Best High Schools
in Washington, D.C.
We ranked all 54 high schools in Washington. The top 25 scored between 6.3 and 8.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and D.C. education data
Washington, D.C.'s 40 ranked high schools span a wide range of outcomes, with an average composite score of 6.4 out of 10 across the city. That average, though, doesn't tell the full story — 15 schools, or 38% of the ranked pool, score 7 or higher, signaling a meaningful tier of strong performers worth a closer look. Leading the list is Washington Leadership Academy PCS at 8.3/10, followed by Capital City PCS - HS (8.0), Phelps Architecture Construction and Engineering HS (7.9), and Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy (7.7). Public charter schools are well represented among the top finishers here, reflecting D.C.'s distinctively charter-heavy landscape. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors to identify the high schools that best match what your family is looking for.
MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Washington Leadership Academy PCS
Capital City PCS - HS
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Washington's High 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 | MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF | 8.8 |
| 2 | Washington Leadership Academy PCS Charter Washington Leadership Academy PCS | 8.3 |
| 3 | Capital City PCS - HS Charter Capital City PCS | 8.0 |
| 4 | Phelps Architecture Construction and Engineering HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.9 |
| 5 | KIROV ACADEMY OF WASHINGTON D.C. | 7.9 |
| 6 | Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy Charter Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy | 7.7 |
| 7 | H.D. Woodson HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.5 |
| 8 | E.L. Haynes PCS - HS Charter E.L. Haynes PCS | 7.5 |
| 9 | BASIS DC PCS Charter BASIS DC PCS | 7.5 |
| 10 | Girls Global Academy PCS Charter Girls Global Academy PCS | 7.5 |
| 11 | Columbia Heights Education Campus District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.4 |
| 12 | Duke Ellington School of the Arts District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.3 |
| 13 | Eastern HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.3 |
| 14 | Jackson-Reed HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.3 |
| 15 | EDMUND BURKE SCHOOL | 7.3 |
| 16 | School Without Walls HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.1 |
| 17 | McKinley Technology HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.1 |
| 18 | KIPP DC - College Preparatory PCS Charter KIPP DC PCS | 7.1 |
| 19 | Maya Angelou PCS - HS Charter Maya Angelou PCS | 6.9 |
| 20 | Washington Latin PCS - Upper School Charter Washington Latin PCS | 6.9 |
| 21 | District of Columbia International School Charter District of Columbia International School | 6.9 |
| 22 | Benjamin Banneker HS District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.7 |
| 23 | Bard HS Early College DC (Bard DC) District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.7 |
| 24 | Friendship PCS - Collegiate Academy Charter Friendship PCS | 6.3 |
| 25 | THE FIELD SCHOOL | 6.3 |
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 high schools in D.C.. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in D.C., with 54 schools spanning 62 school districts, plus 20 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 high school in Washington, D.C.?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF is the top-rated high school in Washington with a composite score of 8.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many high schools are in Washington, D.C.?
Washington has 54 high schools, including 20 charter schools. Of these, 52 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Washington?
The average composite score for Washington high schools is 6.3/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in D.C.).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Washington has 20 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.