6.3 avg / 10

Best Schools in Washington, District of Columbia

301 schools · 177 Elementary · 46 Middle · 54 High · 24 Other

Last updated: May 2026

Public: 241

Private: 60

Districts: 62

Avg Rating: 6.3/10

Estimated Scores: 24%

Family Snapshot

At a glance

Avg school rating: 6.3/10
Median household income: $116,580
Median home value: $733,477
Bachelor's degree or higher: 71%
Avg commute: 30 min
Owner-occupied homes: 42%

How Washington compares

Vs. state average

+0.0

above District of Columbia avg (6.3)

Median household income

$117k

102% of District of Columbia median

Schools in this city

285

About Schools in Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. offers one of the most diverse public school landscapes in the country, with 239 ranked public schools spanning traditional district campuses and a large, established charter sector. The city's school options range widely in performance, giving parents real choices — but also real research work to do.

Citywide, the average school score is 6.3 out of 10, which reflects the uneven quality spread that defines D.C. public education. The encouraging news: 80 schools, roughly one in three, score 7 or higher, meaning strong options exist across multiple neighborhoods and grade levels. At the top of the rankings, DC Bilingual PCS leads with a 9.5 out of 10, followed closely by Roots PCS at 9.4, Hearst ES at 9.3, and Bridges PCS at 9.2. Thomson ES rounds out the top five at 8.9. Four of the five top-ranked schools are public charter schools, which signals how central the charter sector is to high-end elementary options in the District.

The performance concentration at the elementary level is notable. All five top-ranked schools serve younger students, so parents of elementary-age children have the clearest path to high-scoring options. The spread between the city average of 6.3 and the top score of 9.5 is substantial — nearly three and a half points — which means school selection in D.C. carries more weight than in cities with tighter performance bands. A school's zip code or neighborhood affiliation does not reliably predict quality here, making cross-sector comparison essential.

Practical takeaway: parents should search across both DCPS traditional schools and public charter schools simultaneously, since charters account for a disproportionate share of top performers. Many D.C. charters use a lottery system with enrollment deadlines in late fall or winter, so timeline matters. Start with the top-scoring schools in your child's grade band, check proximity and lottery odds, and use scores as a filter rather than the final word — visiting campuses and reviewing individual school profiles on MySchoolScout will sharpen the picture considerably.

Filter by Level: All Levels (301) Elementary (177) Middle (46) High (54)

Filter by Type: All Types (301) Public (241) Private (60)

Filter by Rating: All Ratings (301) Academics (301) Growth (199) Resources (240)

Filter by ZIP: 20011 (39) 20019 (37) 20002 (33) 20032 (28) 20020 (26) 20017 (20) 20001 (16) 20003 (16) 20007 (14) 20008 (12) 20009 (10) 20016 (9)

Elementary Schools

177 schools

#	School	Enrollment	Grades	Rating
1	DC Bilingual PCS 579 students · Pre-K–5th	579	Pre-K–5th	9.5
2	Roots PCS 80 students · Pre-K–5th	80	Pre-K–5th	9.4
3	Hearst ES 337 students · Pre-K–5th	337	Pre-K–5th	9.3
4	Bridges PCS 365 students · Pre-K–5th	365	Pre-K–5th	9.2
5	Thomson ES 253 students · Pre-K–5th	253	Pre-K–5th	8.9
6	LaSalle-Backus ES 261 students · Pre-K–5th	261	Pre-K–5th	8.8
7	Key ES 347 students · Pre-K–5th	347	Pre-K–5th	8.7
8	Janney ES 684 students · Pre-K–5th	684	Pre-K–5th	8.7
9	Shepherd ES 363 students · Pre-K–5th	363	Pre-K–5th	8.6
10	Ludlow-Taylor ES 488 students · Pre-K–5th	488	Pre-K–5th	8.6
11	Burroughs ES 297 students · Pre-K–5th	297	Pre-K–5th	8.6
12	Two Rivers PCS - Young ES 378 students · Pre-K–5th	378	Pre-K–5th	8.6
13	Payne ES 376 students · Pre-K–5th	376	Pre-K–5th	8.4
14	Cleveland ES 299 students · Pre-K–5th	299	Pre-K–5th	8.3
15	School Without Walls at Francis-Stevens 529 students · Pre-K–8th	529	Pre-K–8th	8.2
16	Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS 522 students · Pre-K–8th	522	Pre-K–8th	8.1
17	Hyde-Addison ES 396 students · Pre-K–5th	396	Pre-K–5th	8.0
18	Washington Yu Ying PCS 634 students · Pre-K–5th	634	Pre-K–5th	8.0
19	Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS 555 students · Pre-K–5th	555	Pre-K–5th	7.9
20	Lee Montessori PCS - Brookland 286 students · Pre-K–6th	286	Pre-K–6th	7.9
21	Seaton ES 377 students · Pre-K–5th	377	Pre-K–5th	7.8
22	Mann ES 394 students · Pre-K–5th	394	Pre-K–5th	7.8
23	Beers ES 392 students · Pre-K–5th	392	Pre-K–5th	7.8
24	Oyster-Adams Bilingual School 781 students · Pre-K–8th	781	Pre-K–8th	7.8
25	I Dream PCS 84 students · Pre-K–5th	84	Pre-K–5th	7.8

