St. Bartholomew School in Bethesda | Military Town Advisor

Posted: January 16, 2026

As an alumni of this great school, I knew it had prepared me so well for my rigorous high school and college experience. My two children are getting such a strong academic baseamazing study skills, strong exposure to technology, and the confidence to tackle new curriculum. My son is now a freshman at Georgetown Prep and is working hard and finding academic success. St. Barts prepared him so wellthe supportive teachers and small, loving community was just what he needed to become the strong student he is as a high schooler. I am thrilled that my daughter is enjoying the same experience as a middle schooler at St. Barts and I know she will be ready for whatever high school adventure awaits her!

Posted: January 16, 2026

Posted: October 11, 2024

St. Barts has literally been a godsend for our son. He went from being insecure and anxious to confident and self-aware in just one year at the school. Our daughter started PreK this year and both kids are excited to go to school every single day. I honestly dont remember ever loving school as much as they do when I was a kid :) The teachers are loving and find creative and fun ways to keep the kids engaged. The families are welcoming and involved and care about the kids and school. Religion is taught in a joyful and uplifting way, which has in turn strengthened our familys faith. The extracurricular offerings are incredible for a school of its size and have enriched both kids experiences tremendously. We could not be happier and hope the school continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.

Posted: October 11, 2024

Posted: September 22, 2024

All four of my children have attended St. Bart's, with three students still there. It has been nothing short of an amazing experience for our family, and it is "home". There is much to tout about the school's top-notch leadership, beautiful campus (which will only get better in the coming years!) and its caring, skilled faculty - but for us, the main thing is the incredible community. There are many fun events throughout the year that a bring everyone together, and the families at school are the kind of people you want to raise your children around. I feel lucky that we are doing just that!

Posted: September 22, 2024

Posted: September 19, 2024

We have two kids at St. Bart's - next year all three will attend. The entire community - Principal, Pastor, Teachers, Parents & Students - provides a friendly, supportive & fun environment. The teachers are engaged, the parents are involved, the students are kind. The leadership of the school is clear and thorough in their mission, which is to educate academically, emotionally & spiritually. And the campus is beautiful. Our kids are excited to get up, get dressed and go to school every morning - which not only makes us happy, but also makes our morning routine much easier!

Posted: September 19, 2024

Posted: September 18, 2024

I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found St. Bart's! This school has been a perfect fit for my children and our family in general. The community is supportive, friendly, and welcoming. The teachers are committed to getting to know their students, and everyone -- regardless of whether they are my child's teacher or not -- go above and beyond to make my kids feel valued, understood, and loved. They have worked with my children to not only get them the support they need in the classroom, but have been accommodating and flexible with outside resources, too. My children love going to school every day and are so proud to tell everyone they meet that they are Bobcats! Thank you St. Bart's!

Posted: September 18, 2024

St. Bart's is everything a private, Catholic school should be: a community of committed teachers and administrators who know and practice the appropriate balance between parental involvement and values-based instruction. A school that focuses on both the present--and future--of each child's academic journey. A strong bond between the home parish and the school itself. Having transferred our daughter to St. Bart's prior to her middle school years, we could not be more pleased and proud of our decision. Welcoming, generous and engaged faculty who know their students by name, know who they really are and what they care about, and prepare them for the often stressful high school preparation process. The professionalization of the administration, upgrades of the facilities and strong financial footing have all been further enhanced post-COVID.

Posted: September 18, 2024

Posted: September 13, 2024

We attended this school for PreK and had a difficult experience. My son was intimidated by the large school and the one-size-fits-all attitude and high expectations, so he was unable to catch up to the rest of the class. He started getting increasingly anxious and nervous about school and the high expectations put on him. His self-confidence completely plummeted.

The teachers got defensive and dismissive when we started asking questions about his increasing anxiety and their decisions in the classroom. It was a real challenge getting direct answers to what was causing this change in behavior or if any steps were taken to help him, so we had to get administrators involved. This was made worse due to the limited transparency as to what was happening in the classroom. There is a very strict drop-off and pick-up policy, so only minimal interaction with the teachers and staff. This policy also prevented getting to know other families, so we felt very isolated.

