Academy

The Woods Academy is an inclusive Catholic community preparing boys and girls to lead lives of significance. The Woods Academy is where children come to discover their talents, grow in their faith, challenge themselves, and foster a strong desire to lead lives of significance.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 319 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Woods Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
319 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
32%
State avg.: 38%
Students by Grade
The Woods Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 15
Tuition Notes
2018-2019 - Half Day Three year old - $13,270; Full Day Three year old - $17,650; Full Day Four year old - $19,440; Full Day Five year old (Kindergarten) - $22,120; Grades 1-4 - $22,120; Grades 5-8 - $23,420
Admissions Director
Molly McNamara

Sports

Total Sports Offered
9 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Robotics Teams

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Chorus, Drama, Flute Ensemble

School Notes

  • The Woods Academy is an inclusive Catholic community preparing boys and girls to lead lives of significance. Our academic program begins withPrimary Montessorifor students ages 3 6. It is a balanced and integrated curriculum in a classroom whose materials are beautiful, precise, and developmentally appropriate. Lessons are given individually. After Montessori we transition to a more "traditional" environment for our students in Grades 1 -8 that is filled with innovative and hands on opportunities; ways for children to truly understand what we are teaching. Our full time Reading Specialist and Math Resource teacher are in the classrooms working side by side with our teachers and our children, helping them develop the foundational skills they need to be successful. We prepare all students for the intellectual and social challenges at public, independent, and Catholic high schools. Our comprehensive high school placement program places nearly 100% of our students into their first choice high school. Outside of our strong academic program our children are exposed to a fine arts program, music classes that teach everythingfrom drums of the world to classical guitar, technology that includes robotics and programming and coding, physical education classes twice a week in our state of the art gym or on our playing fields, and a library that encourages everyone to pick up a book and read. We seek to provide our students with an atmosphere that develops a lifelong love of learning by exposing them to a well-rounded curriculum that will develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills, not only for school but for life. The Woods Academy is where children come to discover their talents, grow in their faith, challenge themselves, and foster a strong desire to lead lives of significance.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What sports does The Woods Academy offer?
The Woods Academy offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Tennis.
What is The Woods Academy's ranking?
The Woods Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Woods Academy?
The application deadline for The Woods Academy is Feb. 15.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (8 reviews)
5  
My husband and I chose to send our kids to The Woods because we felt it would give them a foundation of kindness and giving back, as well as a well rounded academic experience. While no school is perfect, Woods faculty and staff really do try and carry this torch every day with consistent messaging and innovative projects/ways of learning. We feel very good about our kids attending The Woods Academy. They have made amazing friends and had a blast participating in sports starting in 5th grade (in upper school). They have also been keen on technology programming. Woods has done a great job staying up to date when it comes to technology. They are even offering an AI centered class after school this spring. One negative about the school, in my opinion; is the fact that so many parents drive their kids to school from 10 to 30 minutes away, which can be a hindrance when it comes to kids socializing after school. I think this is probably true for most private schools in the area.
- Posted by
5  
During our tour at Woods two years ago, we were told they focus on the "whole child" and that has been incredibly true in our experience. Our child started in kindergarten (Montessori, at Woods) and is now in First Grade and thriving. This is such a good community for our child and our family: from general academics, to Guidance Programs, to World Language (Spanish or French beginning at K), Religion, Fine Arts, Business, Science and Technology - they really do focus on creating well-rounded children right from the beginning.We could not have asked for a more nurturing environment that encourages character development and caring for others before oneself. He feels like part of a family at Woods, and with a 15:1 teacher to student ratio, is getting the individual attention he needs to learn effectively and excel in all subjects. I highly recommend checking out the Woods to all of our friends and family in the area; there are so many private school options in this area and we feel so fortunate to have become part of the Woods community.
- Posted by
5  
Our relationship with The Woods Academy began when our children were entering the Montessori program at age three. We were looking for private school options in Montgomery County that utilized Montessori teaching methods that would stay with them as they advanced into higher grade levels. We wanted our kids to be armed with the tools they need for life. This includes respecting themselves and others, building independence and confidence, engaging in active learning, and building the ability to ask questions and collaborate with others easily. Our older children are now in fourth grade, and our youngest is in the Montessori classroom and has flourished. At The Woods we love the classroom environment, knowledgeable teachers and staff, and the focus on incorporating faith into the school setting. The sense of community alongside the emphasis on education across topics and cultures, is what keeps our family enrolled and engaged. Our children are excited to attend school every day and are growing and learning in new ways with classes in music, STEM/robotics, art, religion, and foreign languages. The staff is truly nurturing. There is something for every family and child at The Woods. Simply put it is a rich and rewarding experience to call The Woods home. Our children are safe and thriving in confidence and character.
- Posted by
5  
In our second year at The Woods Academy, I can tell you it's the best decision we ever made for our kids. From the moment you walk in the door, the school feels like a warm hug. The teachers are wonderful---energetic, caring, and at the top of the game with academics. The small class size gives every child the chance for regular one-on-one attention and to become a confident participant in the classroom. The emphasis on a faith-based education is just right---teaching kids to have a moral and ethical center without the constraints of a traditional parochial school. Everyone knows, cares for, and protects my children every day and they are so happy to go to school. We love The Woods Academy!
- Posted by
5  
The Woods Academy has been such a blessing to our family. We originally moved to the area to go to public, but the pandemic happened and we were seeking in-person teaching. Honestly, the one thing I am thankful for with the pandemic, is that we didn't go public and found The Woods. The curriculum is strong and families feel heard and supported. The Woods also truly does focus on the individual child and their needs. Our 4-year-old son was struggling and not only did his teacher meet with us to come up with a plan together, but so did the school counselor and head of school. The Woods truly cares about our kids and we can feel it. From the top-notch staff who are filled with so much knowledge and passion, to the incredible community of families - we feel so thankful that we found this school for our boys. Our 4-year-old is in cooking classes and takes French. Our 8-year-old takes Spanish every day, his creative writing has just blossomed, and the friendships he has made are just so special. The Woods has heart and we couldn't be happier there!
- Posted by
5  
The Woods Academy offers a nurturing educational environment with its small classroom sizes, fostering a family-like atmosphere that contributes to a sense of community. The emphasis on integrity aligns with the school's commitment to character development. Additionally, the incorporation of Catholic values adds a meaningful dimension to the overall learning experience. Highly recommended for those seeking a well-rounded and values-driven education for their children.
- Posted by
5  
Woods has everything we wanted for our daughter: small classroom size; dedicated, caring teachers and staff; strong academics; an advanced foreign language program; and an amazing arts program. Six years in, we couldn't be happier. We''ll be so proud when our daughter graduates from eighth grade with the class of 2018.
- Posted by
5  
Great caring faculty. Wonderful kind student body.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 319 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 15
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Bethesda, MD is $31,195 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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