The Best Private Schools in Chevy Chase, Maryland
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chevy Chase. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Landon School
Independent
Landon School is a prestigious all-boys private school located just minutes from Chevy Chase in Bethesda. Founded in 1929, Landon offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school features a 75-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong academic reputation and character development programs, Landon maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. The school has a long tradition of sending graduates to top-tier universities and emphasizes leadership development through its honor code and community service programs.
Programs:
Holton-Arms School
Independent
Holton-Arms is a highly respected all-girls independent school located adjacent to Chevy Chase in Bethesda. Founded in 1901, the school provides an exceptional college preparatory education with particular strengths in STEM fields, leadership development, and global education. The campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, dedicated arts spaces, and technology-rich learning environments. Holton-Arms emphasizes experiential learning through its Center for Innovation & Design and offers extensive international study opportunities. The school maintains a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while preparing young women for leadership roles. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship.
Programs:
Washington International School
International Baccalaureate World School
Washington International School, located just across the DC border from Chevy Chase, is a premier IB World School serving students from preschool through grade 12. Founded in 1966, WIS offers the complete International Baccalaureate continuum and provides bilingual education in multiple language tracks. The school's diverse international community and global curriculum prepare students for worldwide universities and careers. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic spaces spread across two campuses. WIS is known for its rigorous academic program, exceptional faculty with international experience, and strong college placement record. The school's location in the Palisades neighborhood makes it easily accessible to Chevy Chase families seeking an international education.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chevy Chase, Maryland
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and what are their core educational models?
Chevy Chase, Maryland, is home to and adjacent to several prestigious private schools, each with a distinct model. The Landon School, located in Bethesda just minutes away, is an all-boys day school (grades 3-12) known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and emphasis on character development. The Holton-Arms School, also in Bethesda, is an all-girls college preparatory school (grades 3-12) with a strong focus on leadership, STEM, and the arts. While not in Chevy Chase proper, the Washington International School has a primary campus nearby and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Pre-K through grade 12, attracting a globally-minded community. Additionally, families often consider the nearby National Presbyterian School (coed, age 3-grade 6) and Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (all-girls, Bethesda).
How does tuition for top private schools in the Chevy Chase, MD, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Chevy Chase vicinity is among the highest in Maryland, reflecting their resources, faculty, and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges approximately from $45,000 to $55,000 for upper grades. All these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. For instance, Landon, Holton-Arms, and Washington International School all have substantial endowment-funded aid budgets, awarding millions annually. Maryland residents should also investigate the state's BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) scholarship program, which provides partial tuition assistance for eligible families choosing nonpublic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at private schools in the Chevy Chase, Maryland, area?
Schools in this area offer specialized programs that leverage their location near Washington, D.C. Landon School has a renowned Global Studies program with extensive travel and diplomatic engagement opportunities. Holton-Arms emphasizes its Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering (CIDE), integrating advanced technology and design thinking across disciplines. The Washington International School's entire curriculum is built around the International Baccalaureate, culminating in the IB Diploma, and it offers instruction in multiple languages from a young age. Furthermore, proximity to institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda allows for exceptional science research internships and partnerships not commonly available elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Chevy Chase, MD, and when should parents begin?
The admissions process for these highly selective schools is extensive and begins well over a year in advance. Parents should initiate research and campus visits in the spring or summer before the desired fall enrollment. Key deadlines for applications, including standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, and parent statements, are typically in early to mid-January for the following academic year. For example, to enroll a child in Kindergarten or a primary entry grade for Fall 2025, the application deadline would likely be January 2025. Many schools also have earlier deadlines for financial aid applications. Sibling and legacy applicants often have a slight advantage, but the process remains competitive across all grades with limited space.
How do the public schools in Chevy Chase, specifically within the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) system, compare with the local private school options, and what factors might influence a family's choice?
Chevy Chase is served by top-ranked MCPS schools, such as Chevy Chase Elementary and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, which offer excellent, tuition-free education with advanced academic programs (IB and AP). The choice between public and private often hinges on specific family priorities. Private schools in the area generally offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, distinct educational philosophies (single-gender, IB continuum), and often more extensive facilities and extracurricular resources. They also provide a consistent educational community from elementary through high school, whereas MCPS assignments can change with redistricting. The decision typically comes down to the value placed on these specific offerings versus the significant financial investment required for private tuition.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities