Best schools in the DC Area: Private, Montessori and special needs

Choosing the right school in the DC area can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the region is home to some of the most respected and innovative programs in the country. Whether you’re searching for a rigorous private education, a Montessori approach or a school designed to support different learning styles, these standout options across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia are worth exploring.

Key takeaways

The bigger picture: The DC area offers top-ranked private, Montessori and specialized schools across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
A closer look: Many schools focus on individualized learning and student-centered approaches.
The more you know: Montessori programs emphasize independence and hands-on exploration. Specialized schools provide targeted support for unique learning needs.

Best private schools

Featured schools

In this section, Washington Parent’s advertising partners share their top private school offerings.

Ideaventions Academy

Designed for gifted students who genuinely love to learn, Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science serves grades one through 12 with passionate teachers supporting intellectually curious students in everything from art to advanced robotics. With just 75 students and a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, according to Niche, the school offers an intimate, high-achieving community where kids can find their intellectual peers. Two-thirds of faculty hold at least a master’s degree, and 25% have PhDs — bringing deep expertise into every classroom. Learning here is rooted in hands-on, experiential projects and lively discussion — rigorous, but always full of fun. Visit the website for tour dates and evaluation criteria.

Address: 12340 Pinecrest Road, Reston, VA
Phone: (703) 860-0211
Good to know: Strong emphasis on STEM and innovation

Westminster School

Established in 1962, Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia has been delivering a superior preschool through eighth grade education built on a simple but enduring philosophy: that kids this age are naturally curious, and a great school should meet them there. Rooted in the Classical tradition, Westminster’s rigorous academic curriculum is infused with the humanities and foundational subjects, while remaining well-rounded through strong arts, athletics and extracurricular programming. The school’s guiding mission of presenting challenge, building character and instilling confidence runs through everything from the classroom to the playing field. More than academics alone, Westminster focuses on developing disciplined, well-informed minds alongside virtues like respect, integrity and kindness. A STEAM program, drama department and a tight-knit school community round out the experience, making Westminster a place where academic excellence and genuine joy in learning go hand in hand.

Address: 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, VA
Phone: (703) 256-3620
Good to know: Ideal for younger students and foundational learning

Merritt Academy

Merritt Academy’s rich legacy of providing inspired learning for over 60 years continues to shape a dynamic educational experience grounded in excellence, curiosity and a deep commitment to each child’s growth. From joyful early childhood play to leadership opportunities in our “varsity” middle school program, students thrive through experiential learning, Genius Hour, STEAM projects and meaningful intergenerational connections. Serving children from infants through middle school, Merritt Academy is guided by a philosophy built on academic excellence, character education, and strong family partnerships. Within a nurturing, relationship-driven environment, small class sizes allow for personalized attention, while robust programs in the arts, world languages and leadership help students discover their interests and build confidence. With a focus on both achievement and belonging, Merritt Academy prepares students for continued success while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for learning and the journey ahead.

Address: 9211 Arlington Blvd., Faifax, VA
Phone: 703-672-4552
Good to know: They accept applications on a rolling basis for the current school year as well as future enrollment.

More private schools

This section features some of the best private schools in the DMV and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit. Many of these schools have earned top marks, including A+, A and A– grades, according to Niche.com.

Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School is one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation, known for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on Quaker values like integrity, community and reflection. Students benefit from small class sizes, exceptional faculty and a curriculum that balances academics with arts, athletics and service learning.

Address: 3825 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 537-8100
Good to know: Highly competitive admissions and strong college placement

Lowell School

Lowell School stands out for its progressive, student-centered approach that blends academic learning with social-emotional development. The curriculum encourages creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.

Address: 1640 Kalmia Road NW, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 577-2000
Good to know: Strong emphasis on whole-child education; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

Georgetown Day School

Georgetown Day School is nationally recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion alongside strong academics. Students are encouraged to think critically and engage with real-world issues.

Address: 4200 Davenport St. NW, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 295-6200
Good to know: Known for its inclusive culture and social justice focus; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

Best Montessori schools

Featured schools

In this section, Washington Parent’s advertising partners share their top Montessori school offerings.

Sunset Hills Montessori

Founded in 1994, Sunset Hills Montessori School in Reston, VA, is an independent, coeducational day school committed to recognizing and cultivating the uniqueness of each individual child. Voted Best Montessori School by Washington Parent Magazine four years running (from 2022 through 2025) the school serves students from 21 months through fourth grade, offering a continuum of programs that grow with children at every stage. Every teacher is trained and certified in the Montessori method and committed to ongoing education in child development, psychology and the latest research on how children learn. Beyond the classroom, families can take advantage of extended care, a summer camp with nine weekly themed adventures and Music Together classes. With nearly three decades in Reston, this school has built a well-earned reputation for nurturing confident, curious, independent learners.