We raised this issue with the principal and he promised that these issues will be addressed. I hope things will improve over time, but the damage has already taken a toll on my son's academic aptitude and his enjoyment of school.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Posted: December 9, 2019

My family has been at Saint Barts since the 80s. when my grandchildren came after being gone for well over ten years, I was surprised how many teachers, and families were still here! The school has gotten better and better. they dont just teach well, they learn well too.

Posted: December 9, 2019

Having all the homework on plus portals was terrific, so parents and students would have a single point of reference, but it isn't used as much but it is a good idea.

Posted: December 9, 2019

The most dedicated group of people I know, with common values and team cohesiveness, with one exception, a new person. likely not to stay.

Posted: December 9, 2019

I have never met a disrespectful student at this school. this could be one of the most important reasons for coming to this school. they even give an award, the Saint Barts Award in kindness alongside the academic awards. very cool.

Posted: December 9, 2019

Frank English is a master at what he does. Very positive. He is like a soul coach. He has the mannerism of a football player with the heart of David. great combo. He is completely dedicated to the success of this school.

Posted: December 9, 2019

My son was in MCPS disability system. they were doing a terrible job, the principal at the time (many years ago) told me to bring him to Saint Barts. Allowing him to be mainstreamed, and treating him like anyone else, and giving him the good modeling from the other students ... well, it set the rest of his life on a strong confident path. he sees himself in a positive light.

Posted: December 9, 2019

never seen bullying, but that's just me.

Posted: November 26, 2019

St. Bart's promotes an environment that makes my children excited to learn. Additionally, the specials, after-school activities, and music lessons that can be built into the day are stellar. Mostly, I feel that my children are seen by their teachers, who support and challenge them.

Posted: November 26, 2019

The teachers here are amazing! They know their stuff and care so much.

Posted: November 26, 2019

Their is a big emphasis on showing kindness and character. There are leadership and mentorship opportunities for older kids to connect with the younger ones.

Posted: November 14, 2019

Both of our children are at St. Barts, and we feel very lucky to have found the amazing community that the school has created. Parents are involved, children are encouraged and motivated, and most of all the teachers and administration truly care about each students well-being and growth. We have also found that the families of the students are involved and supportive of the school in a way that really makes a huge difference in the sense of community, and we feel better and better about our decision to bring our children to St. Barts with each passing year.

Posted: November 14, 2019

Posted: November 13, 2019

St. Bart's has been such a nurturing and positive environment for my daughters. The faculty, students, and parents are a tight knit group of caring people who look out for each other. All the older kids know my younger daughters' names and genuinely care about them. the spend time in reading groups and with older "mass buddies" to encourage this connection. I couldn't ask for a more loving place to send my kids to school!

Posted: November 12, 2019

I have two kids at this school. In PreK and 1st grade and have seen the most amazing transformation in both my kids. My daughter lacked confidence in her reading and is now checking out books that I would not touch. My son is thriving and making friends every day. They both come home with amazing daily stories to tell and the community of families and parents are simply lovely. The parents are not elitists at all and care for one another. I feel blessed I found this school for my kids and plan on sending my 3 year old next year when they open their PreK3.

Posted: November 12, 2019

My daughter struggled with her confidence to read and in a short few weeks is not confident enough to take books from the library that have no pictures in them. What a turnaround. Borderline miraculous.

Posted: November 12, 2019

The level of care and attention to each and every single kid is baffling. I don't know how they do it but both my kids come home with personal empowering stories everyday.

Posted: November 12, 2019

As described above, this kids are all confident, go getters, and caring above all else. Smarter than all the private schools around.

Posted: November 12, 2019

Because of its catholic background, each kid must learn to speak in front of the congregation regularly. It is just part of their habits and they are all exceptional at it. Not a fear in their lives about public speaking. Older students are daily peers to the younger kids. It teaches them leadership, care and develop positive and nurturing characters. I am grateful for that.

Posted: November 12, 2019

This is the most obvious one, My daughter is in a class with an exceptionally smart and beautiful girl with down syndrome that keeps up with her class effortlessly.

Posted: November 12, 2019

This is a catholic school where good citizenship is promoted everyday. Kids are taught to protect each other and care for one another. If bullying ever happens, the community would correct it instantly.

