Best High Schools in Washington, DC

The city of Washington, District of Columbia is home to 41 high schools, serving students in grades 9-12. These schools vary in type, size, and academic performance, offering a diverse educational landscape for families in the area. The data reveals a mix of high-performing public and public charter schools, as well as some institutions struggling to meet proficiency standards.

Among the standout schools, School Without Walls High School ranks #1 out of 33 D.C. high schools, with exceptional test scores and a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Other top-performing schools include Basis DC PCS, ranked #3, and Benjamin Banneker High School, ranked #2. These schools demonstrate that both public and public charter models can achieve high levels of academic success in the district.

However, the data also reveals significant disparities in performance across D.C. high schools. For example, the math proficiency rate ranges from as low as 3.5% at Anacostia High School to as high as 75.3% at School Without Walls High School. Factors such as spending per student and student-teacher ratios do not appear to be strong predictors of school performance, suggesting the need for further investigation into the drivers of these achievement gaps. Understanding and addressing the factors behind the uneven educational outcomes in Washington, D.C. high schools will be crucial in ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students in the district.