The Woods Academy in Bethesda | Military Town Advisor

Posted: June 19, 2026

Welcoming environment and wonderful school. The teachers and administrators care about the success of students and the school. We wanted a small Catholic community and this has been a great fit.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Posted: June 10, 2026

The Woods academy is such a Great school

Posted: June 10, 2026

Posted: June 4, 2026

Ive been very impressed with The Woods Academy. Academically, there is evident rigor coupled with proficient teachers, thoughtful lesson plans and appropriate support to ensure the students learn, retain the material, and excel overall. The community is so inviting and engaging. The school hosts a plethora of events (large and small) throughout the year to help students and families foster meaningful connections. Finally, the administration is very visible, hands-on, and very invested in the success of each student. Its been an incredible experience and we look forward to the years to come.

Posted: June 4, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2025

My sister has been attending the Woods Academy for nearly a full school year, and unfortunately, our experience has been deeply disappointing. As a child born during the COVID-19 pandemic, she struggles with anxiety in unfamiliar environments and around strangers. This has significantly affected her well-being at schoolshe refuses to eat snacks or lunch while there.

Despite numerous emails to the administration explaining her situation, the only responses we've received are variations of "it's school policy" or vague promises like "we will do our best to support her." Yet no meaningful support has been provided. She continues to sit alone during the day, often isolated in a corner with only occasional interaction from peers. This is not acceptable.

A school should be a place where children feel safe, supported, and cared forespecially those who are struggling. Simply telling families to manage everything at home is not enough when the child spends so much of their time in school. The Woods Academy has failed to show the compassion and flexibility that should be expected of any institution responsible for a young childs development.

Not saying that this school isn't for everyone, but it's certainly unequipped and unprepared to aid kids that need some extra attention or help. Please be careful, and make your own, thoroughly thought through decision.

Posted: April 29, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2024

I would HIGHLY recommend The Woods Academy to families looking for a smaller, faith-forward community, focused not only on ensuring academic achievement, but nurturing and fostering growth among all its students. The school has all the bells and whistles--a particularly important one for me and my family was the emphasis on world language. At Woods, the children choose between Spanish or French and they have that class every single day. It is not a "special" or an elective that meets once a week. Then, in 8th grade, the kids go on a school sponsored trip to either Spain or France. My kids are already talking about how excited they are for this class trip even though we are still years away! The school also offers plenty of awesome extra curricular classes like robotics, orchestra, or one of my kids' favorite, a cooking class that takes place in the brand new state of the art kitchen. There seems to be no limit to the wonderful things that The Woods Academy offers and we are so glad we close this special place to educate our children.

Posted: March 19, 2024

I can't express enough how exceptional The Woods Academy is, thanks to its remarkable teachers and staff, where everyone knows each other and makes you feel at home.

My older son has thrived there for three years, now in 1st grade, feeling confident, happy, and safe. Even when he was sick, his teacher ensured he stayed on track by sending homework daily via his little sister. Despite his writing challenges, his teacher provides personalized word practice and attention, made possible by the small class size of 15 students. My daughter also benefits from their Montessori program, fostering independence and empathy, especially evident when she received thoughtful letters and drawings from classmates while she was sick. This school emphasizes engagement over passive learning; my son has a supportive Prayer Partner, a 5th grader, who he meets with on a regular basis; and my daughter enjoys cooking classes, which even involve parents. I recently was invited to cook and read in her class.

Overall, the teachers prioritize understanding and learning from mistakes, shaping not only academic growth but also nurturing kindness and empathy in my children.

Posted: March 19, 2024

Posted: January 11, 2024

We joined the Woods Academy two years ago, with my son starting in the first grade. Since then, we have felt lucky every day for him to be a part of this school community. The attention to his development as a whole person - education, social skills, curiosity, growth in faith - has been a special thing to witness. My son even comes home excited to go to school the next day! The Woods Academy is truly a special school and we are thankful to be there.

Posted: January 11, 2024

Posted: December 28, 2023

We are half way through our second year at the Woods Academy and love the warm and nurturing environment.
My 4th and 6th graders are happy to go to school everyday and have made wonderful friends with very involved parents.
My kids are challenged academically and receive additional support where needed. For example my 6th grader attends weekly (Free!) math tutoring after school from the lead math teacher. She provides a fun environment for kids to receive extra help where needed.
The school offers daily language (French or Spanish immersion) or the option to attend Resource Center when the child qualifies.
All students are treated with respect and kindness and the school holds the children to high standards of respect and manners as well.
It appears the entire administration knows my kids names and keeps tabs on them.
I know I can call any of her teachers at any time and they have a pulse on where there is room for improvement.
I do not believe this school creates an internal competition among the children which I love.
I also love this is a co-ed school however they divide the boys and girls up every morning and afternoon for Advisory. This allows for specialized 'wellness' chats highly relevant to what's going on in their demographic.
All around we love Woods.
Many of the staff have been there for 10+ years and many of the teachers and admin attended Woods Acadamy (or Holton Arms or Georgetown Prep or Holy Child, etc.) themselves.
My child's only complaint is they could use a better playground facility however she seems to have plenty to do during recess.
Lot's of involved and fantastic families.
Highly qualified guidance counselors,, music teacher, art teacher, PE
They offer awesome after school activities and competitive (yet inclusive sports teams)
Highly recommend.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Oh what a wonderful place The Woods Academy is. Since coming to this school, my son has been so excited to learn. Hes excelled so much just in the year hes been here, as his teacher presents advanced concepts in ways that he can understand. They are also open to therapies and tools that has helped him cope with some learning challenges. As parents, were also pleased to see how engaged the teachers are, even knowing all the kids by names no matter the grade. It has a wonderful family atmosphere where they aim to raise good people.