Posted: November 11, 2019

We have been with the school for 6 years. It has been a wonderful experience for my children.

Posted: November 11, 2019

They are the best in the business.

Posted: November 11, 2019

It is the core value of everything that they do.

Posted: November 11, 2019

Mr. English is a strong leader grounded in his faith. He has an gental approach to strong leadership.

Posted: November 11, 2019

St. Barts in Bethesda offers an exceptional learning environment at a tremendous value. The faculty is dedicated and devoted to creating a positive experience for each and every child. The school offers students a wonderful sense of community and a great foundation from which to grow.

Posted: November 11, 2019

Posted: November 5, 2019

My son is in his second year at St. Bart's and he is thriving. We moved from Woods Academy after second grade. Initially, we chose St. Bart's for proximity to our future home, however, we discovered this is the best school we could have found for him. He is interested in science, reading, and religion. The teachers find constructive ways to engage him in activities that may have seemed not that interesting for him at the time and awake his curiosity. His spelling tests are perfect because of the creative methods Mrs. Parker finds to motivate the children. The study of space and planets have ignited a whole chapter in astronomy and space exploration. They are in third grade and using planners very effectively. My son is doing his homework independently, but Mrs. Parker is there to help when he needs help. And we are very excited about learning to write cursive, a lost skill at many schools, even the high tuition private schools. We didn't find our future house yet, but we have definitely found a home at St. Bart's.

Posted: November 5, 2019

Some homework assignments are a week-long, some for the next day. The work is always complemental to the material kids learn at school. The kids use planners to aid with assignments and due dates.

Posted: November 5, 2019

Kind and nurturing, teachers are always positive and with a big smile on their faces.

Posted: November 5, 2019

Posted: October 9, 2019

The level of homework has always been very manageable at St. Bart's and appropriate for each grade level. Even in middle school, it is usually no more than an hour, often less. The homework usually reinforces/builds on class work and is not busywork.

Posted: October 9, 2019

All of the teachers my kids have had at St. Bart's have been fabulous (with one exception and that teacher is no longer there). They are caring, creative, and really get to know each child. The school seems to attract/select strong teachers too - the new science teacher has gotten my kids more excited about science than ever before with an excellent balance of teaching the material and doing lots of fun in-class experiments and projects where the kids learn to problem-solve. A few years ago the art and homeroom teachers worked together to have each kid research a famous artist, paint a few of their works, and do a presentation for the class and parents - it was fabulous!

Posted: October 9, 2019

The school runs a number of service projects during the year to help the poor, homeless, elderly, etc. - teaches the kids compassion, kindness, and builds character.

Posted: October 9, 2019

The new principal has many years of experience both in teaching and in leading schools. He is great at communicating with kids and with parents alike - clear messaging and good listening. His past experience in high school admissions means he is an invaluable resource when it comes time for the kids to apply to high schools.

Posted: October 9, 2019

St. Bart's has a very strong resource program, as well as a program for special needs kids that won the 2019 Catholic Coalition Special Education Award, and an outdoor classroom that can be used by all.

Posted: October 9, 2019

One of my kids had a minor case of bullying that was dealt with very quickly and very effectively.

Posted: October 9, 2019

We've had two children at St. Bart's for 8 years now and have been extremely pleased with the school! The academics are strong (Blue Ribbon School), with a great group of teachers who are not only caring, but also very creative and able to work across subject areas to develop integrated and interesting projects. With the small class size and customized reading and math groups, the teachers really get to know your child and can provide individualized support. The new principal is fantastic - really listens to parents and has been invaluable in guiding the older kids through high school applications (which has resulted in impressive admissions results and scholarship opportunities). As a result of the warm community, our kids have made many friends and love going to school.

Posted: February 15, 2019

They pretend they dont know how much bullying is going on. They dont address bullying.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Unfortunately our experience has been terrible here.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Have had a great experience at St. Barts. My boys have loved the small class sizes and nurturing environment.

Posted: November 15, 2018

St. Bart's has a strong teaching team who invests in knowing each student. Teachers communicate regularly and are responsive.

