2024 Best Magnet Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

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#1 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
9-12,
603 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says This school is more than great for academics, it offers a wide variety of courses. Any student can find that they love at this school. There really is something for everyone, the only thing I would....
Read 603 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,967,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
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Senior: Poolesville is a wonderful learning environment and offers one for the best high school experiences in all of Maryland. The teachers are amazing, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about your success and well-being. The classes available are varied and challenging, with a wide array of AP's being offered. The students themselves are all kind, caring, and supportive, and you can always find help if you need it among your peers. Student involvement is high encouraged at Poolesville, with hundreds of student-run clubs and events to show for it. Overall, the school also offers some for the best college preparedness resources and information. There is always somebody you can ask questions and receive help from. Everything from the academics, students, teachers, resources, involvement, and environment is amazing!... Read 369 reviews
#2 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Poolesville High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD,
9-12,
369 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Poolesville is a wonderful learning environment and offers one for the best high school experiences in all of Maryland. The teachers are amazing, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about your....
Read 369 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 1,309,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
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Senior: School Without Walls is a great school, but has faults like any other. Academic and social freedom prepare you for college and life, teachers are generally nice and available, and the environment is collaborative and open. The major faults include a lack of athletic facilities(though no one comes here for athletics), limited course selection, and a subpar social scene. People will tell you Walls is competitive, breakneck, and rigorous. It is none of those things. The vast majority of kids in my class are going to highly competitive universities while undergoing relatively minimal work and stress compared to private schools or some charters (like BASIS DC). Highly recommend--definitely over any other DC public school due to Walls' healthily rigorous environment and over any DC private school if you don't want to become a prick but still get a great education and go to a great college.... Read 436 reviews
#3 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
The School Without Walls High School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, DC,
9-12,
436 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says School Without Walls is a great school, but has faults like any other. Academic and social freedom prepare you for college and life, teachers are generally nice and available, and the environment is...The major faults include a lack of athletic facilities(though no one comes here for athletics), limited course selection, and a subpar social scene.People will tell you Walls is competitive, breakneck, and rigorous. It is none of those things. The vast majority of kids in my class are going to highly competitive universities while undergoing....
Read 436 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 602,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
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SponsoredPrivate School
Randolph-Macon Academy
Private School·
FRONT ROYAL, VA·
6-12
·
Rating 4.15 out of 5 181
SponsoredSchool District
DC Prep Public Charter Schools
School District·
WASHINGTON, DC
SponsoredChristian School
Norfolk Christian Schools
Private School·
NORFOLK, VA·
PK, K-12
·
Rating 4.38 out of 5 89
Sophomore: Besides the hit or miss presence of period products in the bathroom, slight vape problem, and jail-reminiscent digital pass system, Lake Braddock is a great school. The sports teams, like baseball and track, consistently win. Football games are always packed. The food is pretty good for school food, and there's a club for most anything you'd want one for. Most teachers genuinely want you to succeed, and there's an incredible array of classes offered here. One change I'd like to see is more gender neutral bathrooms.... Read 624 reviews
#4 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
7-12,
624 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says Besides the hit or miss presence of period products in the bathroom, slight vape problem, and jail-reminiscent digital pass system, Lake Braddock is a great school. The sports teams, like baseball....
Read 624 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 4,377,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
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Sophomore: Overall, my time at the Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC has been challenging but rewarding. The best part is getting a head start on college by earning both high school and college credits. The administration and teachers are knowledgeable and really care about our success. However, the workload can be intense, often leading to a lot of stress. Balancing high school and college courses means you have to manage your time very well. Another downside is the limited extracurricular activities compared to a regular high school. Sometimes, it feels like we miss out on the full high school experience. Also commuting to campus can also be a hassle, especially for those who live far away and rely on school transportation.... Read 273 reviews
#5 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC
Blue checkmark.
Prince George's County Public Schools, MD,
9-12,
273 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.
Featured Review: Sophomore says Overall, my time at the Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC has been challenging but rewarding. The best part is getting a head start on college by earning both high school and college credits. The....
Read 273 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A+,
Students: 467,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
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Arlington Traditional Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Arlington Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-5,
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Great school for academics and wonderful engaged teachers who are beyond outstanding. Teachers give weekly reports on students (both academic and social) so parents are very aware and engaged. ....
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 669,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12 to 1,
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Innovation Elementary School
Arlington Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-5,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My kid loves to attend this school. Teachers are good and professional. Great diversity. Seems like school tris to make each student comfortable in their environment.
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 470,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
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Carson Middle School
7-8,
17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Teachers were okay. The engineering department was very good, as was the music department. Administration was not the best but got replaced after my time there..
