Best Elementary Schools
in Washington, D.C.
We ranked all 177 elementary schools in Washington. The top 25 scored between 7.8 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and D.C. education data
Washington, D.C. has 145 ranked elementary schools, giving families a wide field to navigate. Quality varies considerably across that field — the average composite score sits at 6.2/10, yet 47 schools clear the 7/10 threshold, meaning roughly one in three delivers well above-average performance. DC Bilingual PCS leads the metro at 9.5/10, followed closely by Roots PCS at 9.4 and Hearst ES at 9.3, signaling that both public charter and traditional district schools can reach the top tier. Charter schools make up a significant share of the strongest performers here, a reflection of D.C.'s unusually active charter sector. The gap between the district's top and middle is real, so school-by-school data matters more than neighborhood assumptions. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors and identify the options that fit your child's needs.
DC Bilingual PCS
Roots PCS
Hearst ES
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Washington's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within D.C. so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DC Bilingual PCS Charter DC Bilingual PCS | 9.5 |
| 2 | Roots PCS Charter Roots PCS | 9.4 |
| 3 | Hearst ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.3 |
| 4 | Bridges PCS Charter Bridges PCS | 9.2 |
| 5 | Thomson ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 6 | LaSalle-Backus ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.8 |
| 7 | Key ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 8 | Janney ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 9 | Shepherd ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 10 | Ludlow-Taylor ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 11 | Burroughs ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 12 | Two Rivers PCS - Young ES Charter Two Rivers PCS | 8.6 |
| 13 | Payne ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 14 | LOWELL SCHOOL | 8.4 |
| 15 | Cleveland ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 16 | School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.2 |
| 17 | Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS Charter Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS | 8.1 |
| 18 | AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL | 8.1 |
| 19 | Hyde-Addison ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 20 | Washington Yu Ying PCS Charter Washington Yu Ying PCS | 8.0 |
| 21 | Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS Charter Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS | 7.9 |
| 22 | Lee Montessori PCS - Brookland Charter Lee Montessori PCS | 7.9 |
| 23 | Seaton ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.8 |
| 24 | Mann ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.8 |
| 25 | Beers ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.8 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and D.C. education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in D.C.. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Washington
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Washington's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Washington
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Washington's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in D.C., with 177 schools spanning 62 school districts, plus 67 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Washington, D.C.?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, DC Bilingual PCS is the top-rated elementary school in Washington with a composite score of 9.5/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Washington, D.C.?
Washington has 177 elementary schools, including 67 charter schools. Of these, 167 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Washington?
The average composite score for Washington elementary schools is 6.2/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in D.C.).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within D.C., so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in D.C., not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Washington elementary school rankings?
Yes. Washington has 67 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.