Show 152 more elementary schools

26	LEARN DC PCS 249 students · Pre-K–3rd	249	Pre-K–3rd	7.8
27	Takoma ES 483 students · Pre-K–5th	483	Pre-K–5th	7.7
28	Langdon ES 390 students · Pre-K–5th	390	Pre-K–5th	7.7
29	Thomas ES 275 students · Pre-K–5th	275	Pre-K–5th	7.7
30	Brent ES 421 students · Pre-K–5th	421	Pre-K–5th	7.7
31	Global Citizens PCS 161 students · Pre-K–1st	161	Pre-K–1st	7.7
32	Eaton ES 437 students · Pre-K–5th	437	Pre-K–5th	7.6
33	Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS 215 students · Pre-K–6th	215	Pre-K–6th	7.6
34	Garrison ES 389 students · Pre-K–5th	389	Pre-K–5th	7.5
35	The Children's Guild DC PCS 230 students · Kindergarten–8th	230	Kindergarten–8th	7.5
36	Garfield ES 202 students · Pre-K–5th	202	Pre-K–5th	7.4
37	Lafayette ES 933 students · Pre-K–5th	933	Pre-K–5th	7.3
38	Stoddert ES 447 students · Pre-K–5th	447	Pre-K–5th	7.3
39	Ross ES 182 students · Pre-K–5th	182	Pre-K–5th	7.2
40	Simon ES 207 students · Pre-K–5th	207	Pre-K–5th	7.2
41	Tyler ES 565 students · Pre-K–5th	565	Pre-K–5th	7.2
42	Plummer ES 224 students · Pre-K–5th	224	Pre-K–5th	7.2
43	Two Rivers PCS - 4th Street 390 students · Pre-K–5th	390	Pre-K–5th	7.1
44	Center City PCS - Trinidad 200 students · Pre-K–8th	200	Pre-K–8th	7.1
45	Perry Street Preparatory PCS 455 students · Pre-K–8th	455	Pre-K–8th	7.0
46	Meridian PCS 621 students · Pre-K–8th	621	Pre-K–8th	7.0
47	Patterson ES 253 students · Pre-K–5th	253	Pre-K–5th	7.0
48	Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS - East End 342 students · Pre-K–5th	342	Pre-K–5th	6.9
49	Murch ES 636 students · Pre-K–5th	636	Pre-K–5th	6.9
50	Marie Reed ES 452 students · Pre-K–5th	452	Pre-K–5th	6.9
51	Smothers ES 232 students · Pre-K–5th	232	Pre-K–5th	6.9
52	Amidon-Bowen ES 365 students · Pre-K–5th	365	Pre-K–5th	6.9
53	Center City PCS - Capitol Hill 215 students · Pre-K–8th	215	Pre-K–8th	6.9
54	Center City PCS - Shaw 199 students · Pre-K–8th	199	Pre-K–8th	6.9
55	Friendship PCS - Blow Pierce Elementary 273 students · Pre-K–3rd	273	Pre-K–3rd	6.8
56	J.O. Wilson ES 464 students · Pre-K–5th	464	Pre-K–5th	6.8
57	Tubman ES 560 students · Pre-K–5th	560	Pre-K–5th	6.8
58	Bruce-Monroe ES at Park View 436 students · Pre-K–5th	436	Pre-K–5th	6.8
59	C.W. Harris ES 261 students · Pre-K–5th	261	Pre-K–5th	6.8
60	Watkins ES (Capitol Hill Cluster) 397 students · 1st–5th	397	1st–5th	6.7
61	Lorraine H. Whitlock ES 146 students · Pre-K–5th	146	Pre-K–5th	6.7
62	Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS 361 students · Pre-K–8th	361	Pre-K–8th	6.6
63	Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS - Brookland 351 students · Pre-K–5th	351	Pre-K–5th	6.5
64	Hendley ES 251 students · Pre-K–5th	251	Pre-K–5th	6.5
65	KIPP DC - Inspire Academy PCS 237 students · 1st–4th	237	1st–4th	6.5
66	Powell ES 497 students · Pre-K–5th	497	Pre-K–5th	6.4
67	Capital City PCS - Lower School 326 students · Pre-K–4th	326	Pre-K–4th	6.3
68	Friendship PCS - Armstrong Elementary 245 students · Pre-K–3rd	245	Pre-K–3rd	6.2
69	Miner ES 410 students · Pre-K–5th	410	Pre-K–5th	6.2
70	Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS - J.F. Cook 530 students · Pre-K–5th	530	Pre-K–5th	6.2
71	Breakthrough Montessori PCS 369 students · Pre-K–6th	369	Pre-K–6th	6.2
72	Raymond ES 400 students · Pre-K–5th	400	Pre-K–5th	6.1
73	Houston ES 307 students · Pre-K–5th	307	Pre-K–5th	6.1
74	Capitol Hill Montessori School at Logan 488 students · Pre-K–8th	488	Pre-K–8th	6.1
75	KIPP DC - Connect Academy PCS 270 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	270	Pre-K–Kindergarten	6.1
76	Savoy ES 199 students · Pre-K–5th	199	Pre-K–5th	6.0
77	Barnard ES 591 students · Pre-K–5th	591	Pre-K–5th	6.0
78	School-Within-School at Goding 325 students · Pre-K–5th	325	Pre-K–5th	6.0
79	Achievement Preparatory Academy PCS - Wahler Place ES 323 students · Pre-K–5th	323	Pre-K–5th	6.0
80	Center City PCS - Brightwood 261 students · Pre-K–8th	261	Pre-K–8th	6.0
81	Burrville ES 236 students · Pre-K–5th	236	Pre-K–5th	5.9
82	Peabody ES (Capitol Hill Cluster) 215 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	215	Pre-K–Kindergarten	5.9
83	Friendship PCS - Chamberlain Elementary 274 students · Pre-K–3rd	274	Pre-K–3rd	5.8
84	Malcolm X ES at Green 200 students · Pre-K–5th	200	Pre-K–5th	5.8
85	Kimball ES 374 students · Pre-K–5th	374	Pre-K–5th	5.8
