A Bold Education for a Life of Purpose

At Elizabeth Seton High School, we form confident, compassionate young women who lead with integrity and faith.

Elizabeth Seton High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young women, committed to academic excellence, leadership, service, and spiritual growth—empowering each student to discover her purpose and embrace her future with confidence.

Our Mission

Rooted in Catholic values and the charism of the Daughters of Charity, Elizabeth Seton High School cultivates confidence in young women to excel in college, careers, and life through an innovative and rigorous academic experience. As a diverse and inclusive learning community, students think critically and creatively, work collaboratively, and serve others.

Quick Facts

100% college acceptance rate
$32M in scholarships awarded by a class half the typical size
70% of families receive financial aid
45% of students are athletes in the elite WCAC conference
19 students per average class

1:1 laptop program with fully integrated tech learning
60+ hours of service completed by graduation
40+ clubs and student-led organizations
Among the most affordable private school tuitions in the DMV
Inclusive Catholic community rooted in faith and cultural diversity.

Our Values

Academic Excellence
At Seton, learning is bold, challenging, and purposeful. We support every student in reaching her full potential, preparing her not just for college, but for a lifetime of leadership, critical thinking, and growth.
Creativity
We empower students to think outside the box, express themselves confidently, and explore new ideas across academics, the arts, and beyond. Creativity is how Seton girls discover who they are and how they’ll shape the world.
Service To Others
Inspired by the lives of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Vincent de Paul, service is central to who we are. Our students learn to give back with compassion, engage with their communities, and use their gifts to make a meaningful impact.
Respect
Rooted in our Catholic values, respect is the foundation of our community. Seton students learn to honor themselves, uplift others, and approach every interaction with empathy, kindness, and dignity.
Integrity
We encourage young women to lead with honesty, humility, and a strong moral compass. At Seton, integrity means doing what’s right even when it’s hard, and standing firmly in your values.

President's Corner

At Elizabeth Seton High School, leadership is both legacy and calling, and Dr. Lisa Grillo embodies both. A proud alumna and the first laywoman and woman of color to serve as President, Dr. Grillo brings more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, leader, and scholar to her beloved Alma Mater. Her journey has spanned the classroom to central office leadership to academia, where she continues to serve as an adjunct professor at Howard University. Her research on Black and Latina women's leadership informs a visionary approach to education rooted in faith, equity, and the power of representation.

“As women increasingly ascend to critical leadership roles in our society, Seton’s relevance has never been more significant.”

Dr. Lisa Grillo '89

For Dr. Grillo, this is more than a position. It’s a purpose.

Guided by the values of faith, family, and service, Dr. Grillo leads with heart and bold intention. She is the daughter of public servants, the descendant of Afro-Cuban advocates, and a champion for young women rising. At Seton, she is cultivating a culture where every girl is seen, heard, and equipped to lead; where tradition meets innovation and sisterhood fuels success. Whether mentoring students, championing diversity, or shaping the school’s future, Dr. Grillo is reimagining what’s possible for girls. She and her family reside in Bowie, Maryland, the city that is also home to many of our students and their families.