Posted: November 15, 2018

There are daily opportunities for developing strong character. There is a strong integrated approach to fostering each student's character development. The school involves students in many community service opportunities starting at a young age, which instills a sense of compassion and responsibility to give back.

Posted: November 15, 2018

The current principal has created a warm, welcoming, and supportive community. He is responsive to parent feedback and approaches students through a nurturing developmental lense.

Posted: November 15, 2018

The school has several support teachers on staff and many of the grade level teachers have participated in recent trainings to enhance their ability to support learning differences while providing an inclusive learning environment.

Posted: November 15, 2018

We have not experienced the middle school yet, however, at the early elementary grade levels, teachers both proactively support children's social and emotional development and are very responsive to parent concerns.

Posted: November 15, 2018

We have had an overall positive experience at St. Bart's. We appreciate the warm and nurturing school community as well as the effort teachers put into communicating with parents through weekly updates, photos, and individualized communication. Our children are happy to go to school each day and are stimulated by the active learning they are engaged in. They have also enjoyed the range of extracurriculars that are offered during and after school. The small class sizes allow our children to feel valued in the community and to form strong relationships with their teachers and peers.

Posted: November 15, 2018

The research appears mixed on the value of homework, particularly during early elementary years. The school introduces the concept of homework in kindergarten and this builds as students progress through the grade levels.

Posted: October 13, 2018

My son could barely function by the end of the year.

Posted: October 13, 2018

Awful. It may be better now but I dont know nor will I. Shame on St Barts Catholic School.

Posted: October 13, 2018

My son was bullied mercilessly during 7th grade. I ended up having to homeschool him. Teachers did nothing, and Mrs. Miller, the head of the school at the time, even participated in harassing my son

Posted: October 13, 2018

Students often ignored their peers being harassed.

Posted: October 13, 2018

It may be better now, but at the time it was awful. They often ignored or down right supported bullying.

Posted: October 13, 2018

Struggling students are shamed and their poor grades arent hidden from the rest of the class

Posted: September 22, 2017

All three of my children have attended the school. There is a wonderful community of parents and faculty there, as well as a tremendous principal. My children who graduated went on to attend competitive high schools. One is now at a top 10 college in the country. They were well prepared both intellectually and ethically. The school has a beautiful campus with a new gymnasium and several fields, as well as a new playground. The Pre-K and Kindergarten are wonderful nurturing environments for children just beginning their formal schooling. I can't recommend the school enough.

Posted: September 22, 2017

Posted: February 15, 2017

This is a Catholic school with a strong emphasis on kindness, compassion, and respect. While there is an anti-bullying policy, there is an understanding of social responsibility and peer awareness. Online bullying is not tolerated.

Posted: February 15, 2017

A number of children with IEPs are served. Anyone who wants to be a student here CAN be a successful student here. Educating a child involves multiple participants, including parents and when needed, extra resources outside of traditional school hours.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Students participate in a number of service learning opportunities and take great pride in these events. Faith-based education serves children of all religions.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Overall class sizes are small, plus there is differentiated instruction for even smaller groups of 3-4 students. Blue ribbon, certified teachers, and additional resource staff push a rigorous standards based curriculum. As a former teacher in both private and public schools, I can appreciate the teachers' dedication, commitment, and WHOLE child approach. Plus they teach cursive :) The art of writing is not entirely lost here.

Posted: February 15, 2017

Not too much, not too little. Interesting and creative assignments are given to challenge students, not to just repeat the day's coursework.

Posted: February 15, 2017

All four of my children would agree they felt well prepared to navigate the academic, social, and personal challenges in high school and beyond (each went to highly selective private high schools and universities). Now my grandchildren have enrolled and I see the school's continued tradition of developing smart, innovative, respectful, and ethical children of all races and religions. Teachers are certified, facilities are great, supportive staff, and really committed community of parents. It's really a hidden gem in Bethesda.

Posted: January 24, 2017

Good school with small classes and a great community.

Posted: January 24, 2017

There is no differentiation at this school.

Posted: January 24, 2017

Principal is more worried about the uniform than in bringing new programs.

Posted: January 24, 2017

School does not have a discipline plan.

Posted: January 24, 2017

Teachers are mean to students and parents.

