2023 Best Magnet Schools in the Washington, D.C. Area

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  569 reviews

Sophomore: Overall TJ is an excellent school for those who are willing to be apart of a very academically rigorous environment. Education wise, it has some of the most talented teachers who’ve done years of professional training in whatever backgrounds they’ve pursued. The students here are one of the top kids in the state and have done lists and lists of impressive things. You can imagine how much of an overwhelming environment it is…Going into it makes you feel less capable than your peers who’ve launched space rovers or worked on political campaigns. As a student there, my GPA may not be good and my grades may look unexpected, but what I do know is that every student in this school, including myself, are the most hardworking and driven people I’ve ever seen. Sure high school will be undeniably difficult, but the students here will be more than prepared for whatever comes next.... Read 569 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,809

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Montgomery County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  335 reviews

Alum: Poolesville high school is a great high school with many different opportunities for it's students. It has a magnet program, thats focused on different rigorous subjects in the school. It was ranked continuously the best public high school on the east coast for a couple of years in a row. They have great clubs that allow students to express their interests in many different fields and subjects. They had extra curricular activities that were diverse. They had a great sports program that would encourage students to exercise and to join sporting teams. I personally had a great time in poolesville. I was a soccer player as well as a student. I was part of the chemistry club, and was also part of the Independent studies program at school in which I received an award for in my senior year of high school because of a presentation. Poolesville could make some improvements tho. Most of the facilities in the school was old and outdated. I feel like that was a negative part of my high school.... Read 335 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,236

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• District of Columbia Public Schools, DC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  416 reviews

Senior: School Without Walls HS provides students with a rigorous education that will prepare them for college and beyond. While it is known as a humanities magnet school, the humanities are not emphasized more than science or math. Multiple AP courses are available to students and there is a good mix of electives. I have liked the support I received from my counselor when choosing courses or navigating high school in general, the support from teachers for challenging concepts, and support from administration on other matters. I also particularly enjoy the school culture in which most students are motivated to learn and friendly with one another, and the variety of clubs that build community and allow for leadership. The school pushes everyone to be independent in managing their time and taking responsibility for their actions which comes with privileges such as off-campus lunch. Wholly, I have had a positive experience in high school and would recommend the school to those ready to learn!... Read 416 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  581 reviews

Niche User: Lake Braddock holds a high reputation for itself. There is a diverse selection of classes, including academy classes that allow students more variety in their education. Their staff lacks the ability to effectively help students prepare for graduation; accepting late-work, receiving 50%s on absent assignments, and dismissing the lack of effort put into each class. Teachers struggle with the strict curriculum code because of how lenient the school was with grades. Students participated in fist fights frequently, and bullying was rampant among the middle and high schoolers. Overall, I think this school could improve with it's social culture, as well as returning to normal with grading expectations.... Read 581 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 4,360

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  557 reviews

Junior: I came to Robinson 3/4ths of the way through my seventh grade year. However, since many elementary schools feed directly into Robinson, most of my classmates had known each other for 5+ years already. For most of that year and the next, I felt left out. But thanks to the wonderful, welcoming positivity of many students, and some of my own efforts, I eventually fit in. Today, as a rising senior, I look back and am very thankful for the opportunities Robinson has opened up to me. It’s a huge school—coming up on 4,000 students—with many resources for extracurriculars and community service, advanced study, etc. It’s definitely not perfect, but I’ve come to enjoy it. Go Rams! Pros: - Opportunities for advanced coursework, especially through IB Diploma - Student services, including for disabled and ESOL students - Lots of extracurricular activities & athletics Cons: - Some teachers, admins, students can get out of line, bad attitudes, etc. - Bathrooms. Do not use.... Read 557 reviews

• grade A

• Students 3,780

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Arlington Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Arlington Traditional School (ATS) was the start of many lifelong friendships for my children even though they came from all over the County. It fully prepared them for more rigorous academics in middle school, high school and eventually college. The teachers and the administration were terrific. My son even went back to visit his kindergarten teacher after his high school graduation to thank her for giving him such a great start. They were involved in sports, scouts and the extended day program after school. Fourth and fifth graders participate in music programs with their choice of instruments and a chorus. Every class does a play and it is performed in front of the school at the Friday assembly. Parent involvement is strong and there is a very internationally diverse enrollment. NOTE: My two children were at Arlington Traditional School in its former facility before it moved for the 21-22 school year, so I can't comment on the current facility.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 615

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Arlington Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Moved to the area after many years abroad, and this is my child’s first experience at an American elementary school. The teachers and staff have been incredibly welcoming, the students are diverse and the curriculum is interesting and challenging. We definitely definitely made the right choice with this school!... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• Students 643

