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Washington, D.C. Private School Admissions
Our private school admissions consultants have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the admissions process that nobody else has.
Famous for its historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, Washington, D.C., is more than just the nation’s capital. It is also a center of academic excellence. The city is home to some of the country’s most prestigious private schools. With scenic campuses and innovative learning environments, D.C. offers students an exceptional learning experience, but gaining admission to these elite schools is not easy. The admissions process is highly selective, making it overwhelming for most families.
If you are applying to any of the top schools in the D.C. area, our expert educational consultants can help you navigate the private school admissions process. With a personalized, holistic approach, we focus on identifying your child’s strengths and making them stand out against the rest of the applicants. Our goal is to empower your child toward success and support your family throughout the gruelling process.
We provide one-on-one guidance in all aspects of private school admissions, including test prep, timed writing sample practice, Character Skills Snapshot coaching, and mock admissions interviews. Our team also includes experienced tutors and academic coaches who can help boost grades and strengthen transcripts, as well as support academic excellence.
Cardinal Education is a globally recognized admissions consulting firm with nearly two decades of experience working with families in Washington, D.C., and around the world. Even the most discerning families choose to work with us because of our unmatched success in helping students gain admission to the most selective schools.
Whether you’re applying to Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day, Maret, or other top private schools in Washington, D.C., work with the admissions consultants who know how to get results.
If you are looking for the best private school admissions consultants in the Bay Area, contact us today. We are located in Burlingame and Woodside, but we also offer online consultations at your convenience.
Best Private Schools in Washington, D.C.
We have worked with numerous families and helped them get into the best private schools in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
- Sidwell Friends School
- Georgetown Day School
- National Cathedral School
- Maret School
- Washington International School
- Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School
- The Field School
- The Lab School of Washington
- Edmund Burke School
- Lowell School…and many more
Private School Admissions Consulting
Get personalized private school admissions strategies that align with your goals!
College Counseling
Make informed decisions and get into the best-fit college where you will succeed.
Interview Preparation
Refine your communication skills and present yourself confidently during the interview.
Standardized Test Preparation
Learn test-taking techniques and ace the SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, SAT, and ACT!
Writing Sample Assessment
Practice answering various writing prompts and learning fundamental writing techniques.
Application Assistance
Craft compelling essays, personal statements, and resumes that highlight your uniqueness.
Holistic Admissions Consulting
At Cardinal Education, we provide customized guidance designed to match each student’s individual strengths, goals, and academic path. Our holistic admissions consulting approach empowers students to grow with confidence, uncover their passions, and sharpen their skills. Every step of the way, we focus on character development and long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most competitive private schools in Washington, D.C?
Some of the most competitive private schools in Washington, D.C. are the following:
- Sidwell Friends School – known for its rigorous academics and high-profile alumni;
- Georgetown Day School – recognized for its progressive values and academic excellence;
- National Cathedral School – a renowned all-girls Episcopal school with a long history of leadership and achievement;
- Maret School – offers a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and creativity;
- Washington International School provides a globally focused curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
The acceptance rates of these schools are low. That means thousands of students apply every year, but only a few get in. Successful applicants are those who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to their communities. Beyond these qualifications, admissions officers also evaluate character and personal growth through admissions interviews, personal statements, and teacher recommendations.
- How can I improve my child’s chances of getting into a top private school in D.C.?
Improving your child’s chances of admission to a top private school in Washington, D.C. starts with early and strategic preparation. Begin by looking for the best-fit school for your family by researching each of your target schools’ core values and academic programs. Tailor your application to highlight why your child would thrive in that particular environment and what you, as parents, can contribute to the community. Along with these, strong academic performance is also essential, so make sure your child’s grades are consistently high.
Equally important are extracurricular activities and leadership roles. Encourage your child to pursue their interests and passions, whether in the arts, athletics, STEM, or community service. These experiences show initiative and well-roundedness, qualities that admissions officers look in students. Private schools in D.C. also value character, so traits like integrity, empathy, and perseverance should come though in essays, personal statements, and admissions interviews.
Test scores also make a huge difference. Standardized test prep for exams like SSAT or ISEE are important, so invest time in mastering the content and look for available programs and groups that offer support. These can be formal test prep classes or free online resources.
- When should I start preparing for Washington, D.C. private school applications?
Ideally, families should begin preparing for a D.C. private school application at least one year before the intended enrollment date. Most top private schools in Washington, D.C. have application deadlines in December or January, with admissions decisions typically released in March. Starting early gives you time to research schools, visit campuses, understand each school’s admissions criteria, and plan ahead for key components like entrance exams, essays, and interviews.
The spring season or summer before the application year is the best time to start working on test preparation for the SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, or other standardized tests required by certain schools. Fall is the busiest season, with open houses, school tours, and interview appointments. Knowing this, make sure to align your work calendars so you can attend important events and spend enough time in preparation.
If you’re too busy with work or business, consider hiring the services of professional admissions consultants who can help you throughout the admissions process. Their expertise will help you focus on the important elements of the application and significantly reduce stress. Your child will also benefit from the holistic process, where they get to discover themselves and learn life skills such as time management, organizational skills, and other strategies to improve their academic journey.
- Is test prep important for Washington, D.C. private school admissions?
Yes, test prep is a necessary part of the Washington, D.C. private school admissions process, especially when applying to the most competitive institutions. Many top schools in D.C. require standardized tests such as the SSAT, ISEE, or other standardized tests. While not all schools weigh test scores equally, strong results can help distinguish your child in a highly selective applicant pool.
Students benefit from one-on-one test prep than group classes. This is because test prep tutors and coaches can easily identify their weak points and track their progress. Our test prep program at Cardinal Education is sought-after because of the high scores that our students achieve. We use review materials that were developed by our CEO and accessed exclusively by our clients.
Our test prep tutors don’t just focus on memorizing content. Instead, we train the student on test-taking strategies, including familiarization with the exam format, practicing time management, and developing techniques for tackling different question types for each segment. For students who struggle with test anxiety, we focus on boosting confidence, which leads to significantly better performance on test day.
Find the key to long-term success with Cardinal Education!
DISCLAIMER
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any private school, including those mentioned on this website. All school names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only.