District of Columbia Public Schools

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system encompasses 116 schools, including 81 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 20 high schools, and 1 alternative school, serving students across the nation's capital. The data reveals a wide range of academic performance and outcomes across the DCPS schools, with some standout institutions leading the way and others struggling to meet proficiency standards.

Among the top-performing DCPS schools are School Without Walls High School and Benjamin Banneker High School, both of which boast 100% four-year graduation rates and exceptional academic results, particularly in math and English language arts. Deal Middle School and Lafayette Elementary School also stand out, with 5-star ratings and consistently strong performance across multiple subjects. In contrast, some schools, such as Ballou High School and Cardozo Education Campus, struggle with low proficiency rates and graduation rates as low as 54.1%.

The data also reveals significant disparities in student-teacher ratios, per-student spending, and demographic composition across the District of Columbia Public Schools system. While increased funding and resources may not be a panacea, the top-performing schools demonstrate that strong leadership, culture, and a focus on academic excellence can lead to exceptional outcomes, even in a district facing significant challenges.