Private schools in the District of Columbia
OSP pays up to $10,000 for grades K to 8 and $15,000 for grades 9 to 12 (2026-27). D.C. residents entering kindergarten through 12th grade whose family receives SNAP or earns no more than 185% of the poverty line. Returning students stay eligible up to 300%.
Figures read from each program’s official pages, October 2, 2026. Sources and how to apply
1,409 students used a scholarship in 2024-25 (1,220 returning and 189 new, from 3,212 applications), according to Serving Our Children. Congress appropriates about $17.5 million a year.
Worth knowing: Funding is set by Congress each year. D.C. had not opted into the new federal tax credit as of September 14, 2026.
By city
The number is how many private schools sit within 6 miles of each town (12 miles for smaller towns), so nearby towns can overlap.
- Washington (56 nearby)
Ranked lists, each on one stated measure: Top private schools in Washington
By kind of school
By county
- District of Columbia (56)
The largest private schools in the District of Columbia
| School | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|
| St. Johns College High School ✓ | 9-12 | 1,794 |
| Caroline Education Community International Psa | PreK-12 | 1,390 |
| Sidwell Friends School ✓ | PreK-12 | 1,129 |
| Washington International School | PreK-12 | 846 |
| National Cathedral School | 4-12 | 597 |
| Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School ✓ | 9-12 | 512 |
| Blessed Sacrament School ✓ | K-8 | 502 |
| Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation's | PreK-8 | 449 |
| St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School | PreK-8 | 424 |
| Archbishop Carroll High School ✓ | 9-12 | 384 |
| The Field School | 6-12 | 351 |
| Holy Trinity School ✓ | PreK-8 | 315 |
| Edmund Burke School ✓ | 6-12 | 315 |
| Beauvoir the National Cathedral Elementary School | PreK-3 | 313 |
| Lowell School ✓ | PreK-8 | 270 |
What private school costs in the District of Columbia
We have read published tuition on 6 the District of Columbia school websites. The middle price is $47,430 for kindergarten to grade 5 (3 schools), $35,350 for grades 9 to 12 (4 schools). Published prices run from $19,644 to $56,820 a year.
These are the schools we have verified so far, mostly larger ones, so treat the figures as a guide rather than an average. Each school's page links its source. Tuition in every state.
Run your own numbers
What would you pay?
Enter amounts of $0 or more.
OSP pays between $10,000 and $15,000 depending on grade. We start with the lower figure. Change it if you know yours. An award can never be more than the school actually charges. This is arithmetic, not a quote.
Get one email when applications open
Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.
One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.
Questions parents ask
How much does the District of Columbia pay toward private school?
Up to $10,000 for grades K to 8 and $15,000 for grades 9 to 12 (2026-27). Federally funded under the SOAR Act. EdChoice reports an average of $11,318 in 2024-25.
Who can get it?
D.C. residents entering kindergarten through 12th grade whose family receives SNAP or earns no more than 185% of the poverty line. Returning students stay eligible up to 300%.
Is there still room?
1,409 students used a scholarship in 2024-25 (1,220 returning and 189 new, from 3,212 applications), according to Serving Our Children. Congress appropriates about $17.5 million a year.
How do I know a school takes OSP?
Serving Our Children, the program administrator, publishes a school directory PDF dated September 2026 and a map on its Find a School page. Schools marked with the badge here are in the directory's list of participating schools by ward; we match by name.