Choosing a school starts with understanding your options. This guide to 10 Arlington County public schools covers elementary, middle and high school programs, with highlights of what each offers and practical tips for families exploring the schools.
Key Takeaways
- The big picture: There are a lot of amazing public schools in Arlington County, but they all specify a different niche of either arts or STEM, you just need to figure out what your kid prefers most.
- The details: There is an endless list of extra-curriculars for the schools on this list ranging from robotics to lacrosse.
- The more you know: Be sure to check within the list and see what schools offer advanced learning for kids who always jump ahead of the curve, may schools not only encourage it but are built around that principle.
Information for this article was gathered directly from each program’s official website to confirm current information, age ranges and program structure. The rankings in the list are based on reviews, as well as student and parent testimonials found online.
Learn more: See where other DMV schools rank.
Top Arlington County high schools
Washington-Liberty High School
Address: 1301 N Stafford St., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- 9-12 public school
- IB, AP and Gifted Programs are offered
- College level work offered
- Historical Legacy
About the school: Washington-Liberty is a top-rated and diverse public school that allows multiple learning paths for students, providing IB or AP options tailored to different learning styles.
What students and parents are saying: “Washington-Liberty is a really good school with lots of diversity, variation of classes and clubs. It’s a really fun school to go to,” said a current sophomore from the school on Niche.
A tip for students: 91% of students agree that clubs and extracurricular activities make up a large part of the school’s social scene, so be ready to find an activity that you enjoy and be part of the community.
Yorktown High School
Address: 5200 Yorktown Blvd., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- 9-12 public school
- 35 advanced placement (AP) courses
- Advanced courses offered
- Over 20 interscholastic sports teams
About the school: Yorktown is a highly competitive school where academic achievement, arts and sports are a large part of the school’s culture. The school prides itself on preparing students for university through advanced preparation and college-level work.
What students and parents are saying: “I have attended Yorktown High School for all four years of my high school experience, and I have thoroughly enjoyed all parts of my experience. The academics are incredible with teachers who are passionate about what they teach and eager to answer any questions. The school spirit is wonderful to see through sporting events, pep rallies, and all types of organizations,” said a current senior from the school on Niche.
A tip for students: 92% of students and parents agree that the school is competitive with average alumni going to Virginia Tech and James Madison University so be prepared to take academics seriously at this school.
Wakefield High School
Address: 1325 S Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- 9-12 public school
- Gifted program offered
- AP Capstone Leadership
- Senior project tradition
About the school: Wakefield High School is a melting pot of diversity in terms of its students, clubs and activities, with a range of focus areas in the arts, athletics and school spirit.
What students and parents are saying: “Very good school in regards to diversity and connection! Academics are strong with multiple AP courses and electives, making college readiness prominent. Additionally, administration and facilities are OK.” said a senior from the school on Niche.
A tip for students: Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for help. Wakefield is known for its amazing teachers and tutoring programs that help students get back on track.
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Top Arlington County public middle schools
H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program
Address: 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- 6-12 public school
- Prioritizes students’ well being
- Emphasis on global learning programs
- Free-flowing program
About the school: The H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program is known for being a democratic, progressive public alternative school with a central philosophy of keeping up to date with world events and prioritizing students’ choices. Note that admission to H-B Woodlawn is by lottery.
What students and parents are saying: “Going to HB is the best thing that could have happened to me. There are other reviews here that are saying how the school is bad but it’s just because the program isn’t meant for them. The program is great for those who are responsible and can learn how to use the great amount of free time they have wisely. The school gives each student lots of attention so they can do their best to succeed in school but not in a pressurey way,” said a current student of the school on Greatschools.org.
A tip for students: Take advantage of the freedom you’re given. H-B Woodlawn gives students more independence in managing their schoolwork and choices, so staying organized and keeping track of deadlines can make a big difference.
Swanson Middle School
Address: 5800 N Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- 6-8 public school
- STEM proficiency
- Historical significance
- Purple Star Designation
About the school: Swanson Middle School is a competitive school that emphasizes academics and its well-established fine arts program through dedicated teachers. It has smaller class sizes where students can take advantage of a more one-on-one experience with their teachers.
