St Rita School in Alexandria | Military Town Advisor

Posted: May 27, 2026

We have been so happy at St. Rita. It's an intimate, involved community, with almost universally shared values. The administration is very focused on healthy childhood development, particularly on protecting the children from the harms of technology. It's a deeply and authentically Catholic community, so families trying to raise their children in the Church will feel supported and their children's faith deepened. The classical curriculum is and academics generally are strong.

Posted: May 27, 2026

Posted: May 11, 2026

Our oldest child has nearly completed the Kindergarten program at St. Rita's, and we are very happy with the school.

The faith instruction is excellent, and often generates conversation at home and is helping to develop a strong foundation. The result is that school, home, and church are bound together into a cohesive whole. The academic instruction is also excellent.

From my vantage point I'm unable to compare to other diocesan schools, but the phonics curriculum is running ahead of the Diocese of Arlington's curriculum guidelines, and our daughter is developing well in her reading ability. She has enjoyed the math curriculum, and crucially, we have not received any pushback on working ahead with her on more advanced math topics at home.

The low-tech environment really reinforces the school's educational mission and has significant buy-in from parents: at a recent school-wide extracurricular event I saw only one child with her own device. Being free of devices and social media will really help our children focus on their studies--and better enjoy their childhood. The school has built out the extracurricular offerings to give kids alternatives to surfing the internet, and even at the kindergarten level there are a number of opportunities to choose from. As they get older their options expand.

The behavioral standards are high and the children meet them. We were surprised when we toured the school that the hallways were completely silent and all of the children were focused on and engaged in their work. There's very much a time for play and a time for work, and the school ensures that both are respected.

Finally, the school has a wonderful community feel and the older children do a great job including the younger children. When I was in kindergarten I really only played with other kindergarteners, but at St. Rita's it's not unusual for our daughter to play with children a couple years older than she is. And from the parents' perspective it has been easy to make friends with other families and set up meals and playdates outside of school.

St. Rita's has been a great fit for our family.

Posted: May 11, 2026

Posted: February 23, 2026

I have two children currently in the Middle School and it is exceptional, especially for this area. Amazing teachers who are dedicated to teaching and their students, small class sizes, and clear expectations and communication. We love that the Middle School is "low tech" with very few students having their own cell phones and most of the work done in hardcopy. Both of my kids have made incredible friends and there is very little drama, which is saying a lot for a middle school. St. Rita has a decent number of military families and everyone is welcoming to the new kids. The St. Rita principal, Mrs. Busekrus is also wonderful. She is responsive, thoughtful, and knows each child by name. The elementary school has been hit or miss in our experience.

Posted: June 19, 2025

All of the good and kind teachers are leaving other than the 7th grade teacher. Please do not go here.

Posted: June 19, 2025

Posted: November 10, 2023

This is the third year our family has had children at St. Rita's and we love it. My kids have had a great experience there and are thriving in all areas of development. I credit their WONDERFUL teachers the most for that. I love that the kids are exposed to classical stories and literature at a young age and I love that they are being challenged in a nurturing environment. It's a great little school and wonderful community to be a part of.

Posted: November 10, 2023

Posted: September 11, 2023

My children have attended St. Rita's for the past three years and we could not be happier. While there has been a bit of turnover in staffing while we've been there, everyone we have worked with has been wonderful. We are especially thrilled about the new principal, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to authentically Catholic, classical education. Thank you, St. Rita's!!

Posted: September 11, 2023

Posted: August 13, 2023

Our family has had children at St. Rita's since 2021 and we could not be happier. The academics are strong and the small class size has resulted in lots of individual attention. When it comes to extra curricular opportunities, they have done so much already at young ages. Who would have thought that my shy guy would have a role in the school play?!? The community is very close knit with lots of playdates and birthday parties, and caring notes and meal trains following births and family adversity. Would highly recommend for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Posted: August 13, 2023

Posted: August 10, 2023

We love St. Rita School. It has been a fantastic experience for my child (who especially loves all the after-school activities!) As a parent, I enjoy the welcoming environment, sense of community, curriculum, and structure. I highly recommend St. Rita School.

Posted: August 10, 2023

Posted: December 30, 2022

The recent posts on here are accurate. It's a shame how quickly St. Rita has declined. It was great little school. The principal should have gracefully excited after she did a fine job of keeping the school doors open during the pandemic when she was interim head. Once the pandemic was winding down it was evident she lacked the experience, knowledge, and personality to run an elementary school effectively. A toxic work environment has led to steep teacher turnover and low morale amongst staff. Communications from the school typically include frivolous information, while important things aren't communicated clearly, are delayed, or sometimes not communicated at all. For example, the day before Christmas break, parents received an email about a refrigerator magnet, followed a few hours later by an email with a letter attached informing parents of a plumbing incident that occurred three weeks earlier where asbestos was exposed in the school hall where the children eat lunch daily. The school conducted air quality testing over break, even though the students had been using the space the three previous weeks. Despite poor leadership, there are some great teachers and staff committed to the children. However, with a massive construction project beginning next summer adjacent to the school, it's hard to know what the future holds for St. Rita. Perhaps the principal will have some humility and step aside so that someone fresh and experienced can get in there to steer the school in a better direction.

