There was a family that was about to submit their application after seeing the first line of tuition. They almost gave up after seeing the nearly $60,000 figure, without checking how much financial aid the school actually offers.

Among the private schools well-known among Korean parents in Washington DC are Sidwell Friends School and Georgetown Day School. For the 2026 academic year, Sidwell Friends has a tuition of $59,920, while Georgetown Day's is $56,217. Maret School, National Cathedral School, and St. Albans School are also frequently mentioned in the same top tier.

At Georgetown Day, 79 percent of teachers hold a master's degree or higher, maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1, and offering 123 courses at the high school level. A smaller class size means that teachers can pay closer attention to each student's learning situation.

These private schools generally share common features such as small class sizes, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and college counseling programs. The profile data provided on school websites often shows which colleges graduates have attended by year, so reviewing the last three years can be helpful before applying.

The GreatSchools rating is a measure that combines academic achievement and growth, scored on a scale from 1 to 10, primarily used for comparing public schools. Private schools often do not fall under this rating, so it's more accurate to refer to Niche reviews or the school's own materials.

While tuition may seem burdensome, most top-tier private schools operate income-based financial aid programs. Depending on household income, significant portions of tuition, and in some cases nearly the entire amount, can be covered. The amount of aid varies by school and household situation, so it's best to contact the admissions office directly for confirmation.

Instead of the term scholarship, American private schools typically use the term need-based financial aid. Unlike merit-based scholarships, this method determines the amount of aid based on household income and assets. The term need-blind admission is also often heard, meaning that acceptance is determined regardless of the applicant's financial situation. However, the amount of aid offered after acceptance can vary based on the school's financial situation, so it's important to carefully review the financial aid package that comes with the acceptance notice.

Now, turning to housing, it's worth comparing Bethesda and Chevy Chase, which are frequently mentioned as areas served by these schools. According to Zillow, the average home value in Bethesda is $1,120,054, and the median sale price over the last three months according to Redfin is $1,300,000, which is a 3.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Chevy Chase has a median sale price of $1,300,000 over the last three months according to Redfin, similar to Bethesda, but has decreased by 9.36 percent compared to the same period last year.

Both areas form a price range that is much higher than the average in the Washington metropolitan area. While Bethesda has shown a gradual increase over the past year, Chevy Chase has seen a larger decline, which is a notable difference. However, this is only a trend from the past few months, so it is difficult to make definitive long-term predictions.

For families moving to Maryland, it's also worth noting that property tax and state income tax structures may differ from their previous residence. Tax rates and assessment methods vary by county, so it's advisable to check the most recent property tax bill for any properties of interest.

Mortgage rates can vary significantly based on personal credit scores and down payment ratios, so it's wise to compare estimates from multiple financial institutions. For families moving to Maryland, obtaining pre-approval for a loan can also provide a favorable position in property negotiations.

When considering school district ratings, refer to GreatSchools or Niche scores, but keep in mind that school district boundaries are often adjusted, so it's safe to verify the assigned school for the address before finalizing any property contracts. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with the school admissions office and financial professionals before making any actual contracts or financial aid applications.