How to Apply to Private Schools in the DMV

Written by Allison Goodhart

For families moving to the Washington, DC area, figuring out where to send the kids to school can be one of the biggest parts of the relocation process.

The DC region has a wide variety of independent and private schools, including schools with different educational philosophies, grade configurations, religious affiliations, extracurricular programs, and admissions requirements.

But navigating the application process—especially if you’re relocating from another city—can feel overwhelming.

When should you start researching schools? What does the application process involve? And what happens if you’re moving after the usual admissions deadlines?

Here’s what families should know about applying to private schools in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland.

When Should You Start the Private School Admissions Process?

Ideally, families should begin researching schools approximately a year before their child would enroll, particularly for competitive entry grades.

Many independent schools follow an admissions calendar that begins in the fall for enrollment the following academic year. Applications, school visits, interviews, assessments, and financial aid materials may all have separate deadlines.

However, there is no single admissions calendar for every private school in the DC area. Deadlines vary by school, grade level, and application type. Some schools also consider applications after their priority deadlines if space remains available.

If you’re planning a move to the area, it’s worth starting your school research as early as possible—even if you haven’t decided exactly where you’ll live.

If you’re planning a move to Alexandria or the Greater DC Metro area, download our helpful Relocation Guide.

A General Private School Admissions Timeline

While each school sets its own schedule, here’s a general idea of how the process often unfolds.

Spring and Summer: Research Schools

Begin by identifying schools that may be a good fit for your child. Consider factors such as:

Grade levels served
Educational philosophy and curriculum
School size and class structure
Arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities
Learning support and other student resources
Tuition and financial aid
Location, transportation, and daily commute

School websites are a good starting point, but they rarely tell the whole story. Whenever possible, attend information sessions, visit campuses, and speak directly with admissions offices.

Fall: Attend Events and Begin Applications

Many schools hold open houses, campus tours, and admissions events during the fall. This is also when families typically begin completing applications and gathering supporting materials.

Depending on the school and grade, requirements may include teacher recommendations, school records, parent questionnaires, student essays, interviews, or assessments.

Winter: Complete Applications and Assessments

Many schools have application deadlines during the winter, although exact dates differ. Some schools require standardized admissions testing, such as the SSAT or ISEE, for certain grade levels. Others use their own assessments or do not require standardized testing. Families should check each school’s current requirements rather than assuming that testing is necessary.

Late Winter and Spring: Admissions Decisions

Schools generally communicate admissions decisions according to their own published schedules. Families may receive an offer of admission, a waitlist decision, or a denial. If your child receives multiple offers, this is the time to revisit your priorities, ask any remaining questions, and evaluate the practical details of attending each school.

Looking for more family resources? Here are a few more posts you might enjoy:

What Does a Private School Application Typically Require?

Although the process differs by school, several components are common:

Application forms: Families generally provide basic student information, educational history, and responses to school-specific questions.
School records and recommendations: Schools may request transcripts, report cards, and recommendations from current teachers or administrators.
Interviews and visits: Depending on the applicant’s age, schools may invite parents and students for interviews, classroom visits, or other opportunities to get to know the school community.
Admissions assessments: Some schools require standardized tests or school-administered assessments, while others do not.
Financial aid applications: Families seeking assistance may need to complete a separate process with its own deadlines and documentation requirements.

The best approach is to create a checklist for each school you’re considering. Even schools with similar application processes can have important differences.

Private Schools to Research in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is home to numerous independent and private schools, with options serving different grade levels and educational approaches. Some well-known schools families may encounter during their research include:

These schools differ in their grade levels, programs, admissions procedures, and campus locations. Families should research each school individually rather than assuming that a school is the right fit simply because of its reputation or proximity to a particular neighborhood.

For families considering homes in Georgetown, Northwest DC, or other parts of the District, school location and transportation can be important factors in their housing search.