Posted: December 30, 2022

Posted: December 28, 2022

Recent posters make good points, if a bit harshly. This is the principals second full year in the role. She did a good job of keeping the doors open during the pandemic after being named interim head. However she is not really suited for the job with absolutely no elementary teaching experience.
Communication with parents is spotty. For example, parents were informed of an asbestos exposure a few weeks after the fact. Frequent teacher departures are often learned of first through our children. Teacher morale is low. Discipline is inconsistent.
That said, many of the teachers are wonderful and the Catholic culture is strong. Fr Schierer is a great mentor and religion teacher.
Between the low income housing being built next door and discontent within, its hard to be optimistic about the school right now.

Posted: December 28, 2022

Posted: December 20, 2022

The school is literally and figuratively falling apart under the current leadership! The inexperienced principal hasn't a clue how to run the place. She has at best a basic understanding of a Classical curriculum, which the school has been in what seems like a never ending process to transition to. She regularly buries any issue which might make her look bad or be controversial and sometimes tries to avoid communicating it at all! Like when parents found out from people at other schools that the 8th grade teacher resigned only two months into the year before any St. Rita parents were notified. There has been massive teacher turnover since she arrived and many families have left and many more are likely to leave in the coming year. She is buddies with the pastor, and despite many families expressing concerns about her leadership, he continues to keep his friend employed. St. Rita needs new leadership now to stay open in the years to come!

Posted: December 20, 2022

Posted: November 14, 2022

The principal is awful at her job. Teachers bail midyear. The inexperience and incompetence is a disservice to the many good teachers and students. It's been one embarrassing incident after another for the principal and the school with no end in sight.

Posted: November 14, 2022

Posted: November 13, 2022

Our children are receiving a high quality education and the support of a faith-filled community. The school's banner phrase ("The education of the soul is the soul of education.") rings true throughout our experience. Our Kindergartner explained Venn diagrams and discussed forgiveness referencing St. Maria Gorhetti. The faculty are incredible, and truly care about their students. A teacher from a previous year sent a beautiful card and Mass dedication to our child. We have seen the classical curriculum not only provide a strong education but help keep our children thinking as well as learning. The leadership at the school is intelligent and insightful, and during the pandemic was dedicated to the students.
The school is small, and has limited resources, yet accomplishes wonderful things year after year.

Posted: November 13, 2022

Posted: October 12, 2022

Small and mighty! Our family moved our children from another local Catholic school to St. Rita and we are so happy we did. The school was incredible during the pandemic, has excellent teachers, and is dedicated to instilling the faith in its students. The new principal is leading with a great vision and we are excited for all that is to come for St. Rita!

Posted: October 12, 2022

Posted: October 11, 2022

We are new to Saint Rita School this year and we couldn't be happier! Our children, (in 2nd grade and Kindergarten) are learning so much in a fun way. The communication we receive from the school administrators, teachers and other staff is top notch. I would highly recommend this school to any families considering a Catholic School education.

Posted: October 11, 2022

Posted: October 10, 2022

Solid academics- they teach a classical education and students learn Latin, grammar, history, science, religion, math. The preK-8 model works really well here because the students are caring and help each other out and the older students are great role models for the younger students. Principal is smart and strong and her children attend the school. Large variety of extracurricular activities like sports, book club, chess, instruments & choir, school play, etc. Students at St Rita learn and thrive, and are safe and happy. We couldnt ask for a better school.

Posted: October 10, 2022

Saint Rita provides a wonderful, close knit community with a central focus on building children holistically. A curriculum in the classical tradition further enables this effort. Our kids are happy, love school and learning, and are not overwhelmed by hours of homework. Extracurricular activities further build a strong sense of community across the school and grades and complement the focus on academics with the importance of community and physical health. If you want a place with invested parents, teachers, and staff that are focused on building well rounded children to be saints, this is the place for you and your family!

Posted: October 10, 2022

Do you want your kids' school to help them grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually? St. Rita's succeeds -- no, excels -- on all three counts. The administration and teachers alike are deeply concerned with empowering students to thrive as individuals and as humans. We're proud to send our three kids here.

