Admissions Guidance: How To Get Into Georgetown Day School

Crack the code to GDS: your step-by-step guide to getting in!

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Is Georgetown Day School a Good School?

Yes, Georgetown Day School is absolutely a great school. It’s the kind of place where students don’t just memorize facts. They question them, flip them upside down, and turn them into something real. Founded in 1945 as the first racially integrated school in D.C., GDS has always been ahead of the curve. It’s known for being academically strong, socially conscious, and just the right amount of quirky.

Class sizes are small. Teachers actually know your kid’s name and probably their favorite book. Learning feels more like conversation than lecture. There’s room for artists, activists, athletes, and kids who are a little bit of everything. With a campus that spans from Pre-K to 12th grade and a community that values both individuality and inclusion, GDS isn’t just a good school. It’s one of the best places for curious, kind, and creative students to grow.

Student Diversity

Georgetown Day School isn’t just diverse on paper. It’s the real deal. According to Niche, about 48.5% of students identify as White, while 15.7% are African American and another 15.7% identify as Multicultural. Asian students make up 11.1% of the student body, and 6.6% identify as Hispanic. There’s even a small slice, 2.4%, listed as Unknown. Mysterious, but we love a little intrigue. It’s a community that brings together a mix of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, which makes for more interesting conversations, better learning, and probably way cooler lunch table debates.

How Hard Is It To Get Into Georgetown Day School?

Getting into Georgetown Day School is undeniably tough, and that’s part of what makes it so special. This is one of the most respected and forward-thinking independent schools in the D.C. area, and families from all over are eager to secure a spot. GDS isn’t just looking for high test scores or perfect report cards. They want curious thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and students who care about their communities and the world around them.

Because of its strong reputation, the school receives far more applications than it has seats to fill. Admissions is especially competitive in entry years like Pre-K and 9th grade. The process is holistic but thorough, with multiple essays, interviews, teacher recommendations, and student visits all part of the mix. If your child stands out for their intellect, empathy, and spark, and if you as a family believe in progressive, inclusive education, then GDS might just be the perfect challenge. It’s not easy to get in, but that’s what makes it worth aiming for.

What’s Georgetown Day School’s Admissions Process?

Applying to Georgetown Day School might sound like a big task, but don’t worry. It’s all laid out in clear, manageable steps, and the admissions team is there to help you along the way. Whether you’re applying for Pre-K or high school, the process is designed to help your family get to know GDS and for GDS to get to know your child. Here’s a simple breakdown to keep you on track and stress-free.


  • GDS Application: Creating Your Ravenna Account

Start by setting up an account on the Ravenna platform, where you’ll manage your entire application process, upload documents, and schedule visits.

  • Exploring GDS: Attending Admissions Events

Whether it’s a virtual info session, campus tour, or open house, these events are a great way to learn about the GDS community and ask questions.

  • Completing Your GDS Application: Questionnaires & Forms

Fill out the online application through Ravenna. This includes both the parent/guardian and student questionnaires, tailored to the applicant’s grade level.

  • Submitting Your Documents: Records & Recommendations to GDS

Submit current and previous school records, teacher recommendations, and any additional forms such as student writing samples or evaluations as requested.

  •  The GDS Interview & Visit: Making a Connection

Depending on grade level, this may involve a classroom visit, student interview, or play-based observation for younger applicants.

  • Optional Testing for GDS Admissions: SSAT & More

GDS is test-optional, but families may choose to submit standardized test scores like the SSAT or other assessments. International applicants may need to submit English proficiency scores.

What are the application requirements for Georgetown Day School?

Before your child can officially join the GDS crew, there are a few things to check off the list. Think of it less like paperwork and more like a scrapbook that shows off who your child is, how they learn, what makes them tick, and why they’d be a great fit for the community. From school records to teacher shoutouts to a quick family chat, each piece helps the admissions team get the full picture. It’s not about perfection. It’s about personality, potential, and just the right amount of sparkle. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

School Records for GDS Admission

Think of this as your child’s academic highlight reel. Georgetown Day School asks for current school records and report cards from the past two years. They’re not trying to catch anyone out for a tough math quiz in third grade. They just want to see your child’s academic growth, classroom behavior, and overall school life. If your kiddo has been thriving, learning, and generally showing up as their curious self, it’ll shine through here.

