Inside the School
Sheridan School
Sheridan School is an independent progressive K-8 school in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and social responsibility. The school emphasizes experiential and social-emotional learning alongside academic rigor, and owns and operates a second campus in Luray, VA that is fully dedicated to outdoor exploration and learning.
Visit School Website →School Facts
At a Glance
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
- School Type
- Independent Day School
- Grades Served
- Grades K-8
- Gender
- Co-Educational
- Enrollment
- Approximately 230 students
- Our Community
- Approximately 40% students of color
- Religious Affiliation
- N/A
- Tuition
- Approximately $46,000-$50,500 depending on grade level (2026-27)
School Overview
Sheridan School is an independent progressive K-8 school in Washington, D.C. that is dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and social responsibility. The school emphasizes experiential and social-emotional learning alongside academic rigor, and owns and operates a second campus in Luray, VA that is fully dedicated to outdoor exploration and learning.
Academics
Sheridan’s academic curriculum includes instruction in:
- Mathematics
- Literacy (Lower School)
- English (Middle School)
- Social Studies
- Science
- Spanish
- Music
- Art
- Physical Education
Lower School
- Every Lower School homeroom at Sheridan follows a co-teaching model in which two teachers collaborate in planning and instructing lessons.
- Lower School students at Sheridan also participate in Discovery Days, which include field trips and multi-media exhibitions, as part of their experiential learning curriculum.
Middle School
- Formal homework is gradually introduced in Middle School for Sheridan students, with letter grades beginning in the second term of 6th Grade.
- 8th Grade students at Sheridan participate in a capstone social justice-oriented field trip in order to deepen their understanding of social issues.
Signature Programs
Mountain Campus
- Outdoor education comes to life at Sheridan through the school’s 130-acre Mountain Campus in the Shenandoah Mountains. From as early as Kindergarten, students participate in class trips to Mountain Campus where they engage in environmental labs, outdoor challenges, and community-building experiences designed to strengthen confidence and character.
- 7th and 8th Grade students at Sheridan also take part in week-long expeditions to Mountain Campus where they take on further challenges such as rock climbing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting.
Student Support
Social Emotional Learning
- Sheridan integrates the Responsive Classroom approach into its educational program, placing equal emphasis on students’ social-emotional development and academic growth. Every teacher at Sheridan has been trained in Responsive Classroom principles in order to best respond to the needs of students and their families.
High School Placement
- Sheridan’s high school placement team consists of the Head of School, the Middle School Head, the High School Placement Counselor, and the Director of Student Support. The team works with families starting in the spring of 7th Grade and provides support at every stage of the application process. Students at Sheridan also play an active role in choosing their best-fit school.
Student Life
Buddy Program
- Students at Sheridan participate in the school’s buddy program, in which 4th to 8th Graders serve as role models for their younger peers. The program allows older students to take on leadership positions while also providing younger students with academic and social mentors.
Music & Performing Arts
- Every year, Sheridan stages a fall play and a spring musical that students can join at no additional cost. In addition to theater, Sheridan offers private music lessons in piano, ukulele, guitar, drums, and voice training, with the opportunity to participate in a student recital each semester.
- Middle school students at Sheridan can also join the school’s trademark marimbas ensemble, which performs pieces from musical cultures across the globe.
Athletics
Sheridan’s athletics program follows an inclusive model in which every student who wishes to join a team is assigned a spot and there is no additional cost to participate. Sheridan is a member of the Capital Athletic Conference and has teams each year for:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Softball
- Baseball
- Volleyball
- Track
- Cross Country
Best-Fit Considerations
Student Fit
Sheridan School may be a strong fit for students who are:
- Adventurous and excited by experiential learning opportunities
- Seeking a collaborative, close-knit community
Family Considerations
Families should consider whether Sheridan’s size, integrated outdoor curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning fit their needs.
HCC Visit Insights
From our perspective, Sheridan School stands out due to its progressive, experiential educational model and inclusive community culture. Sheridan’s Mountain Campus is a signature strength, and the school challenges students to grow both inside and outside the classroom. As always, the right match depends on a student’s needs, goals, and readiness for the school environment.
Links to Schools and Resources
- Sheridan School
- At a Glance | Sheridan School
- Lower School | Sheridan School
- Middle School | Sheridan School
- Mountain Campus | Sheridan School
- Social Emotional Learning | Sheridan School
- High School Placement | Sheridan School
- Building Community | Sheridan School
- Performing Arts | Sheridan School
- Auxiliary Programs | Sheridan School
- Athletics | Sheridan School
- Inclusive Tuition | Sheridan School
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