Private Schools to Research in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia also offers a range of private school options, including independent, religiously affiliated, and college-preparatory schools. Examples include:

St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria
The Potomac School in McLean
Flint Hill School in Oakton
Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria
Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington

The admissions process and available entry grades vary among these schools. For families relocating to Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, or nearby communities, it’s helpful to consider how school transportation and daily schedules fit into the larger decision about where to live.

We’ve covered private and alternative schools on our blog in the past. Check out our profile on The Linder Academy in Old Town Alexandria.

Private Schools to Research in Maryland

Suburban Maryland has many established private school options, particularly in Montgomery County. Some examples include:

As with schools in DC and Virginia, families should confirm grade levels, admissions requirements, transportation options, and current application procedures directly with each school. For families considering Bethesda, Potomac, or surrounding communities, school locations may be one of several practical factors influencing their home search.

What If You’re Relocating After Admissions Deadlines?

This is an especially important question for families moving to Washington, DC for a new job or other unexpected change.

The good news is that missing a school’s primary application deadline doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve missed every opportunity. Some private schools may have openings after their initial admissions cycle, depending on enrollment and grade level. Others maintain waitlists or have very limited flexibility.

If you’re relocating outside the traditional admissions timeline, we recommend contacting admissions offices directly. Explain your circumstances, ask whether applications are still being considered for your child’s grade, and find out what materials would be needed. It’s also worth researching a broader range of schools rather than focusing exclusively on a short list. Availability can change, and each school handles late applications differently.

Should You Choose a School Before Buying a House?

For families relocating to the DC area, the school decision and home search often happen at the same time. There’s no universal answer to which should come first.

Some families identify their preferred school options and then focus their housing search on locations with manageable commutes. Others have work, family, or lifestyle priorities that determine where they want to live, and they explore schools within a reasonable distance.

Unlike public school assignments, private school enrollment is generally not tied to living within a particular school boundary. However, admissions are separate from the home purchase process, and living near a school does not guarantee acceptance.

One thing we always encourage families to consider is the actual daily commute, not just the distance on a map. Traffic patterns, school start times, after-school activities, transportation options, and the locations of parents’ workplaces can all affect how practical a particular arrangement will be. A school that looks close geographically may be much less convenient during morning rush hour.

How Does Private School Choice Affect Your Home Search?

Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland offer a wide range of neighborhoods and housing options, and school-related logistics can be an important part of deciding where to live.

For example, families exploring private schools in DC may also consider homes in Georgetown, Northwest DC, Arlington, or parts of Northern Virginia, depending on transportation and their other priorities.

Families considering schools in Alexandria may find that living in Old Town Alexandria or other Alexandria neighborhoods makes daily logistics easier. And families researching schools in McLean, Bethesda, or Potomac may want to compare commute routes before narrowing their home search.

The key is to look at the full picture: school schedules, work commutes, neighborhood preferences, home features, and how your family spends its time. We can help you understand the housing market and transportation considerations in different communities while you work directly with schools to evaluate educational fit and admissions.

For more insights on buying and selling with your family in mind, read our post Buying and Selling with Kids Without Losing Your Mind!

Helpful Resources for Private School Admissions in the DC Area

A few resources can help you organize your research:

Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW): A regional association with information about member independent schools in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Ravenna: An online admissions platform used by many independent schools. Not every school uses Ravenna, so check individual admissions websites.
Individual school admissions offices: The most reliable source for current deadlines, requirements, tuition, financial aid procedures, and availability.

Because admissions policies can change, always confirm details directly with the schools you’re considering.

Moving to the DC Area? We Can Help With the Home Search

Choosing a school and finding a home are two major decisions, and coordinating them can make a relocation feel more complicated.

At The Goodhart Group, we help buyers navigate neighborhoods and real estate throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Whether you’re considering Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Georgetown, Bethesda, Potomac, or another community, we can help you compare housing options, understand local market conditions, and think through practical considerations like commuting and access to everyday amenities.

If you’re planning a move, we’d love to help you find a home that works for your family’s priorities.Contact The Goodhart Group to discuss your home search today!

Post written by Allison Goodhart

COO & Lead Licensed Agent (VA, DC, MD)

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How to Apply to Private Schools in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland