2024 Best Middle Schools in District of Columbia

A Parent's Guide to District of Columbia Middle Schools

Finding the right school for your child should be top priority for any parent. The District of Columbia has plenty of options, with 131 middle schools ready to provide your youngster with the best education possible. Surprisingly, the middle schools in this district actually match the national average pretty closely and have a total enrollment that is only slightly below the typical state. On average, these schools are graded a B-, which is in line with most states, and their average student to teacher ratio is 10:1, which is lower than the national average. While there aren't as many middle schools in the District of Columbia compared to other states, there are still numerous high-quality options available. Most notably, 59% of all schools here are public, offering families an array of choices when it comes to selecting the perfect fit for their child. The public middle schools in the district have an average grade of B-, which is equivalent to the overall grade of middle schools nationwide. Furthermore, their average size is around 394 students, just 4% lower than the typical American school.

An In-Depth Look at Traditional Public Schools in the District

When looking for a middle school in DC, it's important to consider traditional public schools. These types of institutions make up about 32% of all public schools in the area and tend to be larger than most private options, with an average size of 452 students—10% larger than the national average for elementary schools. Despite their size, over 36% of these schools are above the national grade average, making them a viable option for parents who are seeking quality education for their children. Additionally, these traditional public schools have a student-teacher ratio that is 33% lower than most American middle schools, providing students with more individualized attention and resources they need to excel in their studies.

Analyzing Washington DC's Charter School Landscape

The District of Columbia also offers several charter school opportunities—50 in total—which serve as excellent alternatives to traditional public schools. As one would expect from a specialized institution, charter schools tend to be smaller than most other institutions, with an enrollment size of only 345 students—16% lower than the normal American school. Despite this difference in size, these charters offer a competitive B grade on average, surpassing the overall grade for DC's middle schools. Moreover, 56% of charter schools are rated higher than the national grade average, giving parents plenty of options when selecting the best environment for their child's education.

Exploring All-Boys Middle Schools in DC

Parents who seek a specialized education may want to consider all-boys middle school options in Washington DC as there are five total institutions available statewide. Interestingly enough, these five make up about 4% of DC's entire selection and score an impressive A+ grade on average. St Albans School is widely considered to be one of the best all-boys options in DC and offers families a rigorous curriculum within its walls. Moreover, St Albans has an exceptional faculty-student ratio at 9:1 (36% better than America's typical school) while boasting over 500 students in attendance.

Top All-Girls School Options in Washington DC

While all-girls education may not suit every family's needs, those looking for a specialized option will be pleased with what the District has to offer. With three total options available statewide that score an impressive B+, parents have plenty of choices when it comes to finding that perfect fit for their little one's future success. National Cathedral School is widely regarded as one of the top all-girls options in Washington DC and offers children an extensive curriculum within its walls. The school has over 500 students enrolled yet maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio at 8:1 (43% better than America's typical school).

What is the Best Traditional Public Middle School in District of Columbia?

The top traditional public middle school in District of Columbia is Alice Deal Middle School in the nation’s capital of Washington. Deal Middle School has an impressive A grade and is home to about 1463 students. The student to teacher ratio of 12:1 is impressive, being 14% below the national average. This can mean that families can expect smaller class sizes and more individualized attention for each student.

Key insights into District of Columbia's private school landscape

Private schools offer an alternative to public schooling in the District of Columbia, which boasts 45 institutions. The average grade for a private school in the area is an impressive A+. On average, these schools have 220 students with a 46% lower per capita rate than the national average. This figure may be key in promoting a more intimate educational experience for those seeking such an opportunity.

District of Columbia has a surprisingly high per capita rate of private non-religious schools compared to other states, with 23 schools totaling 18% of all private schools in the area. Academically, these schools exceed expectations with an A+ average grade statewide. What’s more, 43% of these schools perform above the national average and have an average school size of 190 students, surpassing the national average by 54%.

Top Private Nonsectarian Middle School in District of Columbia

When searching for the highest-rated private nonsectarian middle school in District of Columbia, Maret School takes home the gold medal. Located in Washington, this school has earned an exceptional A+ grade, making it a great choice for parents who seek a rigorous yet balanced academic experience for their children. With 650 students enrolled and a 6:1 student to teacher ratio, Maret students are assured adequate attention from highly qualified faculty and staff. This also means that each student receives 57% more one-on-one attention than the national average.