Posted: October 10, 2022

Posted: October 5, 2022

You will not find better teachers! The teachers are not just here for a job, it is truly their calling. St. Ritas courageously arranged for small classes and in person learning the whole time the public schools were closed for 18 months. St. Ritas teaches a Classical education that inspires children to a sense of wonder and excited interest in history, literature, science, art, music, and even Latin! This school feels like a family. The class sizes are small and children attend weekly Mass together. They value experiential learning, research of primary sources, and the use of technology in the classrooms is limited. With classical art hanging on the walls, a garden growing in the courtyard, and a choir, band, and orchestra practicing throughout the week, this school is truly a beautiful place for your child to thrive!

Posted: October 5, 2022

Posted: August 9, 2022

St. Rita school is in decline due to the poor leadership of the current principal that was hired during the pandemic. By and large, the school families and few remaining long time staff and teachers are wonderful. The school parent turned principal was hired despite having no prior school administrative experience. She refuses to accept suggestions and criticism from long time teachers and parents. Many good teachers and families have moved to other schools due to her incompetence, lack of professionalism and transparency, and her vindictive nature. Despite many people pushing for a more experienced principal, she's still there. She should resign to allow a more experienced person to step in to get St. Rita back to the great school it once was.

Posted: August 9, 2022

Posted: March 29, 2022

This is such a great little neighborhood school and such a great value for the tuition cost. The academics are rigorous, the teachers are kind and supportive, and the staff is responsive and welcoming. We had no interest in sending our kids to private school as we had a great public school in our neighborhood, but when schools closed due to COVID, we were grateful to get a spot here for in person learning. We'll never go back!

Posted: March 29, 2022

Posted: January 31, 2018

Wonderful! Atmosphere is welcoming and supportive with truly caring teachers and staff!

Posted: January 31, 2018

Posted: October 11, 2017

Our son is in Kindergarten and he bounds to school each day. Mrs. Moran is an amazing teacher; every week we receive updates on what the children have learned and what to expect the following week. It's the type of transparency that parents crave. And the principal Mrs. Schlickenmaier is a great leader. We're so lucky to have found this gem in Alexandria.

Posted: July 11, 2017

I went from K through 8 in the 1980s and 1990s. I thought it was a great school and the teachers were very engaged.

Posted: October 27, 2015

Elementary here was wonderful. Small community environment and lovely people. But once we started middle school, it just fell apart. Teachers don't respond to email in a timely manner. They don't update parents on the status of students; you have to seek it out. They don't update the homework site in time for the week to start or keep the schedule that is posted. Grades are infrequently updated in a new online gradebook. They've bought technology year after year, but my child has not used a computer, laptop, or tablet in class yet this year. Fine set up for middle-of-the-road students but not for those who excel or struggle. Wonderful elementary program, average middle school program.

Posted: October 27, 2015

Posted: October 21, 2015

St. Rita School has been a great choice for our family. Our children are in 7th and 4th grades and started at St. Rita's in Kindergarten. Our principal recently received the National Distinguished Principal Award. She is a gift to our school - she knows each student by name, is responsive to parents and her leadership has allowed her to build and retain an experienced faculty. The teachers bring enthusiasm and creativity to their classrooms. The school offers a challenging curriculum which includes literature, public speaking and Latin in the middle school. The school has science and computer labs and all students have recess twice daily and physical education weekly. The environment is warm and calm and the students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully. St. Rita's also offers a wide array of extracurricular activities including sports, Scouts, chess, band and strings instruction, student council, National Junior Honor Society and the school musical. We truly believe that St. Rita's has helped us raise good and kind people.

Posted: October 20, 2015

St. Rita's is the epitome of a small, neighborhood school, even though many of its students commute from further away. My family is fortunate to live just down the street, and we have been parishioners in the church for many years. My daughter enrolled in the school as part of the inaugural three-year-old preschool class (the Little Lambs), and now is thriving in the Second Grade. As she says, "I've been going to St. Rita's my whole life!" Our entire family has cultivated wonderful friendships through St. Rita School, and we look forward to great things to come.

Posted: January 22, 2015

I feel so blessed and honored that my boys are students at St. Rita! The school truly embraces its mission of the soul of education is the education of the soul . The curriculum is not only strong but they truly do teach to the mind and soul of each student. St. Rita is a small school which allows an amazing community of families to flourish and support one another. Mrs. Moran is the best kindergarten teacher. She is strict and she expects a lot from the children, but the love and care she takes with embracing their nascent educational journey is an amazing to watch. Plus, the amazing principal, Mrs. Mary Pat Schlickenmaier recently was honored with a national award from the National Catholic Education Association, only one of nine principals in the entire country!

