Georgetown Montessori School Photo - the playground

Best District Of Columbia Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 101 private schools serving 19,227 students in District Of Columbia (there are 245 public schools, serving 93,597 students). 17% of all K-12 students in District Of Columbia attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $30,069 for elementary schools and $36,498 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in District Of Columbia include Gonzaga College High School, Sidwell Friends School, and National Cathedral School.
The average acceptance rate is 49% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 48% and the student-teacher ratio is 8:1.
46% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Episcopal.

Overview

This State (DC)
US
# Schools
101 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
19,227 Students
5,693,709 Students
% Average Students of Color
48%
34%

Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
2,163 Teachers
507,994 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
63%
55%
Average Class Size
15 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
18 courses
13 courses
Average SAT score
1365
(Out of 1600)
1234
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
26

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$28,387
$14,913
Average Summer Program Cost
$4,751
$1,146
Average % on Financial Aid
34%
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,661
$7,191
Average Acceptance Rate
49%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$31.34 million
$62.25 million

Students by Ethnicity:

0.71
0.65
# American Indian Students
16 Students
29,825 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
531 Students
264,979 Students
% Asian Students
3%
5%
# Hispanic Students
1,111 Students
507,039 Students
% Hispanic Students
6%
9%
# Black Students
4,765 Students
416,385 Students
% Black Students
26%
7%
# White Students
7,628 Students
2,931,618 Students
% White Students
42%
52%
# Hawaiian Students
13 Students
20,066 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
4,130 Students
1,471,670 Students
% of Others Students
23%
26%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
15 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
8 sports
7 sports

Top-Ranked District Of Columbia Private Schools by County (2026)

Popular cities: Washington (101 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
101
19,227
17%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in District Of Columbia?
The top-ranked private schools in District Of Columbia include Gonzaga College High School, Sidwell Friends School, and National Cathedral School.
How many private schools are located in District Of Columbia?
There are 101 private schools are located in District Of Columbia.
How much do private schools cost in District Of Columbia?
The average private school tuition in District Of Columbia is $30,069 for elementary schools and $36,498 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in District Of Columbia?
Approximately 48% of students in District Of Columbia private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in District Of Columbia go to private school?
17% of all K-12 students in District Of Columbia attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in District Of Columbia?
46% of private schools in District Of Columbia are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Episcopal.
Which private schools in District Of Columbia are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Choosing Between a Traditional Private School and a Microschool
Choosing Between a Traditional Private School and a Microschool
Compare traditional private schools and microschools to understand differences in academics, class size, flexibility, cost, and student experience before choosing the best educational fit.
The Second Visit Strategy: What to Look for After the Open House
The Second Visit Strategy: What to Look for After the Open House
A second campus visit can reveal what an open house cannot. Learn what to observe, which questions to ask, and how to determine whether a private school is truly the right fit for your child.
How Policy Changes Could Affect Your Tuition Bill in 2026
How Policy Changes Could Affect Your Tuition Bill in 2026
Learn how federal and state policy changes may affect private school tuition, financial aid, tax benefits, and your family's education budget.