For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 4,566 students in 20003, DC (there are 4 private schools, serving 687 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in 20003, DC are educated in public schools (compared to the DC state average of 82%).
The top-ranked public schools in 20003, DC are Brent Elementary School, Payne Elementary School and Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster). Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 20003 have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the District Of Columbia public school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 31% statewide average). Schools in 20003, DC have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of District Of Columbia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the District Of Columbia public school average of 86% (majority Black).
Best 20003, DC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brent Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
301 North Carolina Ave. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3363
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3363
Gr: PK-5 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Payne Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1445 C St. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3262
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3262
Gr: PK-5 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #33.
Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster)
(Math: 42% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
420 12th St. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3355
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3355
Gr: 1-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #44.
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1001 G St. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 939-4810
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 939-4810
Gr: PK-5 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #55.
Van Ness Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1150 5th St Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 727-4314
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 727-4314
Gr: PK-5 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #66.
Friendship Pcs - Chamberlain Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1345 Potomac Avenue Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-5800
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-5800
Gr: 4-8 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Friendship Pcs - Chamberlain Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1345 Potomac Avenue Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-5800
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-5800
Gr: PK-3 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Center City Pcs - Capitol Hill
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1503 East Capitol Street Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-7556
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-7556
Gr: PK-8 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Digital Pioneers Academy Pcs - Capitol Hill
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
709 12th Street Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 677-3522
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 677-3522
Gr: 9-12 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #1010.
Eastern High School
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1700 East Capitol St. Ne
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-4500
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-4500
Gr: 9-12 | 909 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #1111.
St. Coletta Special Education Pcs
Special Education School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1901 Independence Avenue Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 350-8680
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 350-8680
Gr: PK-12 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: n/an/a
Dc Department Of Corrections
Alternative School
1901 D Street Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-4932
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-4932
Gr: 9-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 20003, DC?
The top-ranked public schools in 20003, DC include Brent Elementary School, Payne Elementary School and Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster).
How many public schools are located in 20003?
12 public schools are located in 20003.
What percentage of students in 20003 go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in 20003 are educated in public schools (compared to the DC state average of 82%).
What is the racial composition of students in 20003?
20003 public schools minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the District Of Columbia public schools average of 86% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