Posted: May 2, 2014

I am really not impressed with the middle school at St Rita's. It's ridiculously disorganized -- homework sheets are given to some kids but not to others. Tests may or may not happen when they are scheduled. Projects are given with no due dates. They push the kids to do too much too soon. Why do we need to make college students out of 7th graders? Is three hours of homework every night the norm these days? It's really a shame too because it's a sweet, little community school.

Posted: November 7, 2013

I have two children attending St. Rita and I couldn't be happier with its nurturing environment. There is a strong academic focus and both of my children take advantage of the great basketball and track programs that are available. My older daughter is finishing her last year at the school and our whole family is feeling many emotions as she prepares for the sacrament of confirmation, and also as she prepares for high school. It will be a sad day when these kids part ways; but also an exciting new chapter that they are now very prepared for. The involvement and guidance of the principal, the pastor, the teachers, and every family has been the staple to an amazing journey of support and we are so blessed to be a part of this family environment. Both of my children now have friends for life.

Posted: September 26, 2013

My youngest daughter has just begun her last year at St. Rita School. What a wonderful experience we have had here over the past 11 years. Her older sister is now a high school sophomore and was so well prepared both academically and spiritually for her transition. Our principal's office door is always open, our pastor is ever present and together with faculty and parents, they wrap their arms around your family and guide you through all the ups and downs of life. I will miss this family.

Posted: September 26, 2013

St. Rita School has a clear mission, to form students academically and spiritually, and it succeeds at both equally well. We have had several children graduate from St. Rita and find them to be very well prepared for high school. The Principal of St Rita is highly professional and caring. She and her staff provide excellent models of living the faith and are serious about providing high quality academics to the diverse student body (which comes from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds; there are also a number of military families). The Pastor is very involved in the school and is well-loved by the students. This small school (one class per grade) has a family feel about it, and parents are very involved in after-school programs, faculty support, and fundraising. The Catholic identity of the school is strong, but the environment is very welcoming to all families, no matter their religious affiliation. The only challenge is that it can be hard to secure a spot in the school as the many young families in the parish start to have school-age children.

Posted: August 19, 2013

This is an awesome school. From the admissions director Ms Cunningham to the Kindergarten Teacher Ms Moran They are awesome! friendly , helpful, courteous! I am a first time mom the whole parish is very helpful. My son loves going to school already he has had a couple of hours with the teacher not even started school and already loving it ! Me and my husband attended a ice cream social for the kids and parents and everyone in the staff was very friendly including parents! Love this school already!

Posted: April 17, 2013

Great school. My kindergartener is thriving. We have been really pleased with the education, the teachers, the school community, parent involvement, etc. So glad we ended up choosing it over our home parish school which felt more like a fancy prep school, and over our home ACPS public school which is struggling.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Beverly Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	0.2 mi
2	Reserve at Potomac Yard	Apartment Complex	Alexandria	VA	0.5 mi
3	Twenty400	Apartment Complex	Arlington	VA	1.1 mi
4	Shirlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	1.3 mi
5	Henry	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2 mi
6	Rivergate	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.2 mi
7	Midtown Alexandria Station	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	2.9 mi
8	Burgundy Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	3.1 mi
9	Fords Landing	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	3.1 mi
10	Cameron Station	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4 mi
11	The VIO	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Washington SW	DC	4.3 mi
12	Wilton Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	4.3 mi
13	Belle View	Condominium/Townhouse	Alexandria	VA	4.4 mi
14	Leeway Overlee - N Arlington	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Arlington	VA	5.2 mi
15	Hollin Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	5.4 mi
16	Huntley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	5.7 mi
17	Grove at Huntley Meadow	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria	VA	6 mi
18	Hayfield Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Alexandria/Kingstowne	VA	6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Pentagon City	Arlington	VA	1.3 mi
2	Old Town Alexandria	Alexandria	VA	2.2 mi
3	Washington DC	Washington D.C.	DC	4.5 mi
4	National Harbor	Fort Washington	MD	4.5 mi
5	Capitol Hill	Washington	DC	4.9 mi
6	Georgetown	Washington	DC	5 mi
7	Arlington	Arlington	VA	5.8 mi

Base	Distance
Henderson Hall	2.2 mi.
Pentagon	2.3 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	2.5 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	2.9 mi.
Fort Myer	3.1 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	3.3 mi.
Fort McNair	3.3 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	4.4 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	4.7 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	8.1 mi.
Andrews AFB	9.7 mi.
Fort Belvoir	9.9 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	11.4 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	18.3 mi.
NRO Chantilly	21 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	24.9 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	29.5 mi.
US Naval Academy	32.6 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	33.6 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	34.3 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	36.4 mi.
Fort Detrick	45.8 mi.

St Rita School

Alexandria, VA 22305

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St Rita School

Alexandria, VA 22305

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