For the 2025-26 school year, there are 10 private preschools belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) serving 3,757 students in District Of Columbia. You can also find more schools membership associations in District Of Columbia.
The top ranked private preschools belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in District Of Columbia include Sidwell Friends School, Washington International School, and The River School.
The average acceptance rate is 30%, which is lower than the District Of Columbia private preschool average acceptance rate of 40%.
40% of private preschools belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in District Of Columbia are religiously affiliated (most commonly Episcopal and Presbyterian).
Top Ranked Private Preschools Belonging to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in District Of Columbia (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
The River School![The River School Photo - The River School offers an inviting, inclusive space for learning where children (18 months - Grade 5) are inspired to observe, wonder and experiment in a nurturing environment. We provide a strong academic foundation through creative, evidence-based teaching. Children are inspired to love learning, become critical thinkers, solve problems, and engage in meaningful inquiry. We are a caring, connected community.]( "The River School Photo - The River School offers an inviting, inclusive space for learning where children (18 months - Grade 5) are inspired to observe, wonder and experiment in a nurturing environment. We provide a strong academic foundation through creative, evidence-based teaching. Children are inspired to love learning, become critical thinkers, solve problems, and engage in meaningful inquiry. We are a caring, connected community.")
Alternative School
4880 Macarthur Blvd NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-3554
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-3554
Gr: NS-5 | 185 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
National Presbyterian School![National Presbyterian School Photo - At National Presbyterian School, we focus on the foundational decade of childhoodto launch lives of purpose and compassion.]( "National Presbyterian School Photo - At National Presbyterian School, we focus on the foundational decade of childhoodto launch lives of purpose and compassion.")
(Presbyterian)
4121 Nebraska Ave Nw
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-7569
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-7569
Gr: NS-6 | 309 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
3500 Woodley Road NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-6485
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-6485
Gr: PK-3 | 374 students Avg. class size: 20 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
1640 Kalmia Road NW
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 577-2000
Washington, DC 20012
(202) 577-2000
Gr: PK-8 | 313 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Sidwell Friends School
(Friends)
3825 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-8100
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 537-8100
Gr: PK-12 | 1,142 student Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 16 | Extracurrculars: 33 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Washington International School![Washington International School Photo - The Primary School outdoor play area includes a field used for a variety of activities.]( "Washington International School Photo - The Primary School outdoor play area includes a field used for a variety of activities.")
Special Program Emphasis
3100 Macomb Street NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 243-1800
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 243-1800
Gr: NS-12 | 890 students Avg. class size: 14 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Aidan Montessori School![Aidan Montessori School Photo - Our outdoor learning environment.]( "Aidan Montessori School Photo - Our outdoor learning environment.")
Montessori School
2700 27th Street, Nw
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 387-2700
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 387-2700
Gr: NS-6 | 154 students Avg. class size: 20 students Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
210 South Carolina Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 355-4498
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 355-4498
Gr: PK-8 | 227 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 3 | Extracurrculars: 8 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School![St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School Photo]( "St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School Photo")
(Episcopal)
4700 Whitehaven Pkwy NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-2805
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-2805
Gr: NS-8 Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Daycare / Preschool
Nmnh 10th & Constitution Ave Nw Rm. Ce-g50
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1399
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1399
Gr: PK-K | 163 students Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed
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