Besides attending open houses (which I recommend in 7th grade, if feasible), I would think that in the DC metro area there are various secondary school fairs that may be attended by NE and other out-of-area schools. There are a few annually around us (in CT) that some California and other non-New England schools attend; I’m guessing you may be able to find one in your area that includes a range of schools. A fair gives you the opportunity to walk around for a couple of hours and be pitched by various school representatives and at least get a human behind the marketing materials, and it’s a good, completely low-pressure opportunity for your daughter to ask some questions and see what may (and may not) appeal to her.