Read 17 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,361,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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Kent Gardens Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says Some workers (although rare) can be very disrespectful and unprofessional when it comes to dealing with certain situations..
Read 2 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,023,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
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Alum: I am an alumna of Longfellow Middle School and graduated in 2022. The school is clean, has a safe and welcoming environment for its students, and has many sports and clubs for students to join and explore. I can confidently say that all teachers and staff in this school are very welcoming and understanding. I have met many considerate and hard-working teachers willing to do anything to the limits of their capabilities to support students' education. Moving on, I had no bad experiences in Longfellow Middle School. However, I do want to point out the grading and credit system. Personally, in my experience, I often get sick throughout the school year due to my weak immune system and medical conditions, resulting in many absences and tardiness throughout the school year. Multiple absences and tardiness led to a few low grades due to missed exams and assignments I couldn't do. Looking back on it, I wish I had more guidance and support from teachers and counselors to receive better grades.... Read 17 reviews
Longfellow Middle School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
7-8,
17 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I am an alumna of Longfellow Middle School and graduated in 2022. The school is clean, has a safe and welcoming environment for its students, and has many sports and clubs for students to join and....
Read 17 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,225,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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Alum: The best part about Eleanor Roosevelt is the community. It was easy for me to find my niche, and the friends I made there are still close to me to this day. I also loved the teachers. They did whatever they could to make sure the students graduated; whether it was extra credit, making an assignment worth double to boost your grade, and the best part was it was optional! If you were passing you didn't have to do any extra work. Of course, some teachers made it difficult, made us work for it. I appreciate this as I got older, because it taught me that not everything is going to be handed to you. I think what I'd like to see change is administration. At times it looked and felt like admin would talk to us like we're robots. I wish they understood that children, similar to them, have feelings.... Read 1,393 reviews
#6 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Blue checkmark.
Prince George's County Public Schools, MD,
9-12,
1393 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says The best part about Eleanor Roosevelt is the community. It was easy for me to find my niche, and the friends I made there are still close to me to this day. I also loved the teachers. They did....
Read 1393 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 2,526,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,
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Cooper Middle School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
7-8,
9 Niche users give it an average review of 2.8 stars.
Featured Review: Middle School Student says I liked the school in virual leadning enviorment my only problem was with a teacher but it was solved.
Read 9 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,054,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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Alum: Firstly, Robinson has such an amazing school spirit culture that made going to school more enjoyable because of all of the other events to look forward to outside of school hours. With this comes the amazing sports programs that were available and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of the Varsity Softball Team and was able to contribute to a regional championship my sophomore year. I had an amazing experience with this throughout my high school years and will forever look back on that time in a positive light. On the other hand, I believe that although Robinson provided the opportunity to be a part of the IB program, the program had some faults. There was little communication and deadlines that were almost impossible to reach especially with the lack of guidance that was being provided to students. Expectations were unclear which made succeeding in the program a lot more difficult than it should be.... Read 598 reviews
#7 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Robinson Secondary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
7-12,
598 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says Firstly, Robinson has such an amazing school spirit culture that made going to school more enjoyable because of all of the other events to look forward to outside of school hours. With this comes the...On the other hand, I believe that although Robinson provided the opportunity to be a part of the IB program, the program had some faults. There was little communication and deadlines that were almost....
Read 598 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 3,607,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
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Irving Middle School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
7-8,
4 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I went to Irving Middle school in 2017.I had some excellent and accommodating teachers there. Everyone was good about following my 504 plan..
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 1,163,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
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Junior: I am currently in high school and I could not recommend GFES enough. Hands down the best learning experience and teachers I have had thus far. The teachers are incredibly kind. The project based learning is fun and effective. I loved the environment, everyone was so kind. The programs were amazing. My little sister will be attending soon and I am so excited for her to be able to experience GFES :)... Read 3 reviews
Great Falls Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Junior says I am currently in high school and I could not recommend GFES enough. Hands down the best learning experience and teachers I have had thus far. The teachers are incredibly kind. The project based....
Read 3 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 547,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
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Senior: Throughout the past 3 years of being apart of the Banneker community, I have dealt with immense stress mainly because of the work load of all 6 classes; However, Banneker has done an amazing job at providing advanced classes as options to students. Banneker has done an amazing job at reaching their goal of preparing students for college. However, I do recommend some SEL time for students because we go through a lot and having to go to school in addition to having an outside life with problems can really be too much for students.... Read 358 reviews
#8 Best Magnet High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area.
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
District Of Columbia Public Schools, DC,
9-12,
358 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.
Featured Review: Senior says Throughout the past 3 years of being apart of the Banneker community, I have dealt with immense stress mainly because of the work load of all 6 classes; However, Banneker has done an amazing job at....
Read 358 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 579,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
