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Average

#91 of 240 schools in DC

Top 38% in state

District of Columbia International School

High School · District of Columbia International School

1400 MAIN DRIVE NW, Washington, DC 20012

Charter

Enrollment

1,619

Student-Teacher

10.7:1

Score

6.9

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Washington

#91 of 239

public schools

District of Columbia high schools

#18 of 40

Academic performance

9.2 / 10

Exceptional

About District of Columbia International School

District of Columbia International School serves 1,619 students in grades 6 through 12 as a charter high school in Washington, D.C. With 152 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable 10.7:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for more individualized attention. The school demonstrates strong overall performance, earning a 7.9 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking 13th out of 240 schools statewide, placing it in the 95th percentile.

Its academic score of 8.8 out of 10 reflects solid educational outcomes, though there's room for growth in core subjects. Currently, 46% of students perform at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and reading, while 31% achieve proficiency in mathematics. As a charter school, District of Columbia International School operates with increased autonomy while serving the public school mission.

The school's substantial enrollment of over 1,600 students creates a vibrant, diverse learning community typical of urban educational environments. The school is located in ZIP code 20012, a well-established neighborhood where 59% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher and the median household income reaches $110,375. This educated, economically stable community provides a supportive environment for student achievement in the heart of the nation's capital.

What Parents Should Know

District of Columbia International School is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.5Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-4.17 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics9.2Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31%
Reading/ELA Proficiency46%
Overall Proficiency39%
Expected (poverty-adj.)18%
vs. Expected+20.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile87th
College Readiness8.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation0.7%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$23,738

District of Columbia International School — Students at District of Columbia International School score 38% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 18%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores DC EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 36.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 53.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from DC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
41%
ELA
61%
2022
Math
31%
ELA
46%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.5/10.

How District of Columbia International School Compares

See how District of Columbia International School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.9/10
63th percentile in DC
Academic
9.2/10
9.2/10
Growth
4.5/10
Below average
Environment
4.7/10
Below average

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
0.7% participation·770 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1400 MAIN DRIVE NW, Washington, DC 20012

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering District of Columbia International School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. THE NORA SCHOOL (rated 6.2/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Silver Spring), with a comparable rating. Another option is Paul PCS - International HS (rated 5.8/10, 0.9 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Coolidge HS (rated 5.1/10, 0.9 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Washington, see our Washington schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
MILTON GOTTESMAN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL OF THE NATION'S Washington 0.6 mi 6.9
Military Road Early Learning Center Washington 0.7 mi 6.8
Center City PCS - Brightwood Washington 0.7 mi 6.0
ASHREINU SCHOOL FOR GIRLS INC. Washington 0.8 mi
Takoma ES Washington 0.6 mi 7.7
Shepherd ES Washington 0.8 mi 8.6
Friendship PCS - Online Academy Washington 0.9 mi 3.2
Brightwood ES Washington 0.9 mi 4.7
LOWELL SCHOOL Washington 0.9 mi 8.4
Paul PCS - MS Washington 0.9 mi 8.9
Paul PCS - International HS Washington 0.9 mi 5.8
Coolidge HS Washington 0.9 mi 5.1
Ida B. Wells MS Washington 0.9 mi 7.4
Whittier ES Washington 0.9 mi 5.3
Breakthrough Montessori PCS Washington 1.1 mi 6.2
THE NORA SCHOOL Silver Spring 1.3 mi 6.2
Truesdell ES Washington 1.4 mi 4.6
John Lewis ES Washington 1.5 mi 5.7
Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS Washington 1.5 mi 7.9
ST JOHNS COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Washington 1.3 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 20012 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$128,234

Median Home Value

$838,200

Median Rent

$1,638/mo

Population

17,662

College Educated

59.2%

Homeownership

62.8%

Avg Commute

37.3 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

40.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding District of Columbia International School has a median household income of $128,234. It is a well-educated community where 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $838,200, with a median rent of $1,638/month. The local poverty rate of 6.5% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 37 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Jackson-Reed HS Washington, DC 7.3
Columbia Heights Education Campus Washington, DC 7.4
Dunbar HS Washington, DC 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about District of Columbia International School

What grades does District of Columbia International School serve?

District of Columbia International School serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend District of Columbia International School?

District of Columbia International School has an enrollment of approximately 1,619 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at District of Columbia International School?

The student-teacher ratio at District of Columbia International School is 10.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does District of Columbia International School rank in DC?

District of Columbia International School is ranked #91 out of 240 schools in DC.

What is District of Columbia International School's MySchoolScout rating?

District of Columbia International School has a composite rating of 6.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at District of Columbia International School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, District of Columbia International School has 36.0% math proficiency and 53.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is District of Columbia International School a charter school?

Yes, District of Columbia International School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is District of Columbia International School a Title I school?

No, District of Columbia International School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
27 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
67 Good Transit
Bike Score
43 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,514/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Washington). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
1,619
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
152
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
District of Columbia
Data Year
2023–2024

District

District of Columbia International School
District Enrollment
1,619
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$24,063
District Rank
#1 of 1

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

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