Top Schools with an IB Program in the Washington, D.C. Area

Best Schools

38 results

Richard Montgomery High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
552 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Parent: My daughter graduated from Richard Montgomery and she got an excellent education! RM is our zoned school but she tested into and was accepted into the IB programme. The teachers were exceptional and compassionate. The administrators were receptive to parental input. We have an amazingly involved PTSA that advocates for staff and students. My daughter applied to eight universities and was accepted to seven. My daughter is now in her freshman year and has transitioned well as she has a strong foundation. The school is diverse and there are extracurricular activities for almost any interest. The students are encouraged to provide input for change. Overall, it’s a great environment and my daughter really thrived
Read 552 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,483 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Oakton High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
466 reviews
#11 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Sophomore: I have had a memorable experience at Oakton High School. Although my freshman year was cut short due to COVID-19, it was still a year to remember. I cannot wait to go back and build more meaningful relationships with the amazing teachers and students! I would not want to spend the next three years anywhere else. It has been going by so fast and I have not had the time to step back and enjoy it. I already know saying goodbye will be the hardest thing to do. I cannot stop thinking about how much closer that day gets with every minute that passes. But I will try to make the best out of my remaining years at this amazing school. Roll Cougz!
Read 466 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,749 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Private School
Olney, MD
9-12
190 reviews
#28 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: Good Counsel is a great academic institution that provides a diverse culture for learning, growth, and engagement. The teachers and administrators are enthusiastic, compassionate, and passionate about what they do. The administration ensures that class sizes are kept small for great student to teacher ratios. They have great clubs for students to become involved in; like the Entrepreneurship Club, the Key Club, Robotics, just to name a few. The cafeteria food was delicious and varied. They offer competitive (championship teams) and non competitive sports activities; football, swimming, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, rugby, and water polo to name a few. GC has a great IB program and a strong college prep and AP program too. I was very prepared for college and did very well making the Dean's List during my freshman year at a top ten university.
Thank you GC!
Read 190 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
1,200 Students
8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
426 reviews
#17 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Senior: From what I've seen it is very inclusive overall. Most of the teachers are good, especially for upperclassmen. The school has very nice architecture. Windows in every classroom. The security guards are nice. There are also pianos all over school for no significant reason, and you can often hear someone playing one. What they lack: non academic classes and a variety of languages. They do not have any non academic classes, such as a car class or wood working class. Nothing hands on. They also don't have Italian; They have Spanish, French, Arabic, and (maybe) Chinese. overall good experience!
Read 426 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,124 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Washington Liberty High School
Arlington Public Schools, VA
9-12
532 reviews
#21 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: Washington-Liberty is a uniquely urban environment that encourages diversity and academic excellence. Its offering of the International Baccalaureate Programme and AP Program demonstrates just one avenue through which the institution achieves high testing scores and national recognition. Within the school, star counseling services tailor to the needs of each student, helping them to explore their academic potential and find valuable career and education resources. As an enrolled student at W-L, I can attest to the excellent standards held to and by the staff and administration. Advocacy extends to the students from many avenues, be it teacher, mentors, counseling services, or administration. The strong support given by both peers and adults creates a competitive yet manageable atmosphere, in which almost any student could thrive.
Read 532 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,482 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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George Mason High School
Falls Church City Public Schools, VA
9-12
154 reviews