Teacher Recommendations for Your GDS Application

This is where your child’s teachers get to brag a little. GDS asks for teachers who really know your child to write a few thoughtful words about how they learn, participate, and engage with their school community. For younger kids, that might mean one or two teachers. For older students, it’s usually a math teacher and an English teacher. These recs give the admissions team a window into your child’s classroom personality, work ethic, and sparkle factor.

Tips for Teacher Recommendations:

  • Choose teachers who know your child well
  • Give teachers plenty of notice
  • Provide context about the schools you’re applying to
  • Offer a brief summary of your child’s interests and strengths
  • Say thank you with a note or email
  • Follow up to make sure forms are submitted on time
  • Don’t coach or script the recommendation process

The GDS Student Interview or Visit: What to Expect

This part is less “job interview” and more “let’s get to know each other.” The format changes depending on grade level.

  • Pre-K and Kindergarten: It’s all about play. Kids join a group observation session where they build, draw, imagine, and maybe share some snacks. The goal is to see how they interact with others and explore the world around them.
  • Grades 1–4: Expect a fun classroom visit or group activity. Nothing stressful, just a chance for GDS to see your child in action as a learner and friend.
  • Grades 5–12: Here comes the classic student interview. It’s a relaxed conversation between your child and a member of the admissions team. Think of it as a chat about interests, goals, and what makes them tick. There may be a writing component too, just to see how they express themselves on paper.

The GDS Parent Interview: Sharing Your Perspective

Yes, parents, your moment is coming too. GDS invites all applicant families to a conversation with someone from the admissions team. It’s not a test, and there are no trick questions. They simply want to hear about your child from the people who know them best. This is your chance to share stories, values, and what draws you to GDS. It’s also the perfect time to ask your own questions and get a feel for whether the school fits your family.

Tips for the Parent Interview:

  • Be honest and personal
  • Reflect on your values as a family
  • Share specific stories about your child
  • Explain why you’re interested in GDS
  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Show curiosity about the school community
  • Relax and be yourself

 Standardized Testing for GDS: Understanding Your Options

Good news. GDS is test-optional, which means submitting test scores is completely up to you. If your child took the SSAT or ISEE and you think the results highlight their strengths, feel free to include them. If not, no worries. For international students who haven’t been in an English-speaking school for at least four years, GDS does ask for an English proficiency test. Accepted options include the TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, IELTS, or TOEFL Jr. It’s all about making sure your child is ready to thrive in the classroom environment.

If you do decide to submit scores, Cardinal Education can help your child feel fully prepared. We offer expert SSAT prep and ISEE prep, along with full-length SSAT and ISEE practice tests to build confidence and boost performance. Whether your child is just getting started or aiming for a top score, we’ve got the tools and strategies to help them succeed.

Graded Writing Sample for GDS Application

This gives the admissions team a glimpse of how your child writes in a real school setting. GDS wants a recent graded writing assignment, preferably something analytical. It should reflect your child’s thinking, structure, and how they support their ideas. If there are teacher comments or marks on it, even better.

If you’re wondering what kind of assignment to choose, aim for something from an English, history, or humanities class where your child had to take a stance or explain an idea. A book response, short essay, or even a thoughtful journal entry can work well if it’s been graded. Make sure it’s legible and still has the original teacher feedback on it. Avoid overly edited or polished pieces since the admissions team is interested in your child’s authentic writing voice and how they grow through feedback.

Graded Math Sample

Numbers matter too. GDS asks for a recent graded math assignment so they can get a sense of how your child approaches problem-solving. A worksheet, quiz, or short test works just fine. The goal isn’t perfection. They’re looking for how your child thinks through the steps and tackles a challenge.

When picking a math assignment, try to choose something that shows a bit of variety. A problem set with multi-step questions or a short quiz with word problems can give the admissions team more to work with. If your child made a few mistakes but showed their work clearly, that’s actually helpful. It shows how they think and where they’re learning. Make sure it’s a graded piece from the current school year and hasn’t been rewritten or corrected after the fact. Real work, real effort, real learning—that’s what they’re looking for.

What Student Life Is Like At Georgetown Day School and Why Families Choose It

What Are Academics Like at Georgetown Day School?

 Lower School at GDS: Foundational Learning

Welcome to the world of joyful learning. In the Lower School, curiosity isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. Kids explore big ideas through hands-on projects, class discussions, and the occasional impromptu science experiment. The foundation is built around reading, writing, math, and social studies, but it’s all mixed with creativity, movement, and community. This is a place where questions are welcome, mistakes are part of the process, and learning feels like an adventure.

