For the 2025 school year, there are 17 public schools serving 16,568 students in Bethesda, MD (there are 27 private schools, serving 6,213 private students). 73% of all K-12 students in Bethesda, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%). Bethesda has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Maryland.
The top ranked public schools in Bethesda, MD are Walt Whitman High School, Westbrook Elementary School and Seven Locks Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bethesda, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the Maryland public school average of 25%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Bethesda have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Bethesda, MD (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Walt Whitman High School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
7100 Whittier Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-4800
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-4800
Grades: 9-12
| 2,042 students
Rank: #22.
Westbrook Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5110 Allan Ter
Bethesda, MD 20816
(240) 740-1040
Bethesda, MD 20816
(240) 740-1040
Grades: K-5
| 513 students
Rank: #33.
Seven Locks Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
9500 Seven Locks Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-0940
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-0940
Grades: K-5
| 372 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Bannockburn Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
6520 Dalroy Ln
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1270
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1270
Grades: K-5
| 424 students
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Bradley Hills Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
8701 Hartsdale Ave
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 204-5210
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 204-5210
Grades: K-5
| 466 students
Rank: #66.
Carderock Springs Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7401 Persimmon Tree Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-0540
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-0540
Grades: K-5
| 333 students
Rank: #77.
Wood Acres Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5800 Cromwell Drive
Bethesda, MD 20816
(240) 740-1120
Bethesda, MD 20816
(240) 740-1120
Grades: PK-5
| 612 students
Rank: #88.
Wyngate Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9300 Wadsworth Dr
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1080
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1080
Grades: K-5
| 679 students
Rank: #99.
Bethesda-chevy Chase High School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4301 East-west Hwy
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 740-0400
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 740-0400
Grades: 9-12
| 2,369 students
Rank: #1010.
Walter Johnson High School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6400 Rock Spring Dr
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 740-6900
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 740-6900
Grades: 9-12
| 2,984 students
Rank: #1111.
Burning Tree Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7900 Beech Tree Rd
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1750
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1750
Grades: K-5
| 484 students
Rank: #1212.
Bethesda Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
7600 Arlington Rd
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 204-5300
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 204-5300
Grades: K-5
| 584 students
Rank: #1313.
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6311 Wilson Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-3500
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-3500
Grades: 6-8
| 1,260 students
Rank: #1414.
North Bethesda Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8935 Bradmoor Dr
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-2100
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-2100
Grades: 6-8
| 1,163 students
Rank: #1515.
Ashburton Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6314 Lone Oak Dr
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1300
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1300
Grades: K-5
| 821 students
Rank: #1616.
Westland Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5511 Massachusetts Ave
Bethesda, MD 20816
(240) 740-5850
Bethesda, MD 20816
(240) 740-5850
Grades: 6-8
| 865 students
Rank: #1717.
Woodlin Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5701 Grosvenor Ln
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 740-7350
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 740-7350
Grades: K-5
| 597 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Bethesda, MD?
The top ranked public schools in Bethesda, MD include Walt Whitman High School, Westbrook Elementary School and Seven Locks Elementary School. Bethesda has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Maryland.
How many public schools are located in Bethesda?
17 public schools are located in Bethesda.
What percentage of students in Bethesda go to public school?
73% of all K-12 students in Bethesda are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Bethesda?
Bethesda public schools minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Which public schools in Bethesda are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Bethesda include: Wyngate Elementary School vs. Ashburton Elementary School, Burning Tree Elementary School vs. Bannockburn Elementary School, Ashburton Elementary School vs. Wyngate Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