#24 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Freshman: I love this school! There is such a strong community where staff and students make sure everyone feels safe. George Mason receives many new students every year, so there is always someone who is less familiar with the students, yet over their time at school they feel more at home and make memories that will last forever. I was one of these students. Many of my friends were too. So when the school year flew by, it was devastating to have to move schools again and leave George Mason behind. But I knew I was never going to forget my time there. It was the best high school experience a school could offer!
Read 154 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
825 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Marshall High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
347 reviews
#26 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Senior: Marshall is one of the best high schools in Fairfax County, VA. In many ways, from the school programs to administration, it is an excellent school. They offer a variety of IB classes as an IB school. There are millions of clubs in the school and teachers are all excellent. There is also a college and career center which prepares the school's juniors and seniors about the college applications process and many more! There are a variety of sports, and each year students participate and win many competitions in different sport activities.
Read 347 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
2,254 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Robinson Secondary School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
7-12
509 reviews
#31 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Freshman: I am currently attending Robinson Secondary School, and overall I love the enthusiasm, and school spirit represented, by both the teachers and students. All interactions I have had with the staff and administrators have been open, and extremely genuine. I have had lovely experiences with the majority of my teachers, and feel as if they want me to succeed! The teachers are very informed about their subjects, and have fun ways of giving the students hands-on experiments and simulations, to better understand the topics discussed in class. The few things I would change are the size, and the counseling staff. Robinson is a very large school, due to the size and large population, the hallways can feel incredulously cramped and claustrophobic at times. Robinson also has many counselors, assigned to students by last name, I feel that they neglect to adhere to students' mental needs. In my experience, they will push aside an emotional problem to discuss grades, which is discouraging.
Read 509 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
3,818 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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South Lakes High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
500 reviews
#40 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: South Lakes HS is an extremely diverse school full of caring and friendly staff and students. There are only IB classes offered as the school is an International Baccalaureate school, no AP classes, however, there are Dual Enrollment classes that are affiliated with NOVA to receive college credit. The school has an excellent and successful sports program, especially the football, track & field and soccer teams who have achieved State and National levels. The school is right next to a middle and elementary school, making it convenient to attend, and it is surrounded by affordable and nice housing. I highly recommend it!
Read 500 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
2,512 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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British International School of Washington
Private School
Washington, DC
PK, K-12
10 reviews
#50 Best Private High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Parent: Our daughter goes to the Pre-Nursery program for 2 year olds (the description on this Niche site says that Preschool program starts at age 4 - not correct) and she is thriving. She is able to recognize letters and count, and loves her music class. There's library session once a week, and very well thought out learning modules. The teachers are excellent and have wonderful communication with the parents. My husband and I were both former teachers at private institutions and we love the school!
Read 10 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
510 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
Falls Church City Public Schools, VA
6-8
A
Overall Niche Grade
599 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Falls Church City Public Schools, VA
2-5
A
Overall Niche Grade
781 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Rockville High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
407 reviews
#59 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Parent: High school is never easy, but Billie Jean Bensen is phenomenal and the attitude of the administration trickles down to the staff and the students and makes for a great atmosphere at Rockville HS.