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  16 reviews

Alum: I went to middle school at LMS, and it was a good school. There were pros and cons, as are everywhere, but, academically, the school performs well. There are some odd quirks that were implemented when I went there, such as not being allowed to have your phone out in the hallways and a very strict dress code (no leggings allowed, for some reason). Hopefully this has changed in the past years.... Read 16 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,338

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Prince George's County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,354 reviews

Senior: Enjoy my school year there. Great teachers, faculty helpful through my years attending. They gave a safe environment. They were supportive, you could go to them for guidance. The club were fun, engaging and helpful to my growth and development. Great way to meet and make friends. I enjoyed attending the game. Programs provided were educational, giving everyone an opportunity to participate, help raise money for various functions. The school offered exposure to what is possible for us. Parental support, is great! Majority of the students parents are involved in various fundraising, the encouraging words of staying involved being the importance to our success. The diversity in the school is refreshing! Our school acknowledges the variety culture not leaving any one feeling left out. Having diversity is well rounded in this school. It created open minds, understand our differences, but at the same time co existing with respect and friendships. I leave here as a proud senior!... Read 1,354 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,546

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Prince George's County Public Schools, MD•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  243 reviews

Junior: At the Academy of Health Sciences, you are surrounded by a team of supportive individuals from peers to teachers. Throughout their 4-year enrollment, students are met with a rigorous course load that will prepare them for their college experience. The teachers and staff make sure that no student falls behind by assisting with their assignments and time management. There are many accommodations at the Academy that will ensure your academic success such as the library, Student Support Center, and the Math Tutoring Center. The best part of the experience is that upon graduation, you will receive your high school diploma and an Associate's degree.... Read 243 reviews

• grade A

• Students 534

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  15 reviews

Alum: Carson was a great experience, the math teachers are all great, it's a safe environment, and prepares the students for high school better than any other middle school in the area. The students are academically very advanced, with most students taking math classes that are two years above their actual grade level, and a few students taking classes up to four years above grade level, all successfully.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,472

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed my time at Cooper. Looking back as a current senior in high school, I learned valuable academic habits that supported me through high school. The school was cliquey, but you will find friends if you are involved in a specific area (i.e. choir, sports, art, etc).... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 946

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: I have a 5th grader and Kindergartener at Kent Gardens and we have been very pleased with the school. The teachers have been good and the extracurricular activities offered have also been abundant. My 5th grader is in the AAP program. It has kept her engaged but not overburdened. The environment has been positive.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 1,016

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: 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 are just the best!!!... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 544

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Overall the school was pretty good, most teachers genuinely want their students to succeed, however some were pretty disagreeable, although, those were few and far between. For prospective student or rising 7th graders, I suggest that you take as many high school credit courses, e.g. a language, algebra 1 or geometry, etc. Students who take geometry will go on to take Calculus their Junior year of high school should they choose.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,195

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  3 reviews

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

• grade A

• Students 470

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Prince William County Public Schools, VA•

• 1-8

• grade A

• Students 681

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Prince William County Public Schools, VA•

• 1-8

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: I sent my student to Pennington after hearing other parents talk about the small, tight community. It's such a unique school, my daughter loves it there and has been soaring academically! with only 3 classrooms per grade, uniforms, a focus on instilling pride in their students, requiring parent involvement, and interactive teaching it's a gem that most parents don't know about.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 657

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• District of Columbia Public Schools, DC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  323 reviews

Niche User: I’m looking for a high school for my son to enroll so I called & spoke with Ms.Anthony who is very helpful, guiding, professional, respectful & courteous. She gave me all the information I needed including the correct phone #I needed to call, I’m very grateful for her help, that’s very nice of her! Happy Holidays ! Thank you very much!... Read 323 reviews

• grade A

• Students 549

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Prince William County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 705

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 929

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 752

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Freshman: Stone was an amazing place that I loved as I was growing up. Almost all my teachers were friendly and were skilled at what they were doing. It also seemed as if they cared about us, students. The classes are also fun and go Panthers! I get that things aren't perfect as no school can be perfect, but the school was an extraordinary adventure for me from beginning to end. I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading my review.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 748

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• PK, K-6

• grade A minus

• Students 561

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairfax County Public Schools, VA•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  514 reviews

Freshman: Because I'd attended this school during the school year in which the COVID-19 pandemic arose, I'd had a limited experience with this school. From what I remember, however, it was a wonderful learning environment! The school is specially geared towards military students like me; in general, it host an impressionably large student population yet functions as a huge, diverse family. It felt much more controlled in comparison to other schools in the area, such as West Potomac High School—I have friends who go there, and I have nothing against West Po, but Hayfield simply felt safer and more network-y for me. There's an abundance of extracurriculars. One thing I do envy West Po for is its very serious Arts department, which Hayfield lacked during my time there. Hayfield's marching band is superb, but to have an entire separate building for the school's arts department or another field of study would have been cool!... Read 514 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 3,114

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1