Posted: January 24, 2017

They need to see what Finland is doing.

Posted: November 9, 2016

St. Bartholomew Catholic School is an exceptional Pre-K 4 to 8th Grade Catholic School is a well diverse school in the WDC area. St. Bart's demonstrates the students achievements and progresses several times a year through testing, teaching, and communication. The school community and parish are warm and welcoming. Students are taught to serve others less fortunate by practicing the Catholic faith and "service" to others in the community. The students are also well prepared for high school. I highly recommend St. Bartholomew Catholic School to all.

Posted: February 3, 2015

We moved our children to St. Bartholomew after three years in MCPS and we couldn't be more pleased! Our children are fully engaged in what they are learning, thanks to excellent teachers and a nurturing atmosphere. They are smiling and enthusiastic each day when I pick them up. There's always a story to share about a clever way the teachers brought a lesson to life. The curriculum is rich in specials and the kids enjoy 2 recesses daily, which helps them stay focused in the classroom. This school is a real value.

Posted: March 6, 2014

My child is at St. Bart's and is doing fantastic academically, socially, and spiritually. New principal is great, the staff and faculty are caring and nurturing. Lots of great afterschool activities, HSA is engaged, the community is very friendly. Wonderful!!

Posted: October 10, 2013

I attended St. Bart's when I was younger, 6th-8th grade and I have to say it was the best thing my parents did for me. I am now a proud mother of two and just starting my search for a private elementary school. After reading some very interesting reviews on some other schools I wanted to write something about St. Bart s. This school is nonjudgmental, the staff is very caring and will go completely out of their way to help in any way they can. I struggled with learning disabilities as a child and the program this school offers changed my life. They really helped with my schooling & I learned ways to deal with my disabilities. I would recommend this school to anyone with bright children and to children that need a little help! Great school, awesome teachers, awesome everything!

Posted: September 30, 2013

Excellent school !!! Very involved new principal this year. Parents can't say enough great things about him. Smaller class size means lots more one on one attention for students. The faculty and staff could not be more encouraging !!!!

Posted: September 5, 2011

WONDERFUL school!! Tight knit community, caring environment. Great education! My children have been attending the school for seven years now and we have young children that will be going too. We won't send our children anywhere else. This school is the best!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	The Willoughby	Condominium/Townhouse	Chevy Chase	MD	3.1 mi
2	White Flint	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	4.3 mi
3	Old Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Rockville	MD	4.9 mi
4	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	7 mi
5	Takoma Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Takoma Park	MD	7 mi
6	Falls Church City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	7.2 mi
7	Forest Knolls	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	7.4 mi
8	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	8.2 mi
9	DuMont Oaks	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	8.5 mi
10	Hillandale	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Silver Spring	MD	9.1 mi
11	Barkley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.7 mi
12	The VIO	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Washington SW	DC	9.8 mi
13	Broyhill Crest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	9.8 mi
14	Twenty400	Apartment Complex	Arlington	VA	9.9 mi
15	Shirlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	10.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Arlington	Arlington	VA	5.2 mi
2	Silver Spring	Silver Spring	MD	6.2 mi
3	Georgetown	Washington	DC	6.9 mi
4	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	7.1 mi
5	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	8 mi
6	Vienna	Vienna	VA	8.8 mi
7	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	8.8 mi
8	White Oak	Silver Spring	MD	9.1 mi
9	Pentagon City	Arlington	VA	9.6 mi
10	Capitol Hill	Washington	DC	9.9 mi

Base	Distance
Walter Reed Medical Center	2.8 mi.
Fort Myer	7.8 mi.
Henderson Hall	8.7 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	8.8 mi.
Pentagon	9 mi.
Fort McNair	10.3 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	10.6 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	10.7 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	10.7 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	10.7 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	11.9 mi.
NRO Chantilly	18.1 mi.
Andrews AFB	18.3 mi.
Fort Belvoir	18.8 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	23 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	27.3 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	34.1 mi.
Fort Detrick	35 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	35.1 mi.
US Naval Academy	35.1 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	36 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	44.6 mi.

St. Bartholomew School

Bethesda, MD 20817

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St. Bartholomew School

Bethesda, MD 20817

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