86	Moten ES 238 students · Pre-K–5th	238	Pre-K–5th	5.7
87	John Lewis ES 493 students · Pre-K–5th	493	Pre-K–5th	5.7
88	Bancroft ES 768 students · Pre-K–5th	768	Pre-K–5th	5.7
89	Dorothy I. Height ES 396 students · Pre-K–5th	396	Pre-K–5th	5.7
90	E.L. Haynes PCS - ES 357 students · Pre-K–4th	357	Pre-K–4th	5.7
91	Center City PCS - Petworth 242 students · Pre-K–8th	242	Pre-K–8th	5.7
92	Walker-Jones Education Campus 313 students · Pre-K–8th	313	Pre-K–8th	5.6
93	Hope Community PCS - Tolson 227 students · Pre-K–8th	227	Pre-K–8th	5.6
94	Center City PCS - Congress Heights 243 students · Pre-K–8th	243	Pre-K–8th	5.6
95	Harmony DC PCS - School of Excellence 178 students · Pre-K–5th	178	Pre-K–5th	5.6
96	Friendship PCS - Ideal Elementary 218 students · Pre-K–3rd	218	Pre-K–3rd	5.5
97	Leckie Education Campus 458 students · Pre-K–8th	458	Pre-K–8th	5.5
98	Nalle ES 307 students · Pre-K–5th	307	Pre-K–5th	5.5
99	KIPP DC - Grow Academy PCS 236 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	236	Pre-K–Kindergarten	5.5
100	Maury ES 549 students · Pre-K–5th	549	Pre-K–5th	5.4
101	Whittier ES 413 students · Pre-K–5th	413	Pre-K–5th	5.3
102	Van Ness ES 392 students · Pre-K–5th	392	Pre-K–5th	5.3
103	Eagle Academy PCS - Capitol Riverfront 123 students · Pre-K–3rd	123	Pre-K–3rd	5.3
104	Creative Minds International PCS 581 students · Pre-K–8th	581	Pre-K–8th	5.3
105	Drew ES 189 students · Pre-K–5th	189	Pre-K–5th	5.2
106	Wheatley Education Campus 361 students · Pre-K–8th	361	Pre-K–8th	5.1
107	Randle Highlands ES 300 students · Pre-K–5th	300	Pre-K–5th	5.0
108	Bunker Hill ES 206 students · Pre-K–5th	206	Pre-K–5th	5.0
109	Ketcham ES 250 students · Pre-K–5th	250	Pre-K–5th	5.0
110	Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS - Calle Ocho 498 students · Pre-K–4th	498	Pre-K–4th	5.0
111	Stanton ES 306 students · Pre-K–5th	306	Pre-K–5th	4.9
112	Browne Education Campus 442 students · Pre-K–8th	442	Pre-K–8th	4.9
113	Excel Academy 339 students · Pre-K–8th	339	Pre-K–8th	4.9
114	KIPP DC - Pride Academy PCS 167 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	167	Pre-K–Kindergarten	4.9
115	Early Childhood Academy PCS 247 students · Pre-K–3rd	247	Pre-K–3rd	4.9
116	DC Prep PCS - Edgewood ES 420 students · Pre-K–3rd	420	Pre-K–3rd	4.8
117	Sela PCS 285 students · Pre-K–5th	285	Pre-K–5th	4.8
118	Brightwood ES 603 students · Pre-K–5th	603	Pre-K–5th	4.7
119	Langley ES 348 students · Pre-K–5th	348	Pre-K–5th	4.7
120	KIPP DC - Discover Academy PCS 319 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	319	Pre-K–Kindergarten	4.7
121	KIPP DC - Arts and Technology Academy PCS 270 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	270	Pre-K–Kindergarten	4.7
122	Friendship PCS - Southeast Elementary 368 students · Pre-K–3rd	368	Pre-K–3rd	4.6
123	Friendship PCS - Woodridge International Elementary 244 students · Pre-K–3rd	244	Pre-K–3rd	4.6
124	Truesdell ES 384 students · Pre-K–5th	384	Pre-K–5th	4.6
125	Lawrence E. Boone ES 436 students · Pre-K–5th	436	Pre-K–5th	4.6
126	Noyes ES 288 students · Pre-K–5th	288	Pre-K–5th	4.5
127	DC Prep PCS - Anacostia ES 423 students · Pre-K–3rd	423	Pre-K–3rd	4.4
128	Cedar Tree Academy PCS 428 students · Pre-K–2nd	428	Pre-K–2nd	4.3
129	Lee Montessori PCS - East End 216 students · Pre-K–3rd	216	Pre-K–3rd	4.3
130	Rocketship PCS - Infinity Community Prep 341 students · Pre-K–5th	341	Pre-K–5th	4.1
131	King ES 202 students · Pre-K–5th	202	Pre-K–5th	4.0
132	Ingenuity Prep PCS 792 students · Pre-K–8th	792	Pre-K–8th	4.0
133	Turner ES 452 students · Pre-K–5th	452	Pre-K–5th	3.9
134	KIPP DC - Lead Academy PCS 370 students · 1st–4th	370	1st–4th	3.9
135	KIPP DC - Spring Academy PCS 376 students · 1st–4th	376	1st–4th	3.9
136	Eagle Academy PCS - Congress Heights 269 students · Pre-K–3rd	269	Pre-K–3rd	3.9
137	KIPP DC - Promise Academy PCS 621 students · Kindergarten–4th	621	Kindergarten–4th	3.8
138	DC Scholars PCS 491 students · Pre-K–8th	491	Pre-K–8th	3.7
139	KIPP DC - Quest Academy PCS 390 students · 1st–4th	390	1st–4th	3.6
140	H.D. Cooke ES 389 students · Pre-K–5th	389	Pre-K–5th	3.5
141	Friendship PCS - Online Academy 397 students · Kindergarten–8th	397	Kindergarten–8th	3.2
142	DC Prep PCS - Benning ES 425 students · Pre-K–3rd	425	Pre-K–3rd	3.2
143	Rocketship PCS - Legacy Prep 609 students · Pre-K–5th	609	Pre-K–5th	2.8
