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Private Schools in the Washington, DC Area

There has been a continuing role for both public and private schools in the U.S., and Foreign Service families use both. Families who choose non-public schools do so for a variety of reasons: sometimes the parents attended private schools, sometimes they want a religious atmosphere and training, sometimes they want smaller or specialized classes. The move from a small overseas school to an independent school in the United States may be easier for some students than entering a large public school.

Resources for Identifying Private Schools

  • The Independent Schools Guide for Washington Area is available in bookstores or may be ordered by contacting: Independent School Guide, 7315 Brookville Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Telephone: 301-986-5370. A copy is available for use at the Department of State's Family Liaison Office and in Community Liaison Offices overseas.  Also available from online bookstores.
  • Washingtonian Magazine: Annual Guide to Private Schools offers a comprehensive list of Washington area private schools, featuring day schools and those offering boarding options
  • DC Pages.com offers a listing of private schools in the District of Colombia
  • The Association of Boarding Schools offers a search mechanism for identifying private boarding schools in any state in the country.

High School Students

If you have a student looking to enter a private school for the high school years, many of the private secondary schools require a Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) result for admission, at a cost of $110 (U.S.) or $160 (international). For information on the test, international test locations, registration, and study guides, contact:

CN 5339
Princeton, NJ 08543
Tel: 609-683-4440 / Fax: 800-442-SSAT
http://www.ssat.org/ssat

If it is necessary to arrange for an individual test overseas, a family may request a school or Embassy official to proctor the SSAT. Provide the following information to the SSATB, (Fax: 609-683-1702):

  • Name and affiliation of person who will administer test;
  • Complete address of school or Embassy where the materials will be sent;
  • Telephone number;
  • Fax number;
  • Name of student to be tested and current grade; and
  • Statement by administrator agreeing to follow SSATB procedures

Private School Websites

Catholic Schools

Lutheran Schools

Montessori Schools

French Immersion Schools

The French Maternal School
3115 P St., NW,
Washington, DC 2007
(202) 333-2255

The French Institute
4000 Albemarle St., NW,
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 362-8667

The French International School
3200 Woodbine St.,
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 907-3265

FLO Weblinks for Education Options for Foreign Service Children (K-12)

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office