Best Middle Schools
in Washington, D.C.
We ranked all 46 middle schools in Washington. The top 25 scored between 6.2 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and D.C. education data
Washington, D.C. has 43 ranked middle schools, giving families a wide range of options across the district. Performance varies considerably — the average composite score sits at 6.3 out of 10, but the top of the table pulls well above that mark. Paul PCS - MS and The Sojourner Truth School PCS both score 8.9/10, setting the benchmark for middle school performance in the metro. Washington Global PCS, Hardy MS, and Deal MS round out the leading tier. Fourteen schools — about a third of the ranked list — score 7 or higher, so strong options are not limited to a single standout. Charter schools are well represented among the top performers, which means families should look beyond traditional district boundaries when comparing choices. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other factors to find the best fit for your student.
Paul PCS - MS
The Sojourner Truth School PCS
Washington Global PCS
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Washington's Middle 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 | Paul PCS - MS Charter Paul PCS | 8.9 |
| 2 | The Sojourner Truth School PCS Charter The Sojourner Truth School PCS | 8.9 |
| 3 | Washington Global PCS Charter Washington Global PCS | 7.8 |
| 4 | Hardy MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.6 |
| 5 | Deal MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.5 |
| 6 | Capital Village PCS Charter Capital Village PCS | 7.5 |
| 7 | Ida B. Wells MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.4 |
| 8 | KIPP DC - Valor Academy PCS Charter KIPP DC PCS | 7.4 |
| 9 | Eliot-Hine MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.3 |
| 10 | WASHINGTON JESUIT ACADEMY | 7.3 |
| 11 | Two Rivers PCS - Young MS Charter Two Rivers PCS | 7.2 |
| 12 | Washington Latin PCS - MS Charter Washington Latin PCS | 7.1 |
| 13 | McKinley MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.1 |
| 14 | Howard University MS of Mathematics and Science PCS Charter Howard University Middle School of Math and Science PCS | 7.1 |
| 15 | Monument Academy PCS Charter Monument Academy PCS | 7.1 |
| 16 | MacFarland MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.8 |
| 17 | Capital City PCS - MS Charter Capital City PCS | 6.8 |
| 18 | E.L. Haynes PCS - MS Charter E.L. Haynes PCS | 6.8 |
| 19 | Social Justice PCS Charter Social Justice PCS | 6.7 |
| 20 | Sousa MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.5 |
| 21 | Brookland MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.5 |
| 22 | KIPP DC - Northeast Academy PCS Charter KIPP DC PCS | 6.5 |
| 23 | WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR GIRLS | 6.4 |
| 24 | KIPP DC - Honor Academy PCS Charter KIPP DC PCS | 6.3 |
| 25 | KIPP DC - WILL Academy PCS Charter KIPP DC PCS | 6.2 |
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 middle schools in D.C.. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle 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 Middle Schools
Choosing the Right Middle 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 middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in D.C., with 46 schools spanning 62 school districts, plus 29 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 middle school in Washington, D.C.?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Paul PCS - MS is the top-rated middle school in Washington with a composite score of 8.9/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many middle schools are in Washington, D.C.?
Washington has 46 middle schools, including 29 charter schools. Of these, 45 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Washington?
The average composite score for Washington middle 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 middle 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Washington has 29 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.