The Field School Photo #3 - Founded in 1972, The Field School was established by our founder, Elizabeth Ely, to provide students with an inquiry-based curriculum encompassing organized "fields'' of knowledge-taught in an environment that stressed dialogue, analytic thinking, and larger lessons for young people to grow into generous, responsible, and self-knowing adults. Today, we continue this with a pedagogy that is relevant, and joyful.

The Field School

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The Field School Photo #1 - At Field, we empower students to choose colleges best suited for their talents and passions, and our college counseling team is dedicated to helping them find those great fits. The students in the Class of 2024 were accepted to 143 colleges and universities nationwide and internationally. View our website (fieldschool.org) to learn more about our graduates.
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The Field School Photo #1 - At Field, we empower students to choose colleges best suited for their talents and passions, and our college counseling team is dedicated to helping them find those great fits. The students in the Class of 2024 were accepted to 143 colleges and universities nationwide and internationally. View our website (fieldschool.org) to learn more about our graduates.
The Field School Photo #2 - Across all their learning experiences, Field students strive to create meaning and connection among their learning, actions, and the world.
The Field School Photo #3 - Field students thrive when engaged in authentic learning experiences, both independent and collaborative, developing a sense of agency for their learning and the ability to confidently take action, bringing their ideas into reality.
The Field School Photo #4 - Faculty encourage students to take intellectual risks, embrace mistakes, and grapple with complex problems that don't have easy solutions. Students experience all this as members of an inclusive and welcoming community that celebrates individuals with a shared sense of purpose.
The Field School Photo #5 - Founded in 1972, The Field School was established by our founder, Elizabeth Ely, to provide students with an inquiry-based curriculum encompassing organized "fields'' of knowledge-taught in an environment that stressed dialogue, analytic thinking, and larger lessons for young people to grow into generous, responsible, and self-knowing adults. Today, we continue this with a pedagogy that is relevant, and joyful.
The Field School Photo #6 - Field's Middle School program is built on the belief in our students' inherent sense of wonder and curiosity and is grounded in our understanding of the joys, struggles, needs, and emerging talents of young people during this crucial stage of their development.
The Field School Photo #7 - Falcon Pride is seen and heard across campus. Students support and cheer each other on during games and meets.
The Field School Photo #8 - Field competes in the Potomac Valley Athletic Conference (PVAC), a group of independent schools in the Washington metro area. With 83 PVAC league championship banners on our walls, we strive to best our competition while maintaining the integrity and sportsmanship that characterizes Field Athletics.
The Field School Photo #9 - At Field, we celebrate the victories, and we also empower students to redefine what it means to be a student-athlete. Our Field Falcons understand the value of competition, perseverance, and teamwork. They also learn how to make deep connections with their teammates and coaches, practice creative problem-solving, build self-confidence, advocate for themselves and others, and embrace their mistakes.
The Field School Photo #10 - Field students thrive when engaged in authentic learning experiences, both independent and collaborative, developing a sense of agency for their learning and the ability to confidently take action, bringing their ideas into reality. Faculty encourage students to take intellectual risks, embrace mistakes, and grapple with complex problems that don't have easy solutions.
The Field School Photo #11 - Students have the opportunity to present and display their work each year through various music and theater performances and visual art exhibitions. By engaging with the community outside the classroom, students are challenged to strengthen their confidence as artists and thinkers, demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained, and honor the individual voices of all members of their community.
The Field School Photo #12 - We believe that nurturing our students' social, emotional, and academic well-being in equal parts instills habits that encourage healthier and happier lives.
The Field School Photo #13 - Field Athletics in the Upper School include: Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Swimming, Winter Track, Lacrosse (girls), Tennis, Track & Field, and Ultimate Frisbee. Non-competitive sports offerings include Yoga, Weight Training, and Hiking.
The Field School Photo #14 - Go Falcons!
The Field School Photo #15 - Design and build a robot, learn a new language, take a writing intensive, join a music selective, dive into historical perspectives and thought, or engage in public debate and written argumentation. There are plenty of options to explore.
The Field School Photo #16 - Field's middle school science courses teach students to think like scientists and to cultivate an essential understanding of physics, biology, earth systems, ecology, and engineering. Our state-of-the-art labs are sites of scientific play and experimentation, where students test out theories, define problems, and make their solutions real.
The Field School Photo #17 - Field 8th graders embarke on a journey through Costa Rica during Intersession. Students trek into the rainforest and live off the grid. They work in partnership with the local community, including the Broran community, on economic, ecological, and cultural sustainability projects. They develop cross-cultural understanding through the mutual sharing of stories and experiences.
The Field School Photo #18 - Following in the footsteps of some of America's greatest civil rights activists, students retrace their heroic journey to iconic sites throughout Atlanta, Georgia, and Alabama. Students are immersed in hands-on activities and lessons that resonate and empower the world around us.
The Field School Photo #20 - The Field School is located in Northwest DC on 10.5 serene acres. From the views of the Washington Monument from our upper level terrace to the playing field tucked into the surrounding wooded area, our campus feels like "home" and a respite from the bustling DMV.
The Field School Photo #21 - Our Studio Arts program, consisting of theater, music, and visual arts, is an integral part of The Field School experience. These core academic courses give students the opportunity to explore different forms of self-expression through joyful, student-centered teaching and hands-on learning.
The Field School Photo #22 - Visit Field's beautiful 10.5 acre campus in Northwest DC. We host Tuesday morning tours from mid-September through mid-January. Contact the Admission Department to learn more at admission@fieldschool.org.
The Field School Photo #24 - Our Studio Arts program, consisting of theater, music, and visual arts, is an integral part of The Field School experience. These core academic courses give students the opportunity to explore different forms of self-expression through joyful, student-centered teaching and hands-on learning.
The Field School Photo #25
The Field School Photo #26 - Our middle school Mathematics program is centered on the belief that all students can think like mathematicians. While building a foundation in algebraic thinking, they learn to use math to make sense of and solve real-world problems.
At The Field School, we honor the individuality of each student by fostering an environment that is creative, connected, and inclusive.
Through research-based, innovative teaching and learning, Field faculty inspire students in grades 6-12 to become bold thinkers, inspired learners, and creative problem solvers.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 364 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $54,595
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 5 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Field School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1972

