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With great schools, exciting job opportunities, and tons of family friendly activities, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland are attractive areas of the East Coast to consider when deciding where to move with your family. Many in the DMV split their time between these two beautiful areas, by taking advantage of the laid back suburban lifestyle of living in Baltimore and commuting to the nation’s capital for work. While this allows one to experience the “best of both worlds”, it poses a difficult decision when choosing the right school for your child.
To make your decision easier, our team at Zip Moving & Storage has researched the best schools and districts of each city. Read on to discover our findings!
Washington D.C (Elementary/Middle/High Schools and Universities)
Washington, D.C. boasts a variety of schooling options, such as public, charter, private and international schools. As the capital of the United States, D.C. offers some of the best education in the country. It’s also home to world-class tertiary institutions, such as the internationally acclaimed Georgetown University.
Elementary Schools:
Janney Elementary School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 82% Reading: 88%
- Grades: PK-5
- Student/teacher ratio: 13:9
Test scores at Janney Elementary School are far above the state average, suggesting that most students at this school are performing at or above grade level. Students at this school also show the most improvement in the state, meaning the school is doing an excellent job of supporting academic growth compared to most other schools.
Ross Elementary School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 75%-79% Reading: 90%-94%
- Grades: PK-5
- Student/teacher ratio: 14:5
Ross Elementary School is situated in the heart of Dupont Circle in a charming historic building with a beautiful playground and playing field. The student population of 174 is small but diverse, with a diversity score of 0.69, much higher than the state average of 0.50. Their dedicated and close-knit parent community offers a strong support system, contributing to a overwhelmingly positive elementary school experience.
Middle Schools:
Washington Latin Public Charter School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 48% Reading: 63%
- Grades: 6-8
- Student/teacher ratio: 13:1
Washington Latin Public Charter School helps students thrive in their education and creates opportunities for all students to grow both academically and socially. The school prides itself on strong academic results, a diverse population, and a warm community. Washington Latin Public Charter is ranked as one of the top-tier DC charter schools.
The school’s mission is to offer excellent liberal arts and classical education that is accessible to students across D.C. Further, it is the only charter school in D.C. to offer a bus service to safely transport children to their campus in NW, D.C.
D.C. Preparatory Academy Public Charter School – Edgewood Campus
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 55% Reading: 53%
- Grades: 4-8
- Student/teacher ratio: 10:1
D.C. Preparatory Academy Edgewood performs above average in academics compared to other elementary and middle schools in the city. The School Quality Report gives this school a grade of A+, assessed by attendance, re-enrollment, retention, and discipline rates. These indicators are predictors of future student achievement. The in-seat attendance of D.C. Preparatory Academy is 94.2%, and the re-enrollment rate is 88.4%.
High Schools:
Washington, D.C. boasts a variety of schooling options, such as public, charter, private and international schools. As the capital of the United States, D.C. offers some of the best education in the country. It’s also home to world-class tertiary institutions, such as the internationally acclaimed Georgetown University.
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 82% Reading: 95%
- Grades: 9-12
- Student/teacher ratio: 16:1
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School is a highly rated, public magnet school located in Washington D.C. It has 482 students and high academic test scores. Students’ testimonials of Benjamin High are strongly positive, with many students saying that teachers focus on academic studies and prepare students for future leadership roles. The school received a Blue Ribbon Award in 2007 and is ranked within the top 5% of all 208 schools in the District Of Columbia.
School Without Walls High School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math 84% Reading: 92%
- Grades: 9-12
- Student/teacher ratio: 14:7
School Without Walls is a small magnet public high school located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The school is based on a concept in urban education that encourages students to ‘use the city as a classroom’ which is the origin of its name.
This school provides every student with a rigorous, college preparatory humanities program that incorporates global and local resources and unique teaching techniques. The school strongly believes that by engaging with ‘the world beyond the school gates’ students can experience huge growth, both academically and socially within their communities.
Universities:
Georgetown University
Georgetown University, one of the oldest universities in the country, is situated overlooking the Potomac River, just a few minutes from downtown Washington. The internationally renowned university ranked #23 in the 2021 edition of the United States’ Best National Universities.
Georgetown is a private school founded in 1789 with an acceptance rate of 14%, and an early acceptance rate of 11.6%. Half the applicants admitted to Georgetown University have an SAT score between 1380 and 1550 or an ACT score between 31 and 35.
George Washington University
George Washington University was established in 1821 as a private university, due in great part to President George Washington’s vision of a world-class institution for higher learning in the nation’s capital. There are currently 18,813 undergraduate students at GWU, many of whom are enrolled in the university’s excellent business and international affairs programs. The campus of GWU is located four blocks from the White House, making it an ideal setting for students to engage in internship and research opportunities. George Washington University is ranked #54 in US News and World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges.
Howard University
Howard University is a D.C. institution with a rich history. A historically African-American school, Howard University today is a milieu of inclusivity and diversity, encouraged by a strong focus on local and national communities. Howard University is ranked between #551-600 in the world and within the top 125 universities in the U.S. The university is also classified as a Tier 1 research university by the Carnegie Foundation.
Howard University admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 36%. Programs offered by the university include undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 130 areas within the university’s 13 schools and colleges. The average SAT composite score for admission is 1197 and the average ACT composite score is 25.
In conclusion, Washington, D.C. is an amazing place to live, work, and study for professionals, singles, and families with children. The city features a diverse culture, plenty of job opportunities, and some of the best schools in the nation. For more information about all of the pros, cons, and overall life in Washington D.C, check out our guide: Moving to D.C..
