| Like many major cities, Washington DC and the surrounding metropolitan area have a number of wonderful private schools for girls to choose from. Whether looking for an independent, Catholic, or boarding school there are options available. Take a look at some of the best private high schools in the DC area and decide if a private education is the right path.
A Private Education with the National Cathedral School
The National Cathedral School (NCS), located in beautiful northwest DC on the hill next to the National Cathedral, is a great option for DC, Virginia, and Maryland residents. This is an independent private school for girls open to all. Students do attend the National Cathedral for worship and this Episcopal institution encourages both faith and community service. Girls from grades four through twelve are taught.
Why is the National Cathedral School one of the best DC area private high schools? Location is one benefit — this is one of two all girls private college-prep institutions that is actually located in the city. With less than 600 students, and a student to faculty ratio of seven to one, NCS offers a close-knit community and plenty of individual attention for each girl. Founded in 1900 it also offers tradition, name recognition, and experience as an institution for private education.
As far as course offerings for the high school level, known as the upper school, there is much to choose from. Foreign language study includes Latin, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. Aside from the general education requirements of English, science, math, and social sciences, students are required to study religion, with courses such as "Mythology and Mysticism of the East" and "Good and Evil: A Study of Human Behavior & the Holocaust." Art classes include photography, sculpture, painting, and art history — courses that are rarely offered within public school education.
The Georgetown Visitation Preparatory Private School for Girls
Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, also know as Visitation, is located in the residential community of Georgetown. This preparatory all girls private high school is Roman Catholic and rich in tradition, being originally founded in 1799. Aside from a great private education, girls are encouraged to develop kindness, optimism, and concern for others. Like NCS, Visitation has a small number of enrolled students, 450, in grades nine through twelve.
What is the curriculum like at one of DC's best private high schools for girls? Language study includes French and Spanish. General education courses are expanded with opportunities to take a number of AP courses. Each year students study the history of the Catholic faith or ethics and morals.
Private High Schools for Girls in the Metropolitan Area
The Madeira School is an all girls boarding school and day school located just outside of DC in Mclean, Virginia. The private education at this institution fosters independence and embraces the unique opportunity that DC students have access to — the global and political community. Foreign language courses include French, Latin, Spanish, and Chinese; the History Department covers US and World History, Women in America, Genocide in the Modern Age, and International Politics. Students can explore their creative penchants with course in acting, photography, graphic design, and ceramics.
Located in Potomac, Maryland, the Connelly School of the Holy Child is a Catholic school with a focus on personal attention to students and the encouragement of compassionate characters. This is one of the best private high schools because of its great location (just outside of the city) and expansive curriculum. Aside from standard general education courses there are offerings in religion, humanities, and AP courses. Music, theater, and visual arts are also an important part of the private education, rather than an after thought.
If seeking a private high school education in the DC area, check out these all girls private high schools. They are respected for their curriculum, but also for the communities that are provided for young women.
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