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Fox Mill Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says My child has been here since 1st grade and studies Japanese Immersion at this school. Now in the 6th grade, we will miss the school greatly. We have the BEST PRINCIPAL, Mr. Moose and the staff here....
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 630,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
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Parent: Friends and neighbors always ask me "what makes Porter so different or better?" My answer is always the same....expectations and success start at the top; and conversely, apathy and indifference start at the top, as well. And we all know that anything at the top....trickles down. The administration at Porter has ALWAYS had the expectation and belief that ALL PORTER STUDENTS CAN SUCCEED. And they have ALWAYS gone the extra mile to support, encourage, and provide opportunities and the environment for Porter students to succeed.... Read 1 review
Mary G. Porter Traditional School
Blue checkmark.
Prince William County Public Schools, VA,
1-8,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says Friends and neighbors always ask me "what makes Porter so different or better?" My answer is always the same....expectations and success start at the top; and conversely, apathy and indifference....
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 672,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.
Featured Review: Niche User says Hunters Woods is a unique school with an extra focus on Science and the fine arts. The faculty is excellent, hard-working and dedicated to do the best they can for children..
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A,
Students: 731,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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Buckland Mills Elementary School
Blue checkmark.
Prince William County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-5,
1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Read 1 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 777,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 19 to 1,
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Powell Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 929,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
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Middle school student: As a student currently enrolled in AAP here at Twain MS, I can ensure you that this is a decent school to go to. With activities such as the Student versus Staff football game and Kingstowne Cup happening in Spring, this is a very athletic school. It also has Tiger Fest for new students and Tiger Night as an opportunity to interact with the school community. The food is alright, just like you would get from most schools in this county and there is free or reduced lunch program. Here at Twain, you can expect academic opportunity for success as this school offers General Ed, Honors, or AAP programs for students. It also has a variety of electives, such as Engineering (If you want to design and build structures) FACS (if you are interested in sewing and cooking) and etc. If you are looking into this school, I strongly suggest you should consider this school due to its variety of electives and academic programs offered here at Twain. Go Twain Tigers!... Read 4 reviews
Twain Middle School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
7-8,
4 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.
Featured Review: Middle school student says As a student currently enrolled in AAP here at Twain MS, I can ensure you that this is a decent school to go to. With activities such as the Student versus Staff football game and Kingstowne Cup....
Read 4 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 988,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
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Review your school
Laurel Ridge Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 787,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
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Orange Hunt Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA,
PK, K-6,
3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.
Featured Review: Alum says I went to Orange Hunt from K-2nd grade. While there was a lack of diversity within the students, the staff was very friendly and inclusive towards the students. Many student-invovled activies were....
Read 3 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 872,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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Parent: I'm a parent and an officer with PAC (Principal Advisory Council). I have 6th and 4th graders and we've been at Pennington since 1st grade for both. We've had a wonderful experience with administration, teachers, staff, and families. It truly feels like a tight knit community. It takes a village and I feel Pennington parents gave me that. My kids have loved their teachers and often comment that they've made learning fun and interesting. I wish we had computer lab for MS to get more exposure to technology. Having said that, Mr. Case and team have done an amazing job building digital awareness and citizenship with Elementary students. My kids also learned how to troubleshoot some of their technical issues and have lend a hand in class to their classmates. My top two reasons for coming and staying with Pennington are their creed and that administration (and other staff) know each student by name which shows level of unparalleled care and involvement.... Read 6 reviews
Pennington School
Blue checkmark.
Prince William County Public Schools, VA,
1-8,
6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.
Featured Review: Parent says I'm a parent and an officer with PAC (Principal Advisory Council). I have 6th and 4th graders and we've been at Pennington since 1st grade for both. We've had a wonderful experience with....
Read 6 reviews.
Overall Niche Grade: A minus,
Students: 654,
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
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SponsoredQuaker School
Sandy Spring Friends School
Private School·
SANDY SPRING, MD·
PK, K-12
·
Rating 4.21 out of 5 82
SponsoredEpiscopal School
Good Shepherd Episcopal School
Private School·
RICHMOND, VA·
PK, K-8
·
Rating 3.73 out of 5 15
SponsoredEpiscopal School
Stuart Hall School
Private School·
STAUNTON, VA·
6-12
·
Rating 3.9 out of 5 72

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2024 Best Magnet Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology

Poolesville High School

Poolesville High School

The School Without Walls High School

The School Without Walls High School

Lake Braddock Secondary School

Lake Braddock Secondary School

Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC

Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC

Arlington Traditional Elementary School

Arlington Traditional Elementary School

Innovation Elementary School

Innovation Elementary School

Carson Middle School

Carson Middle School

Kent Gardens Elementary School

Kent Gardens Elementary School

Longfellow Middle School

Longfellow Middle School

Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Cooper Middle School

Cooper Middle School

Robinson Secondary School

Robinson Secondary School

Irving Middle School

Irving Middle School

Great Falls Elementary School

Great Falls Elementary School

Benjamin Banneker Academic High School

Benjamin Banneker Academic High School

Fox Mill Elementary School

Fox Mill Elementary School

Mary G. Porter Traditional School

Mary G. Porter Traditional School

Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences

Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences

Buckland Mills Elementary School

Buckland Mills Elementary School

Powell Elementary School

Powell Elementary School

Twain Middle School

Twain Middle School

Laurel Ridge Elementary School

Laurel Ridge Elementary School

Orange Hunt Elementary School

Orange Hunt Elementary School

Pennington School

Pennington School