The following information is pulled from third-party, independent sources and does not reflect the opinions or endorsement of any particular academic institution(s) by Abrams Residential. School choice is a highly personal decision and the following is for informational purposes only. This information is deemed accurate but cannot be guaranteed. Homebuyers should always perform their own due diligence on any schools, school districts, school boundaries and school rankings as these are always subject to change.
Bethesda, MD, offers an enormous variety of school options for your family, including public, private, and specialized institutions. With its proximity to the nation’s capital and diverse culture, Bethesda schools have many opportunities for academic and social growth for students from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation.
Bethesda, MD, is located in Montgomery County, which boasts some of the state's top high schools. Bethesda itself is home to two of the state’s top 10 public high schools in Maryland: Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.
7100 Whittier Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
U.S. News and World Report ranks Walt Whitman High School #1 in Montgomery County, #2 in Maryland, and #139 nationally (out of nearly 25,000). The school’s students test above both district and state averages in math, reading, and science, with the highest graduation rate in the state.
6311 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School is the feeder school for Walt Whitman High School. U.S. News and World Report ranks it the #2 public middle school in Montgomery County and #3 for all Maryland Middle Schools. Students at the school rank first in the state for reading proficiency and fourth for math. Over 60% of the students are enrolled in enriched or accelerated subjects.
8701 Hartsdale Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
Bradley Hills Elementary School, which is ranked #10 among public elementary schools in the state, feeds into Thomas W. Pyle Middle School. Bradley Hills boasts math and reading test scores far above district or state averages.
7900 Beech Tree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
Another feeder school for Thomas W. Pyle, Burning Tree boasts a low student-teacher ratio and above-average test scores in reading and math.
7401 Persimmon Tree Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
The third feeder school for Thomas W. Pyle is Carderock Springs Elementary School. The school’s low student-teacher ratio and well above-average test scores rank Caderrock Springs among the top 10 elementary schools in Montgomery County.
5800 Cromwell Drive, Bethesda, MD 20816
Website
Wood Acres Elementary School is the final feeder school for Thomas W. Pyle. As with the other elementary schools in the district, it boasts math and reading test scores well above the county and state averages.
6400 Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814
Website
Walter Johnson is an award-winning high school in Bethesda, boasting a 72% AP participation rate and a 95% graduation rate.
8935 Bradmoor Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
North Bethesda is Walter Johnson’s feeder school. It ranks #6 for all middle schools in Maryland with high levels of math and reading proficiency.
9300 Wadsworth Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
Wyngate Elementary School is North Bethesda’s only feeder school. Students test exceptionally high in math and reading.
4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814
Website
This award-winning high school is ranked 10th in the state and 590 in the nation (out of nearly 25,000). Students test exceptionally high in math, reading, and science and boast a 94% graduation rate.
5511 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20816
Website
Bethesda-Chevy Chase’s only Bethesda-based feeder school is Westland Middle. This award-winning middle school is ranked #15 in the state. One significant feature of Westland is that it provides a Spanish immersion program for qualifying students.
7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
Website
Bethesda is an award-winning feeder school for Westland Middle. It offers a low student-teacher ratio and exceptional math and reading test scores.
5110 Allan Terrace, Bethesda, MD 20816
Website
Westbrook ranks #2 for all public elementary schools in Maryland. This school boasts an exceptionally low student-teacher ratio and ranks #1 in reading proficiency in the state.
Not only does Bethesda offer some of the best public schools in the state, but it also has many outstanding private schools. Private schools serve 28% of Bethesda’s student population, making this a popular choice for families.
Here are a few of the top-ranked private schools in Bethesda.
Grades 3-12
All-boys, non-religious
6101 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
Website
Grades Pre-K-12
Co-ed: pre-k and kindergarten; all-girls, 1st-12th grades, Catholic-affiliated
9101 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814
Website
Trying to decide whether to send your child to a public or private school in Bethesda? Here’s a brief overview of what to consider.
Public Schools: Outcomes vary depending on the school and its resources. Some public schools in Bethesda perform exceptionally well, while others may lag.
Private Schools: Often have more consistent and higher academic outcomes due to more controlled environments and dedicated resources.
Public Schools: Because public schools are funded by taxpayer money, resources can be limited and vary by district. However, larger student bodies often mean more diverse resources.
Private Schools: Typically have more funding from tuition and private donations
Public Schools: Generally have larger class sizes due to limited funding and higher student enrollment.
Private Schools: Often feature smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention and support.
Public Schools: Offer a variety of activities, including clubs and sports, but may be limited by budget constraints.
Private Schools: Typically provide a wider range of extracurricular activities due to better funding and smaller student bodies.
Public Schools: Free, funded by local, state, and federal government taxes.
Private Schools: Charge tuition, ranging from $11,400 for Our Lady of Lourdes at the low end upward to $55,250 for Holton-Arms at the high end. Scholarships and financial aid might be available but are not guaranteed.
Public Schools: Generally admit students based on geographic location without selective criteria.
Private Schools: Often have a competitive admission process that can include entrance exams, interviews, and prior academic performance reviews.
Public Schools: Tend to be more diverse due to non-selective admissions. School culture can vary widely.
Private Schools: Usually have a more homogeneous student body and a culture shaped by the school's mission and values.
By law, every child is entitled to a quality education. Many public schools offer in-school options for students with special needs, such as resource rooms or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
However, for some students with exceptional needs, such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning challenges, a specialized school might be a better choice. These schools have programs designed to help students excel academically while providing them with the extra help they need to succeed socially and emotionally.
While these schools may not be in your immediate district, if it’s determined that one of these schools is the best choice for your child, your district must pay the tuition and transportation costs.
The People’s Law Library of Maryland has more information on the state’s laws and regulations regarding special