Teachers at Rockville are the absolute best; I feel so fortunate that my kids have had so many wonderful teachers. (This is the kids' opinion, too.) The English department is flawless, and I can only think of 3 teachers (in 7 years) who haven't been great. Extracurriculars are very well run (drama, yearbook, literary mag) but the music/band department lost some great teachers since we started.

Rockville is the smallest high school in the district, so it has fewer course choices than most, and sometimes they combine classes which can be frustrating. And the career counselor needed to retire easily 10 years ago. The IB/AP program is good. They do great work with/for teens, and it's a tough age. I've volunteered often and like what I see. RHS is a haven with teachers who really care. A+!
Read 407 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,450 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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District of Columbia International School
Public School
Washington, DC
6-12
22 reviews
#62 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Freshman: As the only school in DC to offer all branches of the International Baccalaureate system, graduates from DCI will be better prepared for college and have the advantage of an IB diploma going into post-secondary education and the workforce. Not only is the faculty accepting and helpful to students and parents as they build bonds with families and are genuinely invested in their work, but countless friendships are made across grade levels which is the best place for advice and help. There are some organizational issues as the school is just five years old, but the majority of them do not affect the student body and will likely be resolved through trial-and-error. If you are considering applying as 6-8th grader I recommend it 100% but as a 9th or 10th grader I do hope you have some experience in whatever language track you are applying to because starting from scratch can be a difficult and overwhelming experience because of the rigor of the IB program. Nevertheless, we welcome you!
Read 22 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,061 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
District of Columbia Public Schools, DC
9-12
294 reviews
#63 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: Banneker is academically rigorous, consequently earning it the #1 spot in D.C's best high schools. If you're looking to take AP classes, they're available, however, you won't be allowed to take any until your sophomore year. Additionally, there are no phones allowed in the school, at all. I didn't find this out until I began attending but in some ways, it has helped us all focus on our academics a lot better. The school definitely prepares you for college-no doubt about that!
Read 294 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
482 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Albert Einstein High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
343 reviews
#65 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: Currently, I am a student at Albert Einstein High School. It's a really great school, especially for the arts since we have both visual and performing arts programs here! I also really love the IB program; the teachers are great and I actually feel challenged in school. Some of the teachers could be better, especially in the math department, but overall I love going to school here and there's great school spirit during homecoming week and at pep rallies!
Read 343 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,746 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Edison High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
323 reviews
#71 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: When I was at Edison, I thought it was the smallest and most run-down school in the county (except for Lee). And within Fairfax County that may have been true, but once I go to college I realized my graduating class was bigger than many of my classmates entire schools and that the quality of education at ANY Fairfax County school was far superior than most else in the state and the country. The whole IB thing, not a huge fan after the fact since all my classmates came into college with so much AP credit and I got ZERO. The max HL classes a student can do is four but you can take as many AP tests as you want, plus AP tests are easier! Sure, you may not learn as much or be as good of a writer if you do AP rather than IB, but that college credit could enable you to graduate earlier and save a lot of money. For students that don't do IB there's little hope of getting into a top rated school (like UVA) and maybe one student every few years goes Ivy League from Edison.
Read 323 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
2,119 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Annandale High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
441 reviews
#73 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Freshman: This was my first year at Annandale high school, I was really nervous but my sister had told me good things about the school. Overall my freshman year was okay, the teachers were amazing! But the administration wasn’t the best, and the students were okay as well. I enjoyed being on the tennis team, and hope to join more clubs my sophomore year.
Read 441 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
2,240 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Springbrook High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
461 reviews
#75 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Junior: Springbrook for me so far is a great school it has helped me in many ways, more than I can count. The teachers are great, I have amazing grades so I can't really complain. Springbrook does a really good job of preparing kids for the SAT's. For example, mine is coming up March 25th and I feel ready, not only because I was informed about at school but by visiting the college board. To conclude, if you are an 8th grader reading this I highly implore you to come to Springbrook you won't regret you're decision especially because it's an Ib league school!
Read 461 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,735 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Seneca Valley High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
352 reviews
#81 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Senior: Seneca Valley Highschool, also known as SVHS, was an overall memorable experience with the assistance of the Seneca Valley community, staff, and classmates. SVHS has strict core values of responsibility, integrity, and determination that allowed students to be able to succeed in the future. The staff encouraged students to display the best version of themselves and be able to achieve this throughout their four years at SVHS. This school allowed students to thrive and have the opportunity to grow with the assistance of the community.
Read 352 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,181 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Lewis High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
