The Primary Day School

The school's rich and varied curriculum cultivates a love of learning and a strong personal and academic foundation in every child.
Assemblies and class performances augment the strong arts program and develop poise and confidence in public speaking.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-2
  • Enrollment: 142 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $24,900
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Primary Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-2
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1944

Student Body

Total Students
142 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 38%
Students by Grade
The Primary Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
17 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
no uniform

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition for the 2021-2022 School Year is between $26,500-$30,000
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Cindy van den Beemt
Admissions Associate
Alison Collins

School Notes

  • The Primary Day School in Bethesda, Maryland, is a school for boys and girls from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2. We are the only school in the area that focuses exclusively on children in this unique age group, and we do so for a very important reason.These are the most crucial learning years in children`s lives, a time when they are bursting with potential, ready for quantum leapsof development. At Primary Day, everything we do focuses on helping young children flourish-as learners and as people-during this vitally important time of life.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Primary Day School cost?
The Primary Day School's tuition is approximately $24,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Primary Day School?
The acceptance rate of The Primary Day School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 82%. The Primary Day School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
What is The Primary Day School's ranking?
The Primary Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Primary Day School?
The application deadline for The Primary Day School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
Our sons attended PDS more than 25 years ago. One graduated Cornell Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in English Literature and went on to obtain an MBA from Harvard. My other son graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, also Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Russian Literature. Moreover, he speaks eight languages. I am certain their academic success was due in large part to the love, attention and exceedingly strong academic program they received at PDS. Twenty-five years later, my wife and I still look back fondly on the school. It is truly a remarkable place and one of a kind.
- Posted by
5  
You should consider Primary Day if you want to ensure your child has an excellent foundation for reading and math. All students have Spanish, French, and Chinese, along with STEM, music, art, PE, and recess twice a day. There are many opportunities for learning outdoors and a school garden that the students participate in maintaining. The school knows how to make learning joyful, fun, and hands-on. Regular movement is incorporated throughout the day. Teachers work with your child at their individual level and provide differentiation as needed. Class sizes range between 12-18 and there are 2 lead teachers for both Pre-K and Kindergarten. The HOS knows every child and family by name. The environment is warm and nurturing as social-emotional learning is incorporated into daily classroom activities. We are thrilled with how much our child loves going to school.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MD School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-2
  • Enrollment: 142 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $24,900
  • Acceptance rate: 70%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
  • 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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