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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.

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
Integrated Support
Integrated 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
100% Student-Centered Abilities Model®

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.

100% Graduation Rate from 4 Year Colleges

Reason #3Integrated 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
5:1 Teacher to Student Ratio

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.

17 Specialists & Counselors

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.

12 Athletic Championships

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
100% Teachers Trained in Mindfulness