For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,404 students in La Plata, MD (there are 3 private schools, serving 629 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in La Plata, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in La Plata, MD are La Plata High School, Mary H. Matula Elementary School and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Plata, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in La Plata have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in La Plata, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Plata High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6035 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-1100
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-1100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,217 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Mary H. Matula Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6025 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-5412
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-5412
Gr: PK-5 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #33.
Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 Willow Ln
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4687
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4687
Gr: PK-5 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
Milton M. Somers Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Willow Lane
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4663
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4663
Gr: 6-8 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #55.
F. B. Gwynn Educational Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5998 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-3884
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-3884
Gr: PK
Rank: n/an/a
Phoenix International School Of The Arts
Charter School
95 Catalpa Dr
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 202-4159
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 202-4159
Gr: 6-8 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in La Plata, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in La Plata, MD include La Plata High School, Mary H. Matula Elementary School and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in La Plata?
6 public schools are located in La Plata.
What percentage of students in La Plata go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in La Plata are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in La Plata?
La Plata public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public schools in La Plata are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in La Plata include: Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School vs. Mary H. Matula Elementary School
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.