Maret School

Maret School is a prestigious, co-educational independent day school located in the Embassy Row neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. Founded in 1911 by three French sisters, the institution has grown from a small girls' school into a leading K-12 academic community known for its rigorous curriculum and diverse student body. The school emphasizes intellectual engagement, ethical leadership, and community service within the context of the nation's capital.

History

The school was established in 1911 by the Maret sisters—Marthe, Louise, and Jeanne—who emigrated from France and began teaching French and mathematics in their Dupont Circle home. Initially named the "French School," it served the children of diplomats and the local community, quickly gaining a reputation for academic excellence. In 1939, the school purchased the historic Woodley House and its surrounding property, a move that secured its permanent campus. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the institution underwent significant expansion, becoming fully co-educational in 1961 and gradually adding grade levels to form a complete kindergarten through twelfth-grade program. Its evolution mirrored the growth of Washington, D.C., and it has maintained strong connections with numerous embassies, international organizations, and cultural institutions like the Phillips Collection.

Campus

The school's urban campus spans approximately seven acres in the Kalorama neighborhood, adjacent to Rock Creek Park. The central academic and administrative hub is the historic Woodley House, a Federal-style mansion built in 1801 that once hosted presidents such as Martin Van Buren and Grover Cleveland. Modern facilities include the Albert H. and Frances Small Library, the H. Carl Moultrie Science Center, and the Adrian Tinsley Center for Arts and Technology. Athletic resources feature the Michael T. Burch Gymnasium, multiple playing fields, and access to the nearby University of the District of Columbia for swimming. The campus architecture blends historic preservation with contemporary design, creating an intimate learning environment steps away from institutions like the National Zoo and the Embassy of Indonesia.

Academics

The academic program is college-preparatory and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and global perspectives. The curriculum includes a robust selection of Advanced Placement courses across disciplines such as Calculus, Molecular biology, and Art History. Signature programs often leverage the school's location, with students engaging in internships at places like the Smithsonian Institution, National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of State. The arts program is comprehensive, offering instruction in Studio art, Theatre, and Music theory, with frequent collaborations with organizations like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio to foster close mentorship and collaborative research projects.

Athletics

Athletic teams, known as the Frogs, compete in the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference and the Independent School League. The school fields 14 varsity teams, including traditional offerings like Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Tennis, as well as Cross Country and Volleyball. The athletic philosophy emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal development alongside competitive success. Facilities support a wide range of activities, and the program has produced athletes who have competed at the collegiate level in conferences such as the Ivy League and the Atlantic Coast Conference. Interscholastic rivalries with schools like St. Albans School and National Cathedral School are longstanding traditions within the D.C. independent school community.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields including politics, media, science, and the arts. In government and public service, notable figures include former White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra James Costos, and U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. The media and arts are represented by journalist and author Katie Couric, actress and playwright Danai Gurira, and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rita Dove. Leaders in business and technology include AOL co-founder James V. Kimsey and environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau Jr.. The school's network of graduates remains actively engaged with the institution, often participating in mentorship programs and speaker series.