The Potomac School Photo #1

The Potomac School

At The Potomac School, we believe that intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character are complementary, and equally essential, educational goals.
With a firm commitment to our core values and a rigorous academic program, we prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement, and generosity of spirit.
PHILOSOPHY & PRACTICE We achieve The Potomac School`s mission through our educational philosophy and practice.
At Potomac we foster a diverse, inclusive learning community where all voices and viewpoints are valued, provide a balanced educational experience that integrates academics, athletics, and the arts, empower our students to become independent thinkers and learners by emphasizing the rewards of inquiry, initiative, and reflection, emphasize appreciation for the natural world and each person`s responsibility for environmental stewardship, call upon all members of our community to act with compassion, civic conscience, and a commitment to serving others.
CORE VALUES Since its founding, The Potomac School has steadfastly believed that developing a student`s character is as important as educating for intellectual growth.
Informed by values, students learn to use their intellect and skills productively and in service to others.
The school has identified the following five core values as the ethical and moral guideposts that enable all of us in the Potomac community to develop good judgment and live principled lives: COURAGE ~ INTEGRITY ~ HUMILITY ~ PERSEVERANCE ~ RESPECT.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 1,057 students
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 2
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Potomac School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1904

Student Body

Total Students
1,057 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
The Potomac School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
160 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
16 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 2
Tuition Notes
Our tuition ranges from Grades K-3 $43,350 Grades 4–6: $46,600 Grades 7–8: $49,700 Grades 9–12: $51,000
% on Financial Aid
19%
Admissions Director
Doug McLane
Admissions Associate
Lauren Bramlette

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Robotics Team, Speech and Debate Team

School Notes

  • The Potomac School mission is to foster each student's intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character within an inclusive community distinguished by a spirit of support and challenge. We encourage students to become independent thinkers and learners. The School's richly varied curriculum draws students beyond a mastery of fundamental skills toward the rewards in inquiry, initiative and reflection. Believing that aesthetic and physical development are essential to an education, we offer students opportunities to excel in art and music classes, on stage, and on the athletic fields. We strive for diversity in the conviction that a learning community is intellectually and morally strengthened when many different voices, viewpoints and backgrounds are present. We expect students to act with kindness, civility, and generosity of spirit, and, in our daily activities, we find opportunities to foster their integrity of character and civic conscience. More than mere tolerance, this standard calls students to act with compassion for others and to reach beyond the school in service to the community. As we prepare students for a rapidly changing and demanding society, we encourage them to reflect on the beauty that surrounds them and to enjoy the company of their friends and the many traditions celebrated at school.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What sports does The Potomac School offer?
The Potomac School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. The Potomac School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for most sports offered.
What is The Potomac School's ranking?
The Potomac School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Potomac School?
The application deadline for The Potomac School is Jan. 2.

School Reviews

5  
I have two children at Potomac, and I literally do not have any complaints. This is the school I wish I'd gone to when I was a kid! My kids look forward to going to school every day and are thriving! There is a wonderful balance of academic, social, athletic and performing arts at this school. We also enjoy the active parent community who support a variety of ventures, including service learning and community engagement. The whole child is important at Potomac and every child is nurtured and respected.
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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 1,057 students
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 2
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Fairfax County, VA is $17,845 for elementary schools and $21,232 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Fairfax County, VA is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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