The Sycamore School

The Sycamore School is an independent, non-profit middle and high school in Arlington, VA, that utilizes a mastery-based learning model. The school is intentionally small, maintaining an exceptional 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio to ensure personalized instruction. While not a dedicated special education school, Sycamore is equipped to accommodate students with specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, as well as those managing ADHD, anxiety, ASD, and social skills deficits.

The curriculum integrates academic development with social-emotional growth and civic engagement. Teachers personalize instruction based on each student's unique interests, needs, and aptitudes, focusing on cultivating transferable skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication. The school's progressive environment is designed for curious learners who thrive in a setting that prioritizes mastery over traditional grading.

With an average class size of 10, the school offers a wide variety of extracurricular interests, ranging from coding and robotics to art, theatre, and philosophy. The Sycamore School offers need-based financial aid through the FAST system, with approximately 20% of students receiving aid. Admissions are handled on a rolling basis, providing flexibility for families seeking a specialized, supportive secondary education.