The + symbol means that the school offers boarding.

DISTRICT

Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School, 1524 35th St., NW; 202-337-3350; girls 9th–12th grades; $21,500; 483 students.

What’s new: The AP environmental-science course is in its second year and is very popular.

Recent accomplishment: The school recently performed very well in the Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s reaccreditation process.

National Cathedral School, Mount St. Alban, Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves., NW; 202-537-6300; girls 4th–12th grades; $32,220; 580 students.

MARYLAND

Academy of the Holy Cross, 4920 Strathmore Ave., Kensington; 301-942-2100; girls 9th–12th grades; $16,050; 555 students.

What’s new: Academy of the Holy Cross is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Organization Diploma Programme and has been pursuing authorization as an IB World School. Pending approval, the school anticipates authorization in early spring 2010.

Recent accomplishments: The school won the 2008 WCAC field-hockey and tennis singles and doubles championships. It also won the 2009 Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Award.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: University of Maryland, Saint Joseph’s University, University of South Carolina, James Madison University, and East Carolina University.

Connelly School of the Holy Child, 9029 Bradley Blvd., Potomac; 301-365-0955; girls 6th–12th grades; $19,240–$25,080; 316 students.

What’s new: The school introduced the Connelly Program, which aims to help young girls with learning differences develop strong learning and study habits.

Elizabeth Seton High School, 5715 Emerson St., Bladensburg; 301-864-4532; girls 9th–12th grades; $10,000; 650 students.

What’s new: The school is celebrating 50 years. Sister Ellen Marie Hagar, a 1974 alumna, recently became the school’s new president.

Recent accomplishment: In the 2009 class, 141 girls collectively earned more than $5 million in scholarships.

Colleges where the greatest number of 2009 graduates enrolled: University of Maryland at College Park, UMBC, Salisbury University, Towson University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

+ Garrison Forest School, 300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills; 410-363-1500; coed preschool and K, girls pre-1st–12th grades; $20,495–$22,560 (day), $31,830 (regional boarding), $39,660 (boarding); 683 students; gfs.org.

What’s new: A Middle Eastern–culture course in the upper school; the James Center for Public Purpose Partnerships, affiliated with the Bloomberg School of Public Health; a program called Women in Science and Engineering, which is offered in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University.

Recent accomplishments: Garrison Forrest won the 2009 National Interscholastic Polo Tournament championship. The school is celebrating its centennial.

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