Middle School at GDS: Exploration & Growth

Middle School at GDS is where students start stretching their wings. They dive into deeper subjects, learn how to think critically, and begin connecting what they’re learning to the world around them. There’s still plenty of fun, but now they’re also writing essays, solving multi-step math problems, experimenting in science labs, and learning how to collaborate with others. It’s a safe space to take academic risks, ask bold questions, and start figuring out who they are as learners.

High School at GDS: Preparing for College

High School at GDS is all about voice, choice, and a healthy dose of challenge. Students build on everything they’ve learned with a wide range of classes that push them to think harder and dig deeper. Whether they’re analyzing a novel, building a prototype, researching a global issue, or presenting an original idea, students are expected to show up, speak up, and stay curious. There’s room to explore electives, try something new, and get ready for college with purpose and confidence.

Before and After School Programs at Georgetown Day School

Georgetown Day School makes sure the learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. With before and after school programs for students in Pre-K through 8th grade, kids can keep exploring, building, creating, and having fun well beyond regular hours. Whether your child is into art, science, movement, or just needs a cozy space to wind down after a busy day, there’s something engaging and mission-aligned waiting for them.

The day can start as early as 7:00 a.m. with morning activities before school kicks off at 8:00. After the final bell at 3:00 p.m., the fun continues all the way until 6:30 p.m. It’s a great way to extend the day with purpose, play, and plenty of support.

Is the Arts Program at Georgetown Day School Good?

At Georgetown Day School, the arts aren’t just an extra. They’re a core part of what it means to learn, grow, and express yourself. From the very first days of Pre-K through senior year, students dive into music, drama, and visual arts in ways that build creativity, boost confidence, and sharpen critical thinking. Whether they’re sketching in a studio, learning chords in music class, or stepping into a role on stage, students are constantly exploring new ways to understand the world and share their voice.

Lower & Middle School Arts at GDS

In the Lower and Middle School, the arts are part of the rhythm of everyday learning. Students explore drama, music, and visual arts through projects, performances, and playful discovery. It’s not just about learning techniques. It’s about building confidence, thinking creatively, and finding joy in the process.

High School Arts at GDS

When students reach high school, the arts program opens up with even more choices and challenges. All students take at least two years of arts classes, one in studio arts and one in performing arts. Many go further, taking three or four years and moving from entry-level courses to advanced study. Some dive deep into one discipline while others explore across multiple areas. From painting and photography to set design and acting, the arts at GDS give students the tools to express themselves with purpose and passion. And yes, plenty of alumni are out there making waves in creative careers, from stage to screen to gallery walls.

What sports does Georgetown Day School offer?

Georgetown Day School isn’t just a haven for curious minds and thoughtful discussions. It’s also a place where students sprint, serve, swim, and score. Athletics are a big part of life at GDS, giving students the chance to move their bodies, build team spirit, and maybe even discover a hidden talent for climbing or crew. From varsity competition to beginner-level tryouts, there’s something for every athlete to get excited about.

Season ISL Sports (Women) MAC Sports (Men) Other Sports
Fall Cross Country Varsity
Soccer Varsity
Soccer JV
Tennis Varsity
Tennis JV
Volleyball Varsity
Volleyball JV
Cross Country Varsity
Golf Varsity
Soccer Varsity
Soccer JV
Strength and Conditioning
Winter Basketball Varsity
Basketball JV
Swimming & Diving Varsity
Indoor Track & Field Varsity
Basketball Varsity
Basketball JV
Swimming & Diving Varsity
Indoor Track & Field Varsity
Wrestling Varsity
Strength and Conditioning
Climbing
Spring Lacrosse Varsity
Lacrosse JV
Softball Varsity
Track & Field Coed Varsity
Baseball Varsity
Baseball JV
Lacrosse Varsity
Tennis Varsity
Tennis JV
Track & Field Coed Varsity
Crew Varsity
Novice Crew
Strength and Conditioning

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Did You Know?

Founded in 1945, GDS holds the distinction of being the first racially integrated school in Washington, D.C.

Client Testimonial

“Thanks to Cardinal Education, we felt totally prepared for the Georgetown Day School admissions process. They understood our child and the school perfectly. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Parent of a 9th-grade applicant

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