Average
#991 of 1,363 schools in MD
Walt Whitman High
High School · Montgomery County Public Schools
7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Enrollment
2,042
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,042
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bethesda
#16 of 17
public schools
Maryland high schools
#91 of 226
In district
#171 of 206
Montgomery County Public Schools
About Walt Whitman High
Walt Whitman High serves 2,042 students in grades 9 through 12 in Bethesda, Maryland, earning recognition as one of Montgomery County's top-performing high schools. With a MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranking 125th among Maryland's 1,364 schools, the school demonstrates strong academic achievement across its student body. The school's academic performance is particularly impressive, with 90% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 82% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics.
These results reflect the school's commitment to rigorous instruction, supported by 117 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for meaningful individual attention. Walt Whitman High draws from an affluent and highly educated community where 86% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, and the median household income reaches $231,292. This educated community context, combined with low poverty rates of just 4.2%, creates an environment where families prioritize academic achievement and educational excellence.
Located on Whittier Boulevard in the heart of Bethesda's small city setting, Walt Whitman High operates within one of Maryland's most prosperous communities, where the median home value of over $1 million reflects the area's desirability and commitment to quality education.
What Parents Should Know
Walt Whitman High is a large school with 2,042 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
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Walt Whitman High — Students at Walt Whitman High score 53% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
6.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MD MCAP (2024-25)
Based on 8 test records from MD state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.4/10.
How Walt Whitman High Compares
See how Walt Whitman High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 86% (2019) to 16.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 91% (2019) to 88.7% (2025).
Location
7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Walt Whitman High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. THE PRIMARY DAY SCHOOL (rated 8.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is WASHINGTON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL (rated 8.7/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wood Acres Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bethesda, see our Bethesda schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas W. Pyle Middle Bethesda | 0.5 mi | 6.2 |
| LANDON SCHOOL Bethesda | 0.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Bannockburn Elementary Bethesda | 0.7 mi | 7.0 |
| ST BARTHOLOMEWS SCHOOL Bethesda | 0.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Wood Acres Elementary Bethesda | 1.1 mi | 8.4 |
| Burning Tree Elementary Bethesda | 1.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Bradley Hills Elementary Bethesda | 1.3 mi | 7.4 |
| APPLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bethesda | 1.2 mi | — |
| THE PRIMARY DAY SCHOOL Bethesda | 1.2 mi | 8.9 |
| North Bethesda Middle Bethesda | 1.6 mi | 6.4 |
| HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL Bethesda | 1.3 mi | 7.4 |
| LITTLE FLOWER SCHOOL Bethesda | 1.7 mi | 6.9 |
| THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bethesda | 1.5 mi | — |
| Wyngate Elementary Bethesda | 1.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Westland Middle Bethesda | 1.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Bethesda Elementary Bethesda | 1.5 mi | 5.9 |
| THE WOODS ACADEMY Bethesda | 1.9 mi | 7.6 |
| WASHINGTON EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Bethesda | 1.7 mi | 8.7 |
| WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL Bethesda | 2.0 mi | 7.4 |
| ST JANE DE CHANTAL SCHOOL Bethesda | 2.2 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 20817 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$240,104
Median Home Value
$1,142,300
Median Rent
$3,155/mo
Population
37,738
College Educated
85.3%
Homeownership
82.3%
Avg Commute
30.2 min
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Median Age
45.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Walt Whitman High has a median household income of $240,104. It is a well-educated community where 85% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,142,300, with a median rent of $3,155/month. The local poverty rate of 4.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dulaney High Timonium, MD | 5.5 |
| North Hagerstown High Hagerstown, MD | 5.5 |
| Poolesville High Poolesville, MD | 5.5 |
| River Hill High Clarksville, MD | 5.5 |
| Severna Park High Severna Park, MD | 5.5 |
| Bel Air High Bel Air, MD | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Walt Whitman High
What grades does Walt Whitman High serve?
Walt Whitman High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Walt Whitman High?
Walt Whitman High has an enrollment of approximately 2,042 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Walt Whitman High?
The student-teacher ratio at Walt Whitman High is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Walt Whitman High rank in MD?
Walt Whitman High is ranked #991 out of 1,363 schools in MD.
What is Walt Whitman High's MySchoolScout rating?
Walt Whitman High has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Walt Whitman High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Walt Whitman High has 68.9% math proficiency and 90.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Walt Whitman High a charter school?
No, Walt Whitman High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Walt Whitman High a Title I school?
No, Walt Whitman High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Walt Whitman High?
6.3% of students at Walt Whitman High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,042
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 117
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 6.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Montgomery County
- Phone
- (240) 740-4800
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Montgomery County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 160,223
- Schools in District
- 211
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,456
- District Rank
- #171 of 206
Other Schools in This District
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.
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