#1 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
Lowell School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 88% of independent schools nationwide
Washington, DC
A+Overall grade270 students4 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
The highest-graded schools of this kind in District of Columbia. Top 7 of 7 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
Capitol Hill Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 90% of independent schools nationwide
Washington, DC
A+Overall grade221 students4 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
Washington International School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest of 11 independent schools in the District of Columbia
Washington, DC
A+Overall grade846 students7 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
Edmund Burke School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in the District of Columbia
Washington, DC
A+Overall grade315 students8 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
The Field School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in the District of Columbia
Washington, DC
A+Overall grade351 students7 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
Sheridan School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Washington, DC
A+Overall grade221 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in District of Columbia
Parkmont School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
Smaller classes than 72% of independent schools nationwide
Washington, DC
AOverall grade70 students6 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.