The + symbol means that the school offers boarding.

DISTRICT
Gonzaga College High School, 19 I St., NW; 202-336-7100; boys 9th–12th grades; $15,850; 950 students.

What’s new: In 2009, the school appointed a new headmaster, Reverend Vincent G. Conti.

Recent accomplishments: In 2008, Gonzaga received the Seimens AP School Award for performance in math, science, and computer-science AP exams. Sports Illustrated ranked Gonzaga as the top athletic program in DC in 2009.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: University of Virginia, University of Maryland, Fordham University, Georgetown University, Virginia Tech, Boston College, and James Madison University.

+ St. Albans School,  Mount St. Alban, Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves., NW; 202-537-6435; boys 4th–12th grades; $32,990 (day), $46,667 (boarding, 9th–12th grades); 570 students.

What’s new: The school recently completed construction of additional upper-school classroom space.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: Yale University, University of Virginia, Princeton University, and Georgetown University.

St. Anselm’s Abbey School, 4501 South Dakota Ave., NE; 202-269-2379; boys 6th–12th grades; $19,950-$20,550; 240 students.

What’s new: The school’s Arabic program is in its third year.

Recent accomplishment: St. Anselm’s completed a major renovation/addition to its academic building in 2008.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: Georgetown University, University of Maryland, and University of Virginia.

MARYLAND
The Avalon School, 200 W. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg; 301-963-8022; boys 2nd–12th grades; $10,950-$13,000; 155 students.

What’s new: Avalon added 2nd grade in 2009.

Recent accomplishment: The school’s baseball team won the 2009 Maryland Division B state tournament.

College where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: Catholic University.

DeMatha Catholic High School, 4313 Madison St., Hyattsville; 240-764-2200; boys 9th–12th grades; $11,350; 975 students; dematha.org.

What’s new: This year, DeMatha opened a new music center that can hold more than 400 students. This winter, a new 72,000-square-foot Convocation Center will be dedicated, with additional classrooms, a bookstore, and physical-education facilities.

Recent accomplishment: In June, ten students met with President Obama at the White House and two musicians took part in a White House jazz workshop hosted by the First Lady.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: University of Virginia, Salisbury University, and Catholic University.

+ Georgetown Preparatory School, 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda; 301-493-5000; boys 9th–12th grades; $25,650 (day), $44,000 (boarding); 475 students; gprep.org.

What’s new: Last year the school started a poetry class for seniors, and in January 2010 the school is opening a new $31-million academic center, complete with a new library, recreation spaces, and classrooms.

Recent accomplishments: Georgetown Prep’s AP calculus scores are the highest in the country for private high schools with 300 to 800 students.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: Georgetown University, Boston College, and University of Virginia.