Best Middle Schools
in Washington, D.C.
We ranked the 45 middle schools in Washington with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.9 and 9.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and D.C. education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Washington for 2026 are The Sojourner Truth School Pcs (9.4/10), Washington Latin Pcs - Anna Julia Cooper MS (9.3/10), and Dc Prep Pcs - Anacostia MS (8.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 45 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Washington?
Every middle 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.
The Sojourner Truth School Pcs
Washington, DC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Washington Latin Pcs - Anna Julia Cooper MS
Washington, DC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Dc Prep Pcs - Anacostia MS
Washington, DC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
The Sojourner Truth School Pcs
Washington Latin Pcs - Anna Julia Cooper MS
Dc Prep Pcs - Anacostia MS
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 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 45 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Sojourner Truth School Pcs Charter The Sojourner Truth School PCS | 9.4 |
| 2 | Washington Latin Pcs - Anna Julia Cooper MS Charter Washington Latin PCS | 9.3 |
| 3 | Dc Prep Pcs - Anacostia MS Charter DC Prep PCS | 8.7 |
| 4 | Deal MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.6 |
| 5 | Hardy MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 8.2 |
| 6 | Washington Global Pcs Charter Washington Global PCS | 8.1 |
| 7 | Macfarland MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.8 |
| 8 | Ida B. Wells MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.8 |
| 9 | Friendship Pcs - Armstrong Middle Charter Friendship PCS | 7.6 |
| 10 | Friendship Pcs - Ideal Middle Charter Friendship PCS | 7.6 |
| 11 | Brookland MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.6 |
| 12 | Friendship Pcs - Woodridge International Middle Charter Friendship PCS | 7.4 |
| 13 | Friendship Pcs - Southeast Middle Charter Friendship PCS | 7.2 |
| 14 | Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys Pcs Charter Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys PCS | 7.2 |
| 15 | Social Justice Pcs Charter Social Justice PCS | 7.2 |
| 16 | Washington Jesuit Academy | 7.2 |
| 17 | Friendship Pcs - Blow Pierce Middle Charter Friendship PCS | 7.1 |
| 18 | Mckinley MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 7.1 |
| 19 | Washington Latin Pcs - MS Charter Washington Latin PCS | 6.7 |
| 20 | Eliot-hine MS District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.7 |
| 21 | Stuart-hobson MS (capitol Hill Cluster) District of Columbia Public Schools | 6.3 |
| 22 | Washington School for Girls | 6.3 |
| 23 | Digital Pioneers Academy Pcs - Johenning Charter Digital Pioneers Academy PCS | 6.0 |
| 24 | Jefferson MS Academy District of Columbia Public Schools | 5.9 |
| 25 | Dc Prep Pcs - Edgewood MS Charter DC Prep PCS | 5.9 |
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, The Sojourner Truth School Pcs is the top-rated middle school in Washington with a composite score of 9.4/10. 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 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 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Washington has 29 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.