Student Body

Total Students
364 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 45%
Students by Grade
The Field School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 5 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition for the 2024-25 School Year Middle School (grades 6-8): $54,595 Upper School (grades 9-12): $56,235
% on Financial Aid
20%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$42,270
Acceptance Rate
50%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Jason Hersom
Admissions Associate
Kate Breslin

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
45 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Room, Bienvenue en Français, can American Television and Sitcom, Ciao Field School!, Clay and Glaze Chemistry, Coding and Robotics, Creative Writing Club, Discover DC, Exercise and Understanding the Human Body, Falcon Feed Radio, Feminism and How to be a Woman, Field News, GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance), History and Philosophy of Science, LGBTQ+ Films: From Subtext to Text, Magical Realism in Fiction and Film, Middle School Math Olympiad, Model United Nations, Nihongo!Ikimashou! Japanese Language and Culture (US), Personal Learning Project: Humanities, Poetry Writing Lab, Public Speaking, Relativity and Cosmology, Screenwriting and Moviemaking, SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Committee), Social Activism: How Do We Enact Change?, Social Entrepreneurship, Sports Analytics Club, Spy Thrillers: Behind the Scenes at the CIA, Stem Lab, Supreme: Understanding American Constitutional Law, Tanoshimi Nihongo Japanese Language and Culture (MS), The American Road: Traveling America & "The Road" as Metaphor, The Educated Consumer, U.S. Latinx Narratives of Awakening

Arts and Music Programs:
Ceramics Studio, Darkroom Photography, Field Music Collective, Field Music Selective, Film Studies, History and Practice of Craft Arts of Appalachia, Musical Theater, Photography for the Novice, Theater Troupe, Vocal Coaching

School Notes

  • At The Field School, we honor the individuality of each student by fostering an environment that is creative, connected, and inclusive. Through research-based, innovative teaching and learning, Field inspires students to discover their authentic selves and distinctive paths to become empathetic, creative thinkers who act boldly to shape our shared future. The Field School is a 6-12th grade independent school located in Northwest Washington, DC, and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Associations of Independent Maryland & DC Schools.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Josh Harris '82 - https://www.fieldschool.org/our-school/our-graduates?sharedStaffId=172
    • Tembe Denton-Hurst '13 - https://www.fieldschool.org/our-school/our-graduates?sharedStaffId=180
    • Maya Wiley '82 - https://www.fieldschool.org/our-school/our-graduates?sharedStaffId=173
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Field School cost?
The Field School's tuition is approximately $54,595 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Field School?
The acceptance rate of The Field School is 50%, which is lower than the national average of 61%.
Who are famous alumni from The Field School?
The Field School famous alumni include: Josh Harris '82, Tembe Denton-Hurst '13 and Maya Wiley '82.
What sports does The Field School offer?
The Field School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Winter Track.
What is The Field School's ranking?
The Field School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Field School?
The application deadline for The Field School is Jan. 5 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 5 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is The Field School located?
The Field School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 60 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 364 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $54,595
  • Acceptance rate: 50%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 5 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Washington, DC is $28,647 for elementary schools and $34,655 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Washington, DC is 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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