Best Schools in Washington, District of Columbia
300 schools · 175 Elementary · 46 Middle · 56 High · 23 Other
Choosing a school in Washington?
Use this page to compare every school in Washington by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Ross ES
Elementary · District of Columbia Public Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
School-Within-School at Goding
Elementary · District of Columbia Public Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Maury ES
Elementary · District of Columbia Public Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated 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 220 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
300
241 public · 59 private
Avg Score
6.3
out of 10
Median Home
$733,477
home value · ACS
Districts
62
serving the city
Schools
300
241 public · 59 private
Avg Score
6.3
out of 10
Median Home
$733,477
home value · ACS
Districts
62
serving the city
Top-Rated Schools in Washington
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 220 rated schools; 300 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ross ES | 9.7 / 10 |
| 2 | School-Within-School at Goding | 9.6 / 10 |
| 3 | Maury ES | 9.4 / 10 |
| 4 | Brent ES | 9.4 / 10 |
| 5 | Hearst ES | 9.4 / 10 |
| 6 | Washington Latin Pcs - Anna Julia Cooper MS | 9.3 / 10 |
| 7 | The Sojourner Truth School Pcs | 9.3 / 10 |
| 8 | Bruce-Monroe ES at Park View | 9.2 / 10 |
| 9 | Garrison ES | 9.1 / 10 |
| 10 | Stoddert ES | 8.9 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
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%
38% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Washington compares
Vs. state average
-0.0
below District of Columbia avg (6.3)
Median household income
$117k
100% of District of Columbia median
Schools in this city
286
Education Snapshot
Washington, District of ColumbiaWashington, D.C. draws 107,316 students into 301 schools administered by 62 separate school districts. Charter schools account for 125 of those 301 — roughly 42% of all schools — giving families a substantial range of public enrollment options beyond the traditional district system. The level mix skews toward the lower grades: 177 elementary schools compared to 54 high schools, 46 middle schools, and 24 combined or specialized programs. Across 285 scored schools, the city's MySchoolScout composite average of 6.3/10 exactly matches the D.C. state average — schools here perform at the jurisdiction's median, not above or below it. Demographically, 58% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median household income of $105,475 sits within $150 of the D.C. median of $105,326, making the city's household profile nearly identical to the broader jurisdiction.
62 districts draw attendance lines through Washington
Washington is not one school system. 62 districts cut across the city limits, and the largest still holds only 48% of the public campuses.
District of Columbia Public Schools is the largest slice at 116 of 241 public schools — not a majority. Choosing a Washington address is choosing a district first.
Among 220 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 2.0 to 9.7 — the spread is inside Washington, not a citywide average.
125 of the 241 public schools are charters (52%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- District of Columbia Public Schools116 public · 48%
- Kipp Dc Pcs20 public · 8%
- Friendship Pcs15 public · 6%
- Appletree Early Learning Pcs6 public · 2%
- Center City Pcs6 public · 2%
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.
Elementary Schools
175 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 182 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.7 |
| 2 | 325 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.6 |
| 3 | 549 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.4 |
| 4 | 421 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.4 |
| 5 | 337 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.4 |
| 6 | 436 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.2 |
| 7 | 389 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.1 |
| 8 | 447 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.9 |
| 9 | 684 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.9 |
| 10 | 285 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.9 |
Show all 175 elementary schools in Washington
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
46 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 285 students · 5th–7th | 9.3 |
| 2 | 284 students · 6th–10th | 9.3 |
| 3 | 1,420 students · 6th–8th | 8.6 |
| 4 | 265 students · 4th–7th | 8.6 |
| 5 | 602 students · 6th–8th | 8.2 |
| 6 | 219 students · 6th–8th | 8.0 |
| 7 | 499 students · 6th–8th | 7.9 |
| 8 | 540 students · 6th–8th | 7.9 |
| 9 | 370 students · 6th–8th | 7.7 |
| 10 | 172 students · 4th–8th | 7.6 |
Show all 46 middle schools in Washington
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
High Schools
56 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 690 students · 5th–12th | 8.3 |
| 2 | 356 students · 9th–12th | 8.2 |
| 3 | 599 students · 9th–12th | 8.2 |
| 4 | 671 students · 9th–12th | 8.1 |
| 5 | 1,619 students · 6th–12th | 7.9 |
| 6 | 1,994 students · 9th–12th | 7.3 |
| 7 | 161 students · 9th–12th | 7.2 |
| 8 | 210 students · 9th–12th | 7.2 |
| 9 | 704 students · 9th–12th | 6.8 |
| 10 | 369 students · 9th–12th | 6.8 |
Show all 56 high schools in Washington
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
23 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 86 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.4 |
| 2 | 67 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.4 |
| 3 | 123 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.4 |
| 4 | 84 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.4 |
| 5 | 99 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.4 |
| 6 | 160 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.3 |
| 7 | 59 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 7.0 |
| 8 | 287 students · 9th–11th | 6.7 |
| 9 | 226 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 6.3 |
| 10 | 120 students · 3rd–12th | 4.9 |
Show all 23 other schools in Washington
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Washington
Washington, District of Columbia · 300 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.
Schools by Level
- State
- District of Columbia
- Elementary
- 175
- Middle
- 46
- High
- 56
- Other
- 23
Resources
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.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Washington, District of Columbia
How many schools are in Washington, District of Columbia?
Washington has 300 schools, including 241 public and 59 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, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Washington, District of Columbia?
The top-ranked school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Ross ES with a composite score of 9.7/10.
What is the best elementary school in Washington, District of Columbia?
The top-ranked elementary school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Ross ES with a composite score of 9.7/10.
What is the best middle school in Washington, District of Columbia?
The top-ranked middle school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Washington Latin Pcs - Anna Julia Cooper MS with a composite score of 9.3/10.
What is the best high school in Washington, District of Columbia?
The top-ranked high school in Washington on MySchoolScout is Basis Dc Pcs with a composite score of 8.3/10.
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 59 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 10.9:1. 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 built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
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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.