High Schools in Paul PCS

Paul PCS, located in Washington, DC, serves a single high school, Paul PCS - International High School, spanning grades 9–12 with 439 students. This one-school district, Paul PCS, ranks 22nd out of 46 DC districts with a 3-star rating, but its single school has a favorable 9.1-to-1 student–teacher ratio and per-student spending of $32,812, indicating substantial investment in a relatively small learning environment.

The sole standout school, Paul PCS - International High School, posts an impressive 93.7% graduation rate—15 points above the DC state average (78.7%) and slightly above its district (92.1%). However, academic proficiency tells a different story. Math proficiency is critically low at 2.8%, down from 7.0% the prior year, and remains more than 25 points below the state average (28.2%). Algebra I proficiency is just 2.1% and Geometry 3.8%. English Language Arts proficiency also declined, from 33.8% to 28.7%, falling further below the state average (39.6%). English II (38.4%) slightly outperforms the state (38.0%), while English I (21.1%) lags far behind. Science proficiency is also weak at 4.35% versus the state’s 10.24%.

The school’s state ranking has slipped steadily, from the 71st percentile (4-star) in 2023–2024 to the 57th percentile (3-star) in 2024–2025, and now to the 44th percentile (3-star) for 2025–2026. This declining trend, combined with high spending and very low math and science scores, raises questions about resource allocation. Yet the strong graduation rate suggests effective retention and support systems. The most striking finding is the disconnect: students are graduating at high rates, but only about 1 in 35 is proficient in math. With small class sizes and ample funding, Paul PCS - International High School has the structural assets to improve, but current academic outcomes remain a serious concern for parents.