Best High Schools in Zip Code 22026

ZIP code 22026 is served by a single public high school, Potomac High in Dumfries, Virginia, which enrolls about 2,197 students in grades 9–12 as part of Prince William County Public Schools. Potomac High stands out as a school on a clear upward trajectory: its state ranking jumped from #223 (32nd percentile, 2 stars) in 2024–25 to #148 (55th percentile, 3 stars) in 2025–26, a rise of 75 places. The school also posts strong graduation and dropout numbers—94.6% of students graduate (vs. 92.3% statewide) and only 2.7% drop out (vs. 5.0% statewide). With 67.64% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, the school is serving a majority low-income population while still outperforming its district in multiple SOL subjects, including 12th-grade Biology (92.5% vs. district 71.7%), 10th-grade Reading (85.7% vs. 59.4%), and 11th-grade Biology (77.8% vs. 58.4%).

Year-over-year SOL data reveals dramatic academic gains from 2024–25 to 2025–26, including a 39.3-point jump in 11th-grade Biology, a 33.5-point jump in 10th-grade Reading, and a 30-point jump in 10th-grade Writing. These improvements are reflected in the school’s rising percentile rank and suggest that Potomac High is not merely following district trends but actively surpassing them. However, not every subject is strong: 9th-grade Biology (76.8% in 2025–26) trails both the district (84.4%) and state (86.1%), and 12th-grade English Reading (64.4%) is below the state average of 70.2%. The previous year’s 9th-grade World History I proficiency was only 38.1% versus a 72.0% district rate, and no 2025–26 data is available to confirm improvement.

The biggest red flag is chronic absenteeism: 22.1% of students are chronically absent, compared to 13.8% in the district and 14.8% statewide—roughly 60% higher than the state average. This is especially notable given the school’s strong graduation rate and test-score gains. Upperclassmen generally perform well in Biology, Writing, Earth Science, and Algebra I, but 12th-grade reading remains a relative weakness, signaling a need for targeted senior literacy support. Overall, Potomac High is a school in transformation, posting solid outcomes despite economic challenges. Continued success will likely depend on reducing chronic absenteeism and closing the remaining grade-level and subject-specific gaps.