144	KIPP DC - Heights Academy PCS 458 students · 1st–4th	458	1st–4th	2.7
145	Rocketship PCS - Rise Academy 428 students · Pre-K–5th	428	Pre-K–5th	2.7
146	DC Wildflower PCS - The Riverseed School 28 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	28	Pre-K–Kindergarten	—
Private Schools 31 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types.
1	LOWELL SCHOOL Private 279 students · Pre-K–8th	279	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
2	AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Private 71 students · Pre-K–6th	71	Pre-K–6th	Not Rated
3	OUR LADY OF VICTORY SCHOOL Private 196 students · Pre-K–8th	196	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
4	ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Private 121 students · Pre-K–8th	121	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
5	CAPITOL HILL DAY SCHOOL Private 203 students · Pre-K–8th	203	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
6	RIVER SCHOOL Private 85 students · Pre-K–3rd	85	Pre-K–3rd	Not Rated
7	ST PATRICK'S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL Private 455 students · Pre-K–8th	455	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
8	SHERIDAN SCHOOL Private 230 students · Kindergarten–8th	230	Kindergarten–8th	Not Rated
9	MILTON GOTTESMAN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE NATION'S Private 460 students · Pre-K–8th	460	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
10	HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL Private 314 students · Pre-K–8th	314	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
11	ST PATRICKS EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL Private 457 students · Pre-K–8th	457	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
12	ST PETER SCHOOL Private 206 students · Pre-K–8th	206	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
13	NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL Private 254 students · Pre-K–6th	254	Pre-K–6th	Not Rated
14	ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC Private 179 students · Pre-K–8th	179	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
15	CHRISTIAN FAMILY MONTESSORI Private 104 students · Kindergarten–6th	104	Kindergarten–6th	Not Rated
16	ST ANTHONY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Private 194 students · Pre-K–8th	194	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
17	BISHOP JOHN T WALKER SCHOOL FOR BOYS Private 71 students · Kindergarten–5th	71	Kindergarten–5th	Not Rated
18	ST AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Private 218 students · Pre-K–8th	218	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
19	ST FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC ACADEMYOOL Private 192 students · Pre-K–8th	192	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
20	BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL Private 508 students · Kindergarten–8th	508	Kindergarten–8th	Not Rated
21	SACRED HEART SCHOOL Private 202 students · Pre-K–8th	202	Pre-K–8th	Not Rated
22	BISHOP JOHN T. WALKER SCHOOL FOR BOYS Private 83 students · Kindergarten–5th	83	Kindergarten–5th	Not Rated
23	SMITHSONIAN EARLY ENRICHMENT CENTER Private 12 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	12	Pre-K–Kindergarten	Not Rated
24	FRANKLIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Private 8 students · Pre-K–1st	8	Pre-K–1st	Not Rated
25	THE FRENCH MATERNAL SCHOOL Private 12 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	12	Pre-K–Kindergarten	Not Rated
26	BROAD BRANCH CHILDREN'S HOUSE Private 2 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	2	Pre-K–Kindergarten	Not Rated
27	DISTRICT MONTESSORI Private 4 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	4	Pre-K–Kindergarten	Not Rated
28	ACTON ACADEMY OF WASHINGTON, DC Private 20 students · Pre-K–7th	20	Pre-K–7th	Not Rated
29	GEORGETOWN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Private 3 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	3	Pre-K–Kindergarten	Not Rated
30	MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CHEVY CHASE Private 4 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten	4	Pre-K–Kindergarten	Not Rated
31	THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF D.C. Private 25 students · Kindergarten–8th	25	Kindergarten–8th	Not Rated

