If you are considering a move to Washington, DC and the DMV, one of the first questions on your mind is probably about schools. And it is a big one — the quality of local schools shapes not just your child's future but also your home search, your commute, and your daily routine. Whether you are looking at DC proper, the Maryland suburbs, or Northern Virginia, the DMV offers some of the best public education options in the country. Here is what you need to know about living in our Nations Capital and navigating its school landscape.
Schools Within Washington, DC
DC offers an impressive range of options — traditional DC Public Schools (DCPS), city-wide magnet programs, and a robust public charter school sector that educates nearly half of the city's students. More than 94,000 students attend DC public schools, and enrollment has grown for three consecutive years. DCPS graduation rates reached an all-time high of 78.7%, a 23-point gain since 2012.
School Without Walls High School
DCPS City-WideConsistently ranked #2 in the DC metro area by Niche. A highly selective, college-preparatory magnet high school with an integrated curriculum that uses Washington, DC as its classroom — students regularly intern at Smithsonian museums, GWU, and Capitol Hill offices.
Benjamin Banneker Academy High School
DCPS City-WideRanked #6 in the DC metro area. An academic magnet high school known for its rigorous curriculum and strong STEM program. Named after the renowned African American surveyor and almanac author who helped design Washington, DC.
BASIS DC
Public CharterRanked #4 in the DC metro area. A tuition-free public charter school with a globally benchmarked, advanced STEM and humanities curriculum. Known for producing strong AP pass rates and college readiness.
Washington Latin Public Charter School
Public CharterThe #1 ranked school district in DC according to Niche. A classical liberal arts charter school that serves grades 5-12 with a rigorous, discussion-based curriculum modeled on the great books tradition.
Janney Elementary School
DCPSOne of the highest-rated elementary schools in DC, located in the Tenleytown neighborhood. Known for its strong parent-teacher association, outdoor learning spaces, and dedicated arts and music programs.
Lafayette Elementary School
DCPSA top-rated elementary school in the Chevy Chase DC neighborhood. Features a robust STEM program, a popular Spanish immersion track, and an active school garden program.
The Suburbs: Some of the Best Districts in America
One of the biggest advantages of living in the DMV is access to the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. When buyers explore Washington, DC real estate, they often broaden their search to include communities in Montgomery County or Fairfax County, where school districts are consistently ranked among the finest in the nation. Each district has its own personality, so let's break them down.
Fairfax County Public Schools (VA)
The largest school district in Virginia, serving roughly 180,000 students across 200+ schools. Home to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (#1 in the DC metro area, #5 nationally), Langley High School, McLean High School, and Oakton High School. Nearly 75% of rising 8th graders have completed or are enrolled in Algebra 1. A Grammy-winning music teacher at Annandale High School was named 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)
The largest school district in Maryland, serving roughly 160,000 students across 211 schools. All 25 MCPS high schools made U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best High Schools list. Flagship schools include Walt Whitman High School (#3 in the DC metro area), Richard Montgomery High School, and Winston Churchill High School. MCPS students earn more than 2,000 Seals of Biliteracy each year.
Arlington County Public Schools (VA)
A smaller, high-performing district serving roughly 27,500 students across 42 schools. Students come from 145 nations and speak 90 languages. Arlington invests roughly $11,425 per pupil — well above the Virginia state average of $7,941. All schools are fully accredited, and the district's graduation rate stands at 86%.
Falls Church City Public Schools (VA)
Often ranked #1 in Virginia for school districts. Small but mighty — three schools serve a tight-knit community that consistently achieves top test scores and college readiness metrics across the board.
Navigating the School Search
After helping dozens of families settle into the DMV, I have learned a few things about how to approach the school search. Here are the strategies that make the biggest difference.
MySchoolDC Lottery
DC families apply through the MySchoolDC common application, typically opening in December and closing in March. Submit applications for multiple schools — both DCPS and charters — through a single system.
In-Boundary vs. City-Wide
Every DC address has an assigned in-boundary DCPS school. But families can also apply to city-wide DCPS magnet schools (like School Without Walls or Banneker) and to any public charter school, regardless of where they live.
Visit During the School Day
Most DC-area schools offer tours during the school year. Visiting while classes are in session gives you a real feel for the culture, teaching style, and community.
Think About the Commute
A great school in Alexandria is less useful if you work in Bethesda. Map your morning route before committing — DC traffic is real, and cross-river commutes can easily hit 45 minutes each way.
Start Early
For competitive schools, research starts 12-18 months before you plan to enroll. Some elementary school waiting lists and charter lotteries fill up well in advance.
Look at Feeder Patterns
Especially in the suburbs — elementary school quality can determine middle and high school options. A home near a top elementary often feeds into a top high school.
Finding the Right School for Your Family
The DMV is a fantastic place to raise a family, thanks in large part to the quality and diversity of its educational options. From nationally ranked magnet high schools in DC to powerhouse districts like Fairfax County, Montgomery County, and Arlington, you have real choices. The key is starting early, visiting schools in person, and thinking strategically about where your home base will be.
Whether you are drawn to a historic row house near Lafayette Elementary in Chevy Chase DC, a family-friendly colonial in Arlington near top-rated schools, or a spacious single-family home in Bethesda zoned for Walt Whitman High School, your school search and your home search go hand in hand. That is where my experience as a real estate agent comes in — I help families connect the dots between school zones, commute times, and the right home, all while navigating the unique dynamics of Washington, DC real estate.
Robert Clarke
Realtor · Coldwell Banker Realty · SP99196
Engineer turned real estate agent with a Master's from George Washington University. I help families find their place in the DMV with a blend of technical rigor and genuine local knowledge — including matching homes to the best school options.
Ready to Find Your Family's Home in the DMV?
Whether you know exactly which school district you want or you are just starting to explore options, I can help you find the right home in the right zone. Reach out anytime.