Best DC Schools
DC has more than 200 public schools. The "best" depends on your child's needs. Use DC Parents School Guide to find schools that fit your family — not just the highest test scores.
Compare All DC Schools →What Makes a School "Best"?
DC school rankings based solely on test scores miss the factors that matter most to families. A school that's "best" citywide may not be best for your child. Consider:
Academic Performance
ELA and math proficiency rates — but look at growth, not just absolute scores.
Program Fit
Montessori, dual language, STEM, arts — does the school's approach match your child's learning style?
School Culture
How teachers interact with students, approach to discipline, community involvement.
Location & Logistics
Commute, before/after care, grade levels served — practical factors that affect daily life.
Community
Parent engagement, school events, how welcoming the community feels to your family.
Lottery Odds
A great school you can't get into isn't the right choice. Factor in historical match rates.
Find Your Best DC Schools
Use DC Parents School Guide to filter and sort schools by what matters to your family:
- Sort by ELA or math proficiency to find high-academic schools
- Filter by program type to find specialized schools
- Filter by ward to focus on your area
- Check match rates to find the best fit you can actually get into
- Compare schools side-by-side before building your lottery list
Top DC Schools
Highest-performing DC public schools sorted by ELA proficiency.
School Without Walls High School
DCPSBenjamin Banneker High School
DCPSRoss Elementary School
DCPSStoddert Elementary School
DCPSDeal Middle School
DCPSJanney Elementary School
DCPSFind Your Best DC School
Browse all 200+ DC public schools, compare them, and build your lottery list.
Browse Schools →