The latest American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that the share and number of District children enrolled in private school (nursery school through grade 12) remain much higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the ACS estimated with 90% confidence that 20%—about 21,540 students—were enrolled in private schools. This marks the third consecutive year of elevated private school enrollment.
Estimated Private School Enrollment Nursery School through Grade 12 in Washington, DC
2010 to 2024
Source: US Census Bureau Decennial Census (2010) and American Community Survey, 1 Year Estimates (2010-2024)
The number and share of private school students vary by ward. According to the five-year American Community Survey estimates, 47% of students in nursery school through grade 12 living in Ward 3 —about 5,700 children—attended private school, far higher than any other ward. The next highest number is in Ward 4, with about 3,500 students, or 21% of children in the ward. In the remaining wards, the share of private school students ranges from 10% in Ward 8 to 44% in Ward 2.
Estimated Private School Enrollment Nursery School through 12th Grade by Ward
5-Year Average (2020-2024)
Source: American Community Survey, 5 Year Estimates (2020-2024)
