Virginia’s best public school system, middle school and elementary school are all in Falls Church or Arlington this year, according to one ranking.
Overall, Arlington Public Schools clocked in at No. 3 in the state in a new ranking from Niche, while Falls Church City Public Schools held onto its spot at No. 1.
Arlington Traditional Elementary School ranked No. 1 among 1,161 public elementary schools. Meanwhile, in Falls Church, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School topped the list of public middle schools.
APS was also named the best place to teach in Virginia.
“These rankings reflect what makes Arlington Public Schools such an exceptional place to learn, teach and grow,” Superintendent Francisco Durán said in a press release. “Our students benefit every day from talented educators and staff who know their students, believe in their potential and remain deeply committed to their success.”
Last year, Niche ranked APS as the No. 2 best school system in the state.
Individually, APS elementary, middle and high schools continued to rank high across the board.
Washington-Liberty High School ranked No. 22 among public high schools, while Yorktown High School ranked No. 23. Among middle schools, Dorothy Hamm was No. 4, Williamsburg was No. 10 and Swanson was No. 24.
APS also took seven of the top 25 spots on the elementary school list:
- No. 1 Arlington Traditional
- No. 3 Jamestown
- No. 8 Discovery
- No. 11 Nottingham
- No. 17 Glebe
- No. 22 Arlington Science Focus
- No. 25 Tuckahoe
Niche rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and reviews from students and parents. Factors vary by school level and include state test scores, student-teacher ratios, the quality of instruction, graduation rates, diversity metrics and school ratings.
Niche removed SAT and ACT scores from this year’s district and high school rankings, citing a general de-emphasis on test scores in college admissions.
“This recognition also reflects our continued commitment to listening to our students, staff, families and community, learning from their experiences and evolving to meet changing needs while staying true to the values and high expectations that define Arlington,” Durán said. “I am incredibly proud of our entire APS community and the work we continue to do together.”