Baltimore (Elementary, High School and Universities)
In the DMV area, many residents live in Maryland and commute to Washington, D.C. for work, or vice versa. As such, the question many ask is, “can you live in one school district and enroll in a school in a different district?” The answer is, yes! Simply file for an inter-district transfer from your superintendent, releasing you from the school district where you live. You will then be free to attend a school of your choice.
Baltimore is home to many public, private, and charter schools with strong academic ratings and engaging school communities. It is also home to two major universities: the University of Maryland and top-rated medical school, Johns Hopkins University. Schools in Baltimore may require a slightly higher tuition, but make up for it with a significantly lower cost of living. Read on to discover more the best schools in the Baltimore area!
Elementary Schools:
Roland Park Elementary Middle School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 58% Reading: 64%
- Grades: PK-8
- Student/teacher ratio: 20:1
Roland Park Elementary Middle school ranks in the top 20% of all Maryland schools for overall test scores (both reading and math proficiency is in top 20%). The percentage of students reaching proficiency in math is 58%, which is much higher than the Maryland State Average of 38%. Proficiency in reading/language arts is 64%, also much higher than the Maryland State average of 46%.
Ronald Park features excellent teachers and mentors preparing your child for high school and beyond. Their student body and teachers form a close-knit environment, creating a familial like atmosphere that is conducive to a student’s academic and personal growth.
Thomas Johnson Elementary School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 51% Reading: 68%
- Grades: PK-8
- Student/teacher ratio: 19:1
Thomas Johnson Elementary School places in the top 30% for both math and reading proficiency of all schools in Maryland. Thomas Johnson is located in the Federal Hill/ South Baltimore neighborhood, and is the highest performing elementary school in the district based on 2018 PARCC scores.
The school offers many events and activities throughout the school year, as well as many after-school activities for students to engage in. Teachers are known to go the extra mile at Thomas Johnson, providing excellent support for students throughout their studies.
Middle Schools:
Dumbarton Middle School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 50% Reading 59%
- Grades: 6-8
- Student/teacher ratio: 16:1
Dumbarton Middle School currently has more than 1,000 enrolled students. The school opened in 1956, and was awarded Blue Ribbon status in 1998. Dumbarton has one of the largest ESOL programs in the Baltimore County Public School system, with close to 15% of the school population not having English as their first language. Many parents state that the school has space to allow kids to be kids, yet is successfully preparing them for high school and personal achievements in life.
Perry Hall Middle School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 43% Reading: 49%
- Grades: 6-8
- Student/teacher ratio: 17:1
Perry Hall Middle School is the largest middle school in Baltimore County. Students at this school are making strong academic progress from one grade to the next compared to students at other schools in the state. Perry Hall Middle School’s population of 1,895 students has grown by 9% over the past five years. It is ranked within the top 50% of all 1,354 schools in Maryland.
High Schools:
Eastern Technical High School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 84% Reading: 89%
- Grades: 9-12
- Student/teacher ratio: 18:1
Eastern Technical High School is a magnet school that was awarded a Blue Ribbon in 2010. It is ranked within the top 1% of all 1,354 schools in Maryland. This high school has strong positive reviews, with many students saying this is the best school experience they’ve had! This school is competitive, but also full of students and teachers willing to help each other. The teachers here genuinely care about their students, and make it their mission to lead their peers in being successful in their further education and workplace.
Hereford High School
- Math & Reading Proficiency: Math: 69% Reading: 75%
- Grades: 9-12
- Student/teacher ratio: 17:1
Hereford High School is ranked in the top 10% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores. The student population is 1,260, growing by 7% in the last five years. The school was awarded the Blue Ribbon in 2016.
Hereford High is a public high school located in the northern Baltimore County town of Parkton, Baltimore County. Hereford is a great school that offers its students a variety of classes in arts, theater, sports, and many more.
Universities:
John Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, founded in 1876, is the first private research university in the United States. The university’s undergraduate programs are incredibly selective. In 2021, the Office of Admissions accepted roughly 4.9% of its 33,236 Regular Decision applicants, and about 6.4% of its total 38,725 applicants.
The mission of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is to educate medical students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in accordance with the highest professional standards; to prepare clinicians to practice patient-centered medicine of the highest standard; and to identify and answer fundamental questions in the mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of disease in health care delivery and the basic sciences.
There are nine academic divisions on four campuses in Baltimore; one in Washington D.C.; one in Montgomery County Maryland; and facilities throughout the Baltimore-Washington region as well as in China and Italy.
Loyola University Maryland
Loyola University Maryland is a private Jesuit liberal arts university in Baltimore, Maryland that was founded in 1852. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,925. Loyola University Maryland’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is #4 in Regional Universities (North). Loyola organizes its academic programs into three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, and Sellinger School of Business and Management. Undergraduates can choose from more than 30 majors and must complete the core curriculum.
During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Loyola University Chicago had an acceptance rate of 67%. The University inspires students to learn, lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. At Loyola, the ideals that have guided the Jesuit, Catholic University for nearly 500 years continue to mold academic, social, and spiritual experiences of students.
Baltimore offers great schools for all ages and features globally recognized universities. It has an amazing culture, plenty of activities to do with the whole family, and an affordable cost of living. To help you choose where to live and what school to pick, check out our article about the pros and cons of living in Maryland!
In Conclusion:
Choosing where to live can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to choosing the right school for your child. Luckily, wherever you choose to live doesn’t have to determine where you will enroll your kids in school. Zip Moving & Storage is here to help you move anywhere in the DMV area without you having to worry about a thing!
