The latest American Community Survey (ACS) estimates a much higher share and number of District children enrolled in private school (nursery school through grade 12) compared to earlier years. The ACS estimated with 90% confidence that 20% of students in this grade range were enrolled in private schools in 2023 compared to 23% in 2022 and 16% in 2019. The estimated number of students enrolled in private school is similarly large as well, 20,393 students in 2023 compared to 13,718 in 2021. It will be important to note if this trend continues in 2024 (data should be available as of December 2025).
Estimated Private School Enrollment Nursery School through Grade 12 in Washington, DC
2010 to 2023
Source: US Census Bureau Decennial Census (2010) and American Community Survey, 1 Year Estimates (2010-2023)
The number and share of private school students varies by ward. The five-year American Community Survey estimates that 44% or 5,045 nursery school/preschool through grade 12 students living in Ward 3 attended private school. This number continues to be substantially higher than all other wards. The next highest number of private school students lived in Ward 4 at 2,890 students or 17% of those living in the ward. The estimated share of private school students in other wards ranges from 8% in Ward 8 to 43% in Ward 2.
Estimated Private School Enrollment Nursery School through 12th Grade by Ward
5 Year Average (2019-2023)
Source: American Community Survey, 5 Year Estimates (2019-2023)
