Best public and charter schools in the DC area

Choosing the right school in the DC area doesn’t always mean going private. The region is home to some of the highest-ranked public and charter schools in the country, offering everything from rigorous academics to specialized programs in STEM, language immersion and the arts.

Key takeaways

The big picture: The DMV is home to top-ranked public and charter schools with strong academics and college prep.
The details: Charter schools often offer specialized programs like STEM, language immersion and Montessori-style learning. Public schools in Maryland and Northern Virginia consistently rank among the best in the country.
The more you know: Many of these schools are competitive, so it’s important to research admissions requirements early.

Whether you’re looking for a top-tier public high school or a charter school with a unique approach, these schools across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia stand out.

Best schools in Washington, DC

Top charter schools

BASIS DC Public Charter School

Address: 410 8th St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: Fast-paced academics may not be the best fit for every learner

BASIS DC is known for its extremely rigorous academic curriculum and high-performing students. The school emphasizes STEM education while also offering strong humanities programs, preparing students for top colleges.

Washington Latin Public Charter School

Address: 5200 2nd St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: Strong emphasis on humanities and character development

Washington Latin follows a classical education model that focuses on literature, history and critical thinking. Students develop strong writing and communication skills through a well-rounded, discussion-based curriculum.

DC International School

Address: 1400 Main Drive NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: Great option for families interested in international studies

DC International offers an International Baccalaureate program with language immersion options. The school focuses on global education and helps students develop a broader worldview.

KIPP DC College Preparatory

Address: 1405 Brentwood Parkway NE, Washington, DC
Good to know: Longer school days and structured routines

KIPP DC College Prep is designed to prepare students for college success through structured academics and support systems. The school emphasizes discipline, leadership and long-term achievement.

EL Haynes Public Charter School

Address: 4501 Kansas Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: Pre-K-12 model provides long-term continuity

EL Haynes offers a well-rounded education from early childhood through high school. The school combines strong academics with extracurricular opportunities and a supportive school culture.

Top public schools

School Without Walls High School

Address: 2130 G St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: Selective admissions process

School Without Walls is one of DC’s most competitive public schools, known for its academic excellence. Students benefit from a challenging curriculum and access to resources in the city.

Benjamin Banneker Academic High School

Address: 1600 9th St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: High expectations and rigorous coursework

Banneker is widely respected for its strong academic reputation and college preparation. Students take advanced courses and consistently perform well on national benchmarks.

McKinley Technology High School

Address: 151 T St. NE, Washington, DC
Good to know: Great for students interested in STEM careers

McKinley Tech focuses on STEM education, offering students hands-on learning in engineering and technology. The school also offers internships and dual enrollment opportunities.

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Address: 3500 R St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: Audition required for admission

This school blends strong academics with professional-level arts training in fields like music, theater and visual arts. Students graduate with both academic and artistic experience.

Jackson-Reed High School

Address: 3950 Chesapeake St. NW, Washington, DC
Good to know: One of the largest public high schools in DC

Jackson-Reed offers a large, comprehensive high school experience with a wide variety of academic and extracurricular programs. Students can explore everything from AP courses to athletics.

Best schools in Maryland

Top charter schools

Chesapeake Math and IT Academy

Address: 14800 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel
Good to know: Strong focus on STEM pathways

This charter school emphasizes STEM education, offering students hands-on learning experiences in math and technology. It consistently ranks well for academic performance.

Imagine Andrews Public Charter School

Address: 4701 San Antonio Blvd., Joint Base Andrews
Good to know: Emphasis on community and values

Imagine Andrews combines academics with character education to support the whole child. The school creates a supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.

Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School

Address: 64 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick
Good to know: Unique Montessori model within a public system

This school blends Montessori principles with public charter education, encouraging independence and hands-on learning. Students work at their own pace in a structured environment.

Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College

Address: 301 Largo Road, Largo
Good to know: College credit opportunities

This early college program allows students to earn college credits while focusing on healthcare careers. It’s ideal for students interested in entering the medical field.

Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School

Address: 7321 Parkway Drive, Hanover
Good to know: Strong STEM enrichment opportunities

Chesapeake Science Point is a high-performing charter school with a strong emphasis on science and research. Students are encouraged to participate in STEM competitions and advanced coursework.

Top public schools

Walt Whitman High School

Address: 7100 Whittier Blvd., Bethesda
Good to know: Excellent college preparation

Whitman consistently ranks among the top public high schools in Maryland. It offers a strong academic program along with a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Thomas S. Wootton High School

Address: 2100 Wootton Parkway, Rockville
Good to know: High test scores and rankings

Wootton is known for its academic rigor and high-performing student body. The school offers strong STEM programs and competitive extracurriculars.

Richard Montgomery High School

Address: 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville
Good to know: Competitive IB program

Richard Montgomery offers an International Baccalaureate program that challenges students academically. The school is known for its diverse and high-achieving student body.

Poolesville High School

Address: 17501 W Willard Road, Poolesville
Good to know: Highly ranked nationwide

Poolesville offers magnet programs in science, global ecology and humanities. It is nationally recognized for its academic excellence.

River Hill High School

Address: 12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville
Good to know: High graduation rates

River Hill combines strong academics with a well-rounded student experience. Students benefit from both academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Best schools in Northern Virginia

Top charter schools

Arlington Traditional School

Address: 1030 McKinley Road, Arlington
Good to know: Lottery-based admission

This school follows a traditional education model with structured academics and strong foundational learning. It consistently ranks highly among Virginia schools.

H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program

Address: 1601 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Good to know: Nontraditional structure

H-B Woodlawn offers a progressive, student-led learning environment that encourages independence. Students have more control over their schedules and learning style.

York River Academy

Address: 11201 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown
Good to know: Individualized learning plans

York River Academy provides an alternative learning environment for students who benefit from a more personalized approach. The school focuses on flexibility and support.

Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts

Address: 3411 Semmes Ave., Richmond
Good to know: Focus on interdisciplinary learning

This school integrates science and arts into its curriculum, encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Students participate in project-based learning experiences.

Richmond Community High School

Address: 201 E Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond
Good to know: Small class sizes

Richmond Community High is a small, high-performing school known for its rigorous academics. Students receive individualized attention in a close-knit environment.

Top public schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Address: 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria
Good to know: Highly selective admissions

TJ is one of the top-ranked public high schools in the country, with a strong focus on science and technology. Students engage in advanced research and STEM coursework.

Langley High School

Address: 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Good to know: High college placement rates

Langley offers strong academics along with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The school is known for preparing students for top colleges.