Address: 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston, VA
Phone: (703) 476-7477
Good to know: Focus on individualized learning and fostering independence through authentic Montessori methods; 2025 Washington Parent Pick winner

Montessori School of McLean

The Montessori School of McLean is recognized as a leading Montessori program, offering a thoughtfully designed continuum for toddler, primary and elementary students. The toddler program (ages 24-36 months) nurtures early development through a low student-teacher ratio, emphasizing independence, language, motor skills and social growth in a carefully prepared environment. The primary program (ages 3-6) builds a strong academic and personal foundation through Montessori’s core areas—practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics—enhanced by cultural studies and enrichment experiences. Children develop confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. In elementary (grades 1-6), students expand their academic skills while exploring big ideas across subjects such as science, history, and geography. The program encourages critical thinking, creativity and a deep understanding of the world. Together, these programs create a cohesive, engaging educational journey that supports each child’s growth and success. Enrichment Programs, Summer Camp, After School programs are available.

Address: 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, VA
Phone: (703) 790-1049
Good to know: Emphasizes individualized learning and independence through traditional Montessori methods

The Nature School at Montessori Living

The Nature School at Montessori Living is a distinctive, nature-based Montessori school serving infants, toddlers and young children throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. Families from Kensington, Silver Spring,Bethesda, Chevy Chase and nearby communities are drawn to its nurturing, thoughtfully designed programs and strong sense of community. Set within the unique Montessori Living campus, the school blends education, housing and lifelong learning into one enriching environment. Children begin in carefully prepared NIDO classrooms for infants, where independence, movement and trust are gently fostered from the very start. As they grow, students engage daily with the natural world, exploring gardens, participating in outdoor work, and developing a deep respect for the environment. A defining feature of the school is its intergenerational model, where children regularly connect with families, educators, and older adults. These shared experiences create meaningful relationships, enriching learning while fostering empathy, community and a lifelong love of connection. This summer, they’ll have an Outdoor Experience for Young Explorers, Farmers and Scientists!

Address: 3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD
Phone: (301) 929-2505
Good to know: Features a rare outdoor “forest school” model with daily learning in gardens, woodlands and natural spaces

Brooksfield School

Brooksfield School offers a unique Montessori experience cultivating a love for learning that fosters lifelong friendships between children, families, teachers and the community — with a focus on the arts and nature. Programs span toddler through kindergarten, with a curriculum built around confidence, concentration, independence and order, and mixed-age cohorts that give older students the chance to lead and younger ones a more natural way to learn. What makes Brooksfield stand out is its deep commitment to the outdoors: organic gardening, outdoor adventures and nature-based learning are woven into the school day, with research showing outdoor education improves behavior, reduces stress and boosts academic performance. They’re also members of the American Montessori Society and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program.

Address: 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
Phone: (703) 356-5437
Good to know: Longstanding program with experienced staff; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

Julia Brown Schools

Founded in 1967, what began in the founder’s downtown Laurel apartment has grown to four family-owned and operated locations across Maryland — in Laurel, Columbia, Silver Spring and Olney. The school’s roots run deep: founder Ms. Julia Brown was one of the first Montessorians in the state of Maryland, having earned her Montessori degree from the London St. Nicholas Montessori Training Centre, trained by two women who studied directly under Dr. Maria Montessori herself. That lineage still shapes everything the school does today. Programs span toddler through elementary, using the traditional Montessori method to help children become lifelong learners who think independently, explore with curiosity and genuinely love school. Now in its second generation of family leadership, Julia Brown Schools remains one of Maryland’s most trusted and enduring names in Montessori education.

Address: 3400 Queen Mary Drive, Olney, MD; 9450 Madison Ave., Laurel, MD; 9760 Owen Brown Road, Columbia, MD; 1300 Milestone Drive, Silver Spring, MD
Phone: 301-774-5700, Ext. 4; 301-498-0604, Ext 1; 410-730-5056, Ext 2; 301-622-7808, Ext. 3
Good to know: They offer rolling admission and have limited space available for the fall.

More Montessori schools

This section features some of the best Montessori schools in the DMV and are based on public data, academic performance, community reviews and survey feedback to help families find the right fit. Many of these schools have earned top marks, including A+, A and A– grades, according to Niche.com.

TOTH Montessori

TOTH Montessori offers a child-centered environment where students learn through hands-on exploration and independence. The program builds confidence, curiosity and early problem-solving skills.

Address: 1000 5th St. SE, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 748-5930
Good to know: Focuses heavily on independence and self-paced learning; 2025 Washington Parent Pick winner

Little Flower Montessori

Little Flower Montessori nurtures the whole child through individualized instruction and a supportive classroom environment. Students are encouraged to grow academically and socially.

Address: 3029 16th St. NW, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 667-6803
Good to know: Strong community feel and smaller class sizes; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

Waterfront Academy

Waterfront Academy blends Montessori principles with real-world experiences, helping students connect classroom learning to their environment.

Address: 703 D St. SE, Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 484-0044
Good to know: Urban setting allows for experiential learning; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

Best schools for specialized learning needs

The Siena School

The Siena School specializes in supporting students with language-based learning differences, offering structured, individualized instruction.

Address: 1300 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD
Phone: (301) 244-3600
Good to know: Focus on reading, writing and executive functioning; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

The Katherine Thomas School

This school provides individualized education plans along with therapeutic and social-emotional support.

Address: 9975 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD
Phone: (301) 738-9691
Good to know: Offers integrated therapy services; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist

The Diener School

Diener School offers a nurturing environment with personalized instruction for students with learning differences.

Address: 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD
Phone: (301) 299-4602
Good to know: Strong emphasis on social-emotional growth; 2025 Washington Parent Pick finalist