Middle Schools

46 schools

#	School	Enrollment	Grades	Rating
1	Paul PCS - MS 313 students · 5th–8th	313	5th–8th	8.9
2	The Sojourner Truth School PCS 284 students · 6th–10th	284	6th–10th	8.9
3	Washington Global PCS 219 students · 6th–8th	219	6th–8th	7.8
4	Hardy MS 602 students · 6th–8th	602	6th–8th	7.6
5	Deal MS 1,420 students · 6th–8th	1,420	6th–8th	7.5
6	Capital Village PCS 103 students · 5th–8th	103	5th–8th	7.5
7	Ida B. Wells MS 540 students · 6th–8th	540	6th–8th	7.4
8	KIPP DC - Valor Academy PCS 336 students · 5th–8th	336	5th–8th	7.4
9	Eliot-Hine MS 374 students · 6th–8th	374	6th–8th	7.3
10	Two Rivers PCS - Young MS 254 students · 6th–8th	254	6th–8th	7.2
11	Washington Latin PCS - MS 393 students · 5th–8th	393	5th–8th	7.1
12	McKinley MS 263 students · 6th–8th	263	6th–8th	7.1
13	Howard University MS of Mathematics and Science PCS 253 students · 6th–8th	253	6th–8th	7.1
14	Monument Academy PCS 127 students · 5th–8th	127	5th–8th	7.1
15	MacFarland MS 499 students · 6th–8th	499	6th–8th	6.8
16	Capital City PCS - MS 336 students · 5th–8th	336	5th–8th	6.8
17	E.L. Haynes PCS - MS 377 students · 5th–8th	377	5th–8th	6.8
18	Social Justice PCS 124 students · 5th–8th	124	5th–8th	6.7
19	Sousa MS 229 students · 6th–8th	229	6th–8th	6.5
20	Brookland MS 370 students · 6th–8th	370	6th–8th	6.5
21	KIPP DC - Northeast Academy PCS 355 students · 5th–8th	355	5th–8th	6.5
22	KIPP DC - Honor Academy PCS 334 students · 5th–8th	334	5th–8th	6.3
23	KIPP DC - WILL Academy PCS 323 students · 5th–8th	323	5th–8th	6.2
24	Digital Pioneers Academy PCS - Johenning 312 students · 6th–8th	312	6th–8th	6.1
25	Kelly Miller MS 289 students · 6th–8th	289	6th–8th	6.0

Show 21 more middle schools

26	Hart MS 367 students · 6th–8th	367	6th–8th	5.9
27	KIPP DC - AIM Academy PCS 435 students · 5th–8th	435	5th–8th	5.9
28	Washington Latin PCS - Anna Julia Cooper MS 285 students · 5th–7th	285	5th–7th	5.8
29	Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys PCS 307 students · 4th–8th	307	4th–8th	5.8
30	Friendship PCS - Southeast Middle 326 students · 4th–8th	326	4th–8th	5.6
31	Kramer MS 197 students · 6th–8th	197	6th–8th	5.5
32	Stuart-Hobson MS (Capitol Hill Cluster) 453 students · 6th–8th	453	6th–8th	5.5
33	Friendship PCS - Blow Pierce Middle 237 students · 4th–8th	237	4th–8th	5.4
34	Jefferson MS Academy 406 students · 6th–8th	406	6th–8th	5.4
35	KIPP DC - KEY Academy PCS 409 students · 5th–8th	409	5th–8th	5.1
36	Johnson MS 297 students · 6th–8th	297	6th–8th	5.0
37	Friendship PCS - Chamberlain Middle 303 students · 4th–8th	303	4th–8th	4.9
38	Friendship PCS - Woodridge International Middle 214 students · 4th–8th	214	4th–8th	4.8
39	DC Prep PCS - Benning MS 311 students · 4th–8th	311	4th–8th	4.5
40	Friendship PCS - Ideal Middle 172 students · 4th–8th	172	4th–8th	4.4
41	DC Prep PCS - Edgewood MS 300 students · 4th–8th	300	4th–8th	4.4
42	Friendship PCS - Armstrong Middle 198 students · 4th–8th	198	4th–8th	4.2
43	DC Prep PCS - Anacostia MS 265 students · 4th–7th	265	4th–7th	4.0
Private Schools 3 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types.
1	WASHINGTON JESUIT ACADEMY Private 116 students · 4th–8th	116	4th–8th	Not Rated
2	WASHINGTON SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Private 97 students · 3rd–8th	97	3rd–8th	Not Rated
3	CAPITOL LEARNING ACADEMY Private 12 students · 2nd–6th	12	2nd–6th	Not Rated

