For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 6,856 students in Potomac, MD (there are 17 private schools, serving 4,454 private students). 62% of all K-12 students in Potomac, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%). Potomac has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Maryland.
The top-ranked public schools in Potomac, MD are Winston Churchill High School, Cold Spring Elementary School and Wayside Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Potomac, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Potomac have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Potomac, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Winston Churchill High School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
11300 Gainsborough Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-5400
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-5400
Gr: 9-12 | 2,203 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Cold Spring Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9201 Falls Chapel Way
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4390
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4390
Gr: K-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #33.
Wayside Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10011 Glen Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0240
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0240
Gr: PK-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #44.
Bells Mill Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
8225 Bells Mill Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0480
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0480
Gr: PK-5 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #55.
Potomac Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10311 River Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4360
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4360
Gr: K-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #66.
Ritchie Park Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1514 Dunster Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-6310
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-6310
Gr: K-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #77.
Beverly Farms Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
8501 Post Oak Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0200
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0200
Gr: K-5 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #88.
Herbert Hoover Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8810 Post Oak Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 968-3740
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 968-3740
Gr: 6-8 | 926 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #99.
Cabin John Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10701 Gainsborough Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 406-1600
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 406-1600
Gr: 6-8 | 974 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Potomac, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in Potomac, MD include Winston Churchill High School, Cold Spring Elementary School and Wayside Elementary School. Potomac has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Maryland.
How many public schools are located in Potomac?
9 public schools are located in Potomac.
What percentage of students in Potomac go to public school?
62% of all K-12 students in Potomac are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Potomac?
Potomac public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Potomac are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Potomac include: Herbert Hoover Middle School vs. Cabin John Middle School, Cabin John Middle School vs. Herbert Hoover Middle School, Potomac Elementary School vs. Cold Spring Elementary School
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.