261 reviews
#86 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Senior: I came here after moving away from my home state. The first thing i noticed was how friendly everyone is here. The teachers do work with students with our success in mind. All the students (now friends), teachers and my counselor were extremely helpful in adjusting to Lee and Virginia. There's loads of miscellaneous clubs and sports to join (I'm in Cranes for a Cause and I run). Every now and then the school will host events too (chili cook off, international night, musicals, and spirit weeks). I do wish we had more of a heads up when it comes to class meetings or schedule shifts though (having my plans get thrown out isn't great). Besides timing, Lee is pretty good at utilizing remind, announcements and social media (Instagram) to reach out to students. Overall, I know I will miss Lee after I graduate.
Read 261 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,765 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Watkins Mill High School
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
9-12
399 reviews
#89 Best Public High Schools in Washington, D.C. Area
Alum: I would like to say that the faculty at Watkins Mill are very supportive and outgoing with their students (as long as the student shows them respect). I had a very good experience at Watkins Mill High School, I did the IB Career Program while I was there, and it prepared me to conduct research, write essays and manage my time. The only downside about Watkins Mill is that there are a few students who can be disrespectful, or not take school seriously enough. As long as you work hard, join organizations and keep your head on right, then you will have no problem!
Read 399 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
1,615 Students
14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Justice High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
374 reviews
Junior: I was provided a very good education at Justice High School and received a lot of opportunities to succeed. My teachers and coaches were constantly supporting me and helping me to be the best student I can be. The IB program provided at Justice has helped me grow as a student and person. I have become better at writing, communicating, critical thinking, analyzing, and I have improved overall as a person. Justice provided me with a great education, some amazing teachers, coaches who really pushed me, and an incredible community that helped me grow as a person!
Read 374 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
2,241 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Mount Vernon High School
Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
9-12
312 reviews
Senior: I joined Mount Vernon Highschool in January 2018 and I had missed two quarters of my Freshmen year. I had struggled with my accent but I managed to fit very easily because of the atmosphere of excellence and teachers and students make lessons easy and understanding for everyone. I like how Mount Vernon High schools offer students with choices to pick classes they are interested in and classes such as AP, IB, Dual enrollment for students who want to challenge themselves and seek higher education. I am very proud of the different resources and facilities we have including the safety and involvement of parents and teachers to help students cope with their struggles. With one of the best athletics and clubs available, students can participate in extracurricular activities while focusing on their studies. There are teachers who are always available for students and counselors there to guide them as well. Food is provided to ensure the health conditions of the students and others as well.
Read 312 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
2,022 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Unity Reed High School
Prince William County Public Schools, VA
9-12
309 reviews
Senior: I chose to attend Stonewall Jackson High School because of the IB program and the diversity. Stonewall is the most diverse high school in PWC and I love that. I have met people from all over the world and from so many different cultures. My experience at SJ has been mostly positive, I have met some great people here that I now consider very close friends. I have had some amazing teachers and an excellent counselor. I am a rising senior so my experience isn't over it but so far I have enjoyed attending this school. The IB program is very rigorous but honestly worth it because of all the information that you learn, it helps you understand the world better and takes a deeper dive into history compared to regular classes. Art club is an awesome club, which I am a member of, it is ran by our awesome art teachers and its a fun thing to do after school. Many students and I here used their voice to be heard during our school name change, we are now the Unity Reed Lions. Go Lions!
Read 309 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
2,588 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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BASIS Independent McLean
Private School
McLean, VA
PK, K-12
36 reviews
Parent: We are are new family to Basis McLean but so far loving it!
I know there has been administrative instability in the past but the quality of the teaching and small class size is outstandingly fabulous. My daughter is so motivated, it is wonderful to see.

If your focus is sports, this is not the school for you. But if your focus is academics and a love a learning, I believe this school is working very well.

We are happy we switched from FCPS, despite the cost esp. as the school offers in-person teaching during this pandemic which has been essential for my child's growth and wellbeing.
Read 36 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
453 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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KIPP DC - Promise Public Charter School
K-4
A
Overall Niche Grade
518 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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The New School of Northern Virginia
Private School
Fairfax, VA
6-12
26 reviews
Parent: Both of our kids started at The New School in ninth grade, after eight years of public school. It was one of the best parenting decisions we've ever made. Everything about this school is terrific. The teachers are passionate, inspired, and inspiring. Small, topics-driven, seminar-style classes foster creativity and independent thinking, while the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel at home. Our two kids turned out to be very different kinds of learners, but both thrived at The New School. Our youngest graduates next year, and we'll be sad to think of not having that day-to-day connection. Can't say enough about this wonderful school!
Read 26 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
140 Students
5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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