Posted: November 28, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Warm community school.
Tenured, friendly, accessible administrators and staff.
Small class sizes but big opportunities to learn and grow
Parents are as involved as they want to be
Language classes offered everyday!
Religion is on the medium-light side. More focused on positive messaging and kindness
Love how the girls and boys in upper school (5th-8th) are separated every morning for advisory.

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: April 3, 2023

This school is NICE TO THE KIDS which is incredibly rare and valuable these days.

Posted: April 3, 2023

Posted: October 28, 2021

I have been here for 6 years, and just started my 7th. I love it! The teachers are great and helpful, and the students are really nice. Not looking forward to leaving at the end of next year, but I know Woods will prepare me for High School

Posted: January 28, 2018

Far below the value they market. They push therapy and outside tutoring to every child, costing parents far more than the value tuition. Their academics dont meet student who achieve above or below standards. They continually lower standards to meet the needs of the parent pulse... which variably changes, offering an inconsistent education if your child stays for 5+ years. The school is a loving community of parents... which is all great if you are looking for a social club.

Posted: May 25, 2016

I would avoid applying to this school at all costs. The teachers at this school have hindered my child's academic and emotional growth. There is no support system; we have attempted to reach out for help with his academics, yet most of the teachers show a lack of interest after some time. The teachers truly only care about the success of some of their students. Please, if you can, refrain from making the same mistake my family did.

Posted: May 25, 2016

Posted: June 1, 2014

Being a very resent student of The Woods and now a graduate, I look back eith joy on my years at The Woods Academy. It is a place where each indavidual student is givin the attention they need. Where friendships are forged and will last a life time. I am very happy to have the experiance I did at Woods and hope that more kids could have a place like Woods!

Posted: March 11, 2014

We have been sending our two kids to The Woods Academy for almost 4 years now and it's a wonderful school. The small class sizes (not larger than 17 per class) ensure considerable attention to each child. The teachers really know our kids and have been able to adapt as needed. That said, those with serious special needs might not be the right fit at The Woods. We like that the core aspects of the curriculum are traditional with integrated technology in the classrooms. The kids get Spanish or French as a second language daily, and the art and music programs are very strong. The environment is nurturing and supportive of a well-rounded approach to education. Unlike the previous poster, our experience has been that even the slightest hint of bullying is addressed swiftly and seriously. In my experience, the teachers, the administration and the guidance program are well aligned on emphasizing kindness and cultivating social and emotional intelligence. I strongly recommend The Woods!

Posted: February 15, 2014

This school,while the education is great, is probably the worst mistake I ever had made. My child came home crying almost every day because of all the bullies in the school. If you are even slightly different you are shunned to quite a high degree. Please don't send your child here

Posted: July 9, 2013

Our two boys graduated from The Woods Academy a good number of years ago. To this day, I do a little sigh of joy when I recall those days. Aside from the Catholic tenants, the school is inherently kind and the children learn manners, character and positive life lessons in the loving yet demanding environment. Both of my boys still love the school and have extremely fond memories while feeling that they were well prepared academically for the next part of their journey. I am still in contact with some of the teachers. They love what they do and live the same way outside of the classroom. When I meet parents of current students, I hear the same things we feel. The school has maintained it's working formula. I know we gave our boys the best start at The Woods Academy.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	White Flint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	2.7 mi
2	Old Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	3.1 mi
3	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	4.1 mi
4	Forest Knolls	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	6.7 mi
5	Takoma Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Takoma Park	MD	7.1 mi
6	DuMont Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	7.7 mi
7	Hillandale	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	8.5 mi
8	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	8.7 mi
9	Falls Church City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	8.9 mi
10	Lakelands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Gaithersburg	MD	9.1 mi
11	Iverly	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	9.5 mi
12	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	9.8 mi
13	Norwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Olney	MD	10 mi
14	Fox Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Great Falls	VA	10.7 mi
15	The VIO	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Washington SW	DC	11 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Silver Spring	Silver Spring	MD	6.1 mi
2	Arlington	Arlington	VA	6.9 mi
3	Georgetown	Washington	DC	8.2 mi
4	White Oak	Silver Spring	MD	8.5 mi
5	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	8.8 mi
6	Kentlands	Gaithersburg	MD	9.6 mi
7	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	9.6 mi
8	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	10 mi
9	Vienna	Vienna	VA	10.1 mi
10	Capitol Hill	Washington	DC	11 mi

Base	Distance
Walter Reed Medical Center	2.4 mi.
Fort Myer	9.3 mi.
Henderson Hall	10.2 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	10.5 mi.
Pentagon	10.5 mi.
Fort McNair	11.6 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	11.8 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	11.9 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	12 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	12.4 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	13.3 mi.
NRO Chantilly	18.9 mi.
Andrews AFB	19.4 mi.
Fort Belvoir	20.6 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	22.3 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	29.1 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	33.2 mi.
Fort Detrick	33.5 mi.
US Naval Academy	35 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	35.9 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	36.7 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	46.3 mi.

The Woods Academy

Bethesda, MD 20817

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The Woods Academy

Bethesda, MD 20817

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