High Schools

54 schools

#	School	Enrollment	Grades	Rating
1	Washington Leadership Academy PCS 398 students · 9th–12th	398	9th–12th	8.3
2	Capital City PCS - HS 350 students · 9th–12th	350	9th–12th	8.0
3	Phelps Architecture Construction and Engineering HS 310 students · 9th–12th	310	9th–12th	7.9
4	Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy 399 students · 6th–12th	399	6th–12th	7.7
5	H.D. Woodson HS 544 students · 9th–12th	544	9th–12th	7.5
6	E.L. Haynes PCS - HS 439 students · 9th–12th	439	9th–12th	7.5
7	BASIS DC PCS 690 students · 5th–12th	690	5th–12th	7.5
8	Girls Global Academy PCS 210 students · 9th–12th	210	9th–12th	7.5
9	Columbia Heights Education Campus 1,494 students · 6th–12th	1,494	6th–12th	7.4
10	Duke Ellington School of the Arts 579 students · 9th–12th	579	9th–12th	7.3
11	Eastern HS 866 students · 9th–12th	866	9th–12th	7.3
12	Jackson-Reed HS 1,994 students · 9th–12th	1,994	9th–12th	7.3
13	School Without Walls HS 599 students · 9th–12th	599	9th–12th	7.1
14	McKinley Technology HS 704 students · 9th–12th	704	9th–12th	7.1
15	KIPP DC - College Preparatory PCS 696 students · 9th–12th	696	9th–12th	7.1
16	Maya Angelou PCS - HS 224 students · 9th–12th	224	9th–12th	6.9
17	Washington Latin PCS - Upper School 356 students · 9th–12th	356	9th–12th	6.9
18	District of Columbia International School 1,619 students · 6th–12th	1,619	6th–12th	6.9
19	Benjamin Banneker HS 671 students · 9th–12th	671	9th–12th	6.7
20	Bard HS Early College DC (Bard DC) 369 students · 9th–12th	369	9th–12th	6.7
21	Friendship PCS - Collegiate Academy 715 students · 9th–12th	715	9th–12th	6.3
22	The SEED PCS of Washington DC 252 students · 9th–12th	252	9th–12th	6.2
23	Goodwill Excel Center PCS 441 students · 9th–12th	441	9th–12th	6.2
24	Kingsman Academy PCS 326 students · 6th–12th	326	6th–12th	6.1
25	Cardozo Education Campus 706 students · 6th–12th	706	6th–12th	6.0

Show 29 more high schools

26	Paul PCS - International HS 438 students · 9th–12th	438	9th–12th	5.8
27	Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts 309 students · 8th–12th	309	8th–12th	5.8
28	Luke C. Moore HS 264 students · 9th–12th	264	9th–12th	5.7
29	Ballou STAY HS 453 students · 9th–12th	453	9th–12th	5.7
30	Roosevelt HS 908 students · 9th–12th	908	9th–12th	5.6
31	Dunbar HS 984 students · 9th–12th	984	9th–12th	5.6
32	Roosevelt STAY HS 703 students · 9th–12th	703	9th–12th	5.6
33	Ballou HS 585 students · 9th–12th	585	9th–12th	5.5
34	Ron Brown College Preparatory HS 161 students · 9th–12th	161	9th–12th	5.2
35	KIPP DC PCS - Legacy College Preparatory PCS 495 students · 9th–12th	495	9th–12th	5.2
36	Coolidge HS 1,093 students · 9th–12th	1,093	9th–12th	5.1
37	IDEA PCS 309 students · 9th–12th	309	9th–12th	4.7
38	Anacostia HS 244 students · 9th–12th	244	9th–12th	4.5
39	Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS 338 students · 9th–12th	338	9th–12th	4.0
40	Friendship PCS - Technology Preparatory HS 327 students · 9th–12th	327	9th–12th	3.9
Private Schools 14 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types.
1	MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF Private 101 students · 9th–12th	101	9th–12th	Not Rated
2	KIROV ACADEMY OF WASHINGTON D.C. Private 77 students · 6th–12th	77	6th–12th	Not Rated
3	EDMUND BURKE SCHOOL Private 333 students · 6th–12th	333	6th–12th	Not Rated
4	THE FIELD SCHOOL Private 347 students · 6th–12th	347	6th–12th	Not Rated
5	ST ANSELM'S ABBEY SCHOOL Private 251 students · 6th–12th	251	6th–12th	Not Rated
6	TEMPLETON ACADEMY Private 65 students · 6th–12th	65	6th–12th	Not Rated
7	FUSION ACADEMY WDC: WASHINGTON D.C. Private 42 students · 6th–12th	42	6th–12th	Not Rated
8	KENNEDY INSTITUTE Private 44 students · 9th–12th	44	9th–12th	Not Rated
9	ARCHBISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL Private 383 students · 9th–12th	383	9th–12th	Not Rated
10	GEORGETOWN VISITATION PREPARATORY SCHOOL Private 509 students · 9th–12th	509	9th–12th	Not Rated
11	ST JOHNS COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Private 1,279 students · 9th–12th	1,279	9th–12th	Not Rated
12	GONZAGA COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Private 956 students · 9th–12th	956	9th–12th	Not Rated
13	NEW BEGINNINGS VOCATIONAL PROGRAM LLC Private 22 students · 9th–12th	22	9th–12th	Not Rated
14	THE MONROE SCHOOL Private 26 students · 6th–12th	26	6th–12th	Not Rated

