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A Transformative Experience. Inspiring Results.

Experience the McLean Difference

A Transformative Experience. Inspiring Results.

Experience the McLean Difference

Our Holistic ApproachSuccess Starts Here

At first glance, McLean looks like any traditional K-12 school, and indeed, from arts to athletics, we have all the amenities. But look again, and you’ll see students learning their way. Here, the Abilities Model® celebrates each child’s strengths and embeds support for their challenges while encouraging personal growth and providing academic rigor. Our students have an impressive track record of acceptances into great colleges, but more importantly, they have a solid record of success in college and beyond. As one parent observed, McLean is a lifelong gift. Click to hear a parent’s first-hand experience.

Teacher and students walk into school assembly

Parents are so used to hearing about where a child should be; we’re about where the child is, and moving forward.

Three women stand outside on basketball court

At McLean, there’s a culture of ‘how can we work together to make this even better?’ For parents like me, this really takes the stress and fear out of education. I have a partner here.

Smiling lower and upper school students

I feel like I have a place here and I know people care about me, not just care whether my homework is done.

Smiling girl holds sign at school assembly

It’s the right size – small enough to know everybody, big enough to do things.

Upper school student speaks at podium

This is where you can be your best self.

Second to NoneHow We Stack Up

You don’t need to choose between a school solely focusing on learning differences but with a limited program offering, or a one-size-fits-all traditional college preparatory school that may not meet the needs of your child. McLean offers the best of both.

Learning Disability Schools

Traditional College Preparatory Schools

Disabilities Model

Abilities Model®

Disabilities Model

Limited Program

Full-Scope Program

Full-Scope Program

Small Classes

Small Classes

Larger Classes

Student-Centered Instruction

Student-Centered Instruction

Traditional Instruction

Teachers with Specialized Training

Teachers with Specialized Training

Teachers with Conventional Training

Embedded Support

Embedded Classroom Support

Pull-Out Support

Limited Wellness Programming

Comprehensive Wellness & Mindfulness Programming

Limited Wellness Programming

Learning Disability Schools

McLean School

Traditional College Preparatory Schools

6 ReasonsWhy McLean School

Reason #1Abilities Model®

We believe schools should teach the way kids learn. Our Abilities Model® focuses on a child’s strengths and builds intellectual curiosity, mastery, resilience, and self-esteem, rather than defining them by what they can't do. It’s a better way of doing education that serves all students well, and especially bright students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.

Girl uses iPad for project in school hallway

Reason #2Success in College & Beyond

Our students find extraordinary success at the college level, with more than half attending - and graduating from at a nearly 100% rate - highly selective schools such as American University, Boston College, Berklee College of Music, Case Western Reserve, Emory University, Smith College, and University of Maryland. And on average our students earn more than $75,000 in merit aid.

Reason #3Embedded Classroom Support

Experts teaching the way students learn in smaller classes allow us to provide the differentiated instruction students need in order to be successful. As educators, we cherish this flexibility to adapt our teaching methods to the strengths and challenges of the individual student or group. We support students in the classroom rather than pulling them out.

Teacher helps girl write on whiteboard in class

Reason #4Highly Trained Expert Teachers

There’s so much to say about what we teach and how we teach it; our rich academic offerings; the big and small ways we support students with diverse learning profiles and interests; our training in multi-sensory approaches to reading and math; and the research and intention we bring to our work all day, every day. Like our students, we continue to learn.

Reason #5Full-Scope Program of Opportunities

The extraordinary time and attention we dedicate to our academic program, including AP, honors, and outside college classes, doesn’t come at the expense of the full range of offerings you’d expect from any college preparatory school. We are proud of our school spirit and competitive yet inclusive sports teams, our vibrant performing and visual arts programs, award-winning robotics, and array of clubs ranging from anime to zoology. In and out of the classroom, every student at McLean has a place.

Reason #6Comprehensive Wellness & Mindfulness Program

McLean’s commitment to educating the whole child creates a nurturing environment that promotes physical, social, emotional, and academic well-being. The stressors of school can interfere with a child’s ability to consistently engage, learn, and live joyfully. We’re proud to be a national leader in mindfulness education – a scientific and skills-based program designed to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase focus.

Group of students practice mindfulness

Take the Next StepTransform Your Education

Three students work on project in school hallway

How to Apply

Upper school boy leans down to look at robotics

Tuition & Fees

Students approach front door of McLean School

Visit McLean

Smiling girl walks away from school bus

Transportation