Best Elementary Schools
in Washington, D.C.
We ranked the 156 elementary schools in Washington with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.3 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and D.C. education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Washington for 2026 are Ross ES (9.7/10), School-within-school at Goding (9.6/10), and Maury ES (9.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 156 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Washington?
Every elementary school in Washington is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Ross ES
Washington, DC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
School-within-school at Goding
Washington, DC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Maury ES
Washington, DC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
Ross ES
School-within-school at Goding
Maury 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 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within D.C. so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 156 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ross ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.7 |
| 2 | School-within-school at Goding District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.6 |
| 3 | Maury ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.4 |
| 4 | Brent ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.4 |
| 5 | Hearst ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.4 |
| 6 | Bruce-monroe ES at Park View District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.1 |
| 7 | Garrison ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 9.1 |
| 8 | Stoddert ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 9 | Janney ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.9 |
| 10 | Sela Pcs Charter Sela PCS | 8.9 |
| 11 | Whittier ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.8 |
| 12 | Inspired Teaching Demonstration Pcs Charter Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS | 8.8 |
| 13 | Shepherd ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 14 | Payne ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 15 | Dorothy I. Height ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.7 |
| 16 | Center City Pcs - Congress Heights Charter Center City PCS | 8.7 |
| 17 | Burroughs ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 18 | Bancroft ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 19 | Ludlow-taylor ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 20 | Lafayette ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 21 | Two Rivers Pcs - Young ES Charter Two Rivers PCS | 8.4 |
| 22 | Marie Reed ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 23 | Tyler ES District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 24 | Dc Bilingual Pcs Charter DC Bilingual PCS | 8.3 |
| 25 | Dc Prep Pcs - Anacostia ES Charter DC Prep PCS | 8.3 |
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, Ross ES is the top-rated elementary school in Washington with a composite score of 9.7/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
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 6.5/10. 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 that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.