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:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-2
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1944
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
142 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 38%
Students 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
no uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,900
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 6/21/2021
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.
5 3/14/2019
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.
Endorse The Primary Day School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Corporal Punishment Still Exists
Did you think that corporal punishment in our schools was extinct? Sadly, it isn't. Here are some facts and some suggestions as to what you can do to help eliminate corporal punishment once and for all.
Rolling Admissions
Discover why many institutions opt for rolling admissions and how it can offer flexibility and opportunities for applicants throughout the year.
March 21, 2024
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top SchoolsWe explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.