Other Schools

24 schools

#	School	Enrollment	Grades	Rating
1	AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Columbia Heights 123 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	123	Pre-K–Pre-K	7.4
2	AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Southwest 84 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	84	Pre-K–Pre-K	7.4
3	AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Parklands at THEARC 99 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	99	Pre-K–Pre-K	7.4
4	AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Oklahoma Avenue 160 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	160	Pre-K–Pre-K	7.2
5	St. Coletta Special Education PCS 251 students · Pre-K–12th	251	Pre-K–12th	6.9
6	Thaddeus Stevens Early Learning Center 86 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	86	Pre-K–Pre-K	6.8
7	Military Road Early Learning Center 67 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	67	Pre-K–Pre-K	6.8
8	AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Lincoln Park 59 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	59	Pre-K–Pre-K	5.8
9	Digital Pioneers Academy PCS - Capitol Hill 287 students · 9th–11th	287	9th–11th	5.6
10	KIPP DC - LEAP Academy PCS 226 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	226	Pre-K–Pre-K	5.4
11	River Terrace Education Campus 120 students · 3rd–12th	120	3rd–12th	5.2
12	AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Douglas Knoll 51 students · Pre-K–Pre-K	51	Pre-K–Pre-K	5.0
Private Schools 12 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types.
1	WHITTLE SCHOOL & STUDIOS Private 141 students · Pre-K–12th	141	Pre-K–12th	Not Rated
2	WHITTLE SCHOOL AND STUDIOS Private 128 students · Pre-K–12th	128	Pre-K–12th	Not Rated
3	MARET SCHOOL Private 650 students · Kindergarten–12th	650	Kindergarten–12th	Not Rated
4	SIDWELL FRIENDS SCHOOL Private 1,120 students · Pre-K–12th	1,120	Pre-K–12th	Not Rated
5	WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Private 847 students · Pre-K–12th	847	Pre-K–12th	Not Rated
6	GEORGETOWN DAY SCHOOL Private 1,053 students · Pre-K–12th	1,053	Pre-K–12th	Not Rated
7	MUHAMMAD UNIVERSITY OF ISLAM Private 49 students · Pre-K–11th	49	Pre-K–11th	Not Rated
8	CORNERSTONE SCHOOLS-WASHINGTON Private 160 students · Kindergarten–12th	160	Kindergarten–12th	Not Rated
9	BRITISH INT'L SCHL WASHINGTON Private 478 students · Pre-K–12th	478	Pre-K–12th	Not Rated
10	MYSA SCHOOL Private 21 students · 1st–12th	21	1st–12th	Not Rated
11	LIVING WORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Private 26 students · Kindergarten–12th	26	Kindergarten–12th	Not Rated
12	WATERFRONT ACADEMY Private 14 students · UG–UG	14	UG–UG	Not Rated

Schools in Washington

Washington, District of Columbia · 301 schools

Community Demographics

Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 24 ZIP codes

Median Income

$116,580

Median Home Value

$733,477

Median Rent

$2,000/mo

Population

664,981

College Educated

71%

Homeownership

42%

Avg Commute

30 min

Poverty Rate

14.1%

Community Profile

Washington has a median household income of $116,580. It is a well-educated community where 71% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $733,477, with a median rent of $2,000/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.1%. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Quick Facts

State: District of Columbia
Total Schools: 301
Elementary: 177
Middle: 46
High: 54
Districts: 62
Avg Rating: 6.3/10

Resources

🔍 Google "Washington schools" 🏫 GreatSchools Washington 📊 Niche Washington Rankings 📍 Google Maps: Schools

School Districts (62)

Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy

1 school · 399 students

Friendship PCS

15 schools · 4,511 students

Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS

2 schools · 693 students

Perry Street Preparatory PCS

1 school · 455 students

IDEA PCS

1 school · 309 students

Maya Angelou PCS

1 school · 523 students

Meridian PCS

1 school · 621 students

Washington Latin PCS

3 schools · 1,034 students

Roots PCS

1 school · 80 students

SEED PCS

1 school · 252 students

Cedar Tree Academy PCS

1 school · 428 students

District of Columbia Public Schools

117 schools · 51,294 students

KIPP DC PCS

20 schools · 7,323 students

Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS

1 school · 555 students

Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS

1 school · 338 students

Capital City PCS

3 schools · 1,012 students

Paul PCS

2 schools · 751 students

DC Bilingual PCS

1 school · 579 students

E.L. Haynes PCS

3 schools · 1,173 students

Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS

1 school · 361 students

Two Rivers PCS

3 schools · 1,022 students

DC Prep PCS

6 schools · 2,144 students

Eagle Academy PCS

2 schools · 392 students

Hope Community PCS

1 school · 227 students

AppleTree Early Learning PCS

6 schools · 576 students

Bridges PCS

1 school · 365 students

Early Childhood Academy PCS

1 school · 247 students

Howard University Middle School of Math and Science PCS

1 school · 253 students

St. Coletta Special Education PCS

1 school · 251 students

Achievement Preparatory Academy PCS

1 school · 323 students

Center City PCS

6 schools · 1,360 students

Washington Yu Ying PCS

1 school · 634 students

Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS

1 school · 522 students

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS

1 school · 215 students

Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts

1 school · 309 students

BASIS DC PCS

1 school · 690 students

Creative Minds International PCS

1 school · 581 students

DC Scholars PCS

1 school · 491 students

Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS

2 schools · 1,028 students

Sela PCS

1 school · 285 students

Ingenuity Prep PCS

1 school · 792 students

Lee Montessori PCS

2 schools · 502 students

Harmony DC PCS

1 school · 178 students

District of Columbia International School

1 school · 1,619 students

Kingsman Academy PCS

1 school · 326 students

Monument Academy PCS

1 school · 127 students

The Children's Guild DC PCS

1 school · 230 students

Washington Global PCS

1 school · 219 students

Washington Leadership Academy PCS

1 school · 398 students

Breakthrough Montessori PCS

1 school · 369 students

Goodwill Excel Center PCS

1 school · 441 students

Rocketship Education DC PCS

3 schools · 1,378 students

Digital Pioneers Academy PCS

2 schools · 599 students

Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys PCS

1 school · 307 students

The Sojourner Truth School PCS

1 school · 284 students

Capital Village PCS

1 school · 103 students

Girls Global Academy PCS

1 school · 210 students

I Dream PCS

1 school · 84 students

Social Justice PCS

1 school · 124 students

Global Citizens PCS

1 school · 161 students

LEARN DC PCS

1 school · 249 students

DC Wildflower PCS

1 school · 28 students

Featured Rankings

See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.

Best Elementary Schools in Washington Best Middle Schools in Washington Best High Schools in Washington

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about schools in Washington, District of Columbia

How many schools are in Washington, District of Columbia?

Washington has 301 schools, including 241 public and 60 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.

What is the average school rating in Washington, District of Columbia?

The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Washington is 6.3 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.

What is the top-ranked school in Washington, District of Columbia?

The top-ranked school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Dc Bilingual Pcs with a composite score of 9.5/10.

What is the best elementary school in Washington, District of Columbia?

The top-ranked elementary school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Dc Bilingual Pcs with a composite score of 9.5/10.

What is the best middle school in Washington, District of Columbia?

The top-ranked middle school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Paul Pcs - MS with a composite score of 8.9/10.

What is the best high school in Washington, District of Columbia?

The top-ranked high school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Model Secondary School for the Deaf with a composite score of 8.8/10.

How many school districts serve Washington, District of Columbia?

Washington is served by 62 school districts: Cesar Chavez Pcs for Public Policy, Friendship Pcs, Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Pcs, Perry Street Preparatory Pcs, Idea Pcs, Maya Angelou Pcs, Meridian Pcs, Washington Latin Pcs, Roots Pcs, Seed Pcs, Cedar Tree Academy Pcs, District of Columbia Public Schools, Kipp Dc Pcs, Latin American Montessori Bilingual Pcs, Thurgood Marshall Academy Pcs, Capital City Pcs, Paul Pcs, Dc Bilingual Pcs, E.l. Haynes Pcs, Mary Mcleod Bethune Day Academy Pcs, Two Rivers Pcs, Dc Prep Pcs, Eagle Academy Pcs, Hope Community Pcs, Appletree Early Learning Pcs, Bridges Pcs, Early Childhood Academy Pcs, Howard University Middle School of Math and Science Pcs, St. Coletta Special Education Pcs, Achievement Preparatory Academy Pcs, Center City Pcs, Washington Yu Ying Pcs, Inspired Teaching Demonstration Pcs, Shining Stars Montessori Academy Pcs, Richard Wright Pcs for Journalism and Media Arts, Basis Dc Pcs, Creative Minds International Pcs, Dc Scholars Pcs, Mundo Verde Bilingual Pcs, Sela Pcs, Ingenuity Prep Pcs, Lee Montessori Pcs, Harmony Dc Pcs, District of Columbia International School, Kingsman Academy Pcs, Monument Academy Pcs, The Children's Guild Dc Pcs, Washington Global Pcs, Washington Leadership Academy Pcs, Breakthrough Montessori Pcs, Goodwill Excel Center Pcs, Rocketship Education Dc Pcs, Digital Pioneers Academy Pcs, Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys Pcs, The Sojourner Truth School Pcs, Capital Village Pcs, Girls Global Academy Pcs, I Dream Pcs, Social Justice Pcs, Global Citizens Pcs, Learn Dc Pcs, Dc Wildflower Pcs.

What is the education level in Washington, District of Columbia?

According to Census data, 71% of adults in Washington have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the median income in Washington, District of Columbia?

The median household income in Washington is approximately $116,580 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.

Are there private schools in Washington, District of Columbia?

Yes, Washington has 60 private schools alongside 241 public schools. The top-rated private school is Model Secondary School for the Deaf with a score of 8.8/10.

What is the student-teacher ratio in Washington, District of Columbia?

The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Washington is 10.8:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.

How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Washington, District of Columbia?

MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.

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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.