What students and parents are saying: “My child has been attending Swanson for two years. In terms of academics, it is very competitive – as anywhere else this depends in large part on how motivated your child is to succeed. I have never once had to question how rigorous the educational quality is. Like many places, academics are heavily based on technology (iPad use)which I don’t love, but I think this is just the way things will be moving forward,” said a parent from the school on Niche.
A tip for students: This is one of the few schools on this list with an established fine arts program that prioritizes activities like sculpting, drama and builds up art portfolios.
Dorothy Hamm Middle School
Address: 4100 Vacation Lane, Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- High academic performance
- Team-based learning
- Historical Civil Rights legacy
- Advanced course options
About the school: Named after Dorothy Hamm, the school recognizes its namesake and builds on its historical civil rights legacy through tailored classes and numerous group and team-based projects to aid students’ learning.
What students and parents are saying: “I am a recent alumni and had an incredible experience at DHMS! The teachers and staff were very kind and helpful! All of my classes were really fun and actually enjoyable, which made me learn a lot! Also, even though I joined in 8th grade, the other students made me feel so welcomed, they were very nice and respectful! I made so many friends and unforgettable memories in this school and I wish I didn’t have to go to high school and leave DHMS!” said an alum from the school on Greatschools.org.
A tip for students: Pay attention to the morning announcements and Student Information Canvas course. DHMS regularly shares club and activity updates there, and new clubs can be added throughout the year. It’s an easy way to find opportunities you might otherwise miss.
Gunston Middle School
Address: 2700 S Lang St., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- 6-8 public school
- Specialized in media and arts
- 3 learning options available
- Award-winning electives
About the school: With a heavy focus on reading and language proficiency, Gunston Middle School promotes language learning and the integration of culture-based electives into students’ day-to-day learning.
What students and parents are saying: “The thing I like about Gunston is that the teachers are nice and helpful. They stay with students to help them understand a topic,” said an alum from the school on Niche.
A tip for students: 88% of students feel as though the teachers are there because they are passionate about their subject and love their jobs, so take advantage of that! Ask your teachers questions and really immerse yourself in the classroom.
Top Arlington County elementary schools
Innovation Elementary School
Address: 2300 Key Blvd., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- Pre K-5 public school
- Flexible School Plans
- Outdoor classes
- Project-based learning
About the school: Innovation is a top-rated elementary school within the district known for its caring teachers, wonderful outdoor classes and flexible school plans that tailor to the needs of students.
What students and parents are saying: “Excellent school, my kids are really happy here and look forward to school every morning!” said a parent on Greatschools.org.
A tip for students: The school offers a gifted and talented program that integrates into the regular classroom without separating students, so don’t be afraid to exceed your friends’ academic levels in the class. You will still be with them and get work that challenges you.
Taylor Elementary School
Address: 2600 N Stuart St., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- Pre K-5 public school
- Strong STEM emphasis
- More one-on-one class sizes
- Top Academic performance
About the school: Taylor is a highly academic and diverse school that pushes students to challenge themselves academically through gifted programs as well as socially through its plethora of clubs and extracurriculars.
What students and parents are saying: “Our son started the year here fully online and we were very happy about the school. Teachers were effective in involving kids in activities and helping them interact positively with each other,” said a parent of the school on Greatschools.org.
A tip for students:Take advantage of Taylor’s STEAM activities. Taylor has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math, including special STEAM Days where students solve problems, build things and work together.
Jamestown Elementary
Address: 3700 N Delaware St., Arlington, VA
District: Arlington County Public Schools
Noteworthy attributes:
- Pre K-5 public school
- Apple Distinguished School
- Governors Award for Excellence Achievement
- Spanish language program
About the school: A welcoming and warm environment that puts the well-being and needs of students before anything else. This elementary school is tailored to fit the comfort of its students and makes adjustments for students with physical and mental disabilities, contributing to scores that are 20% above average in literacy and math compared with Arlington schools’ average scores.
What students and parents are saying: “Optimal. We have been here from K-5 and consider ourselves extremely fortunate. We could not have asked for a better school for our child,” said a parent on Greatschools.org.
A tip for students: Use the learning stations to try things independently. Jamestown’s classrooms include learning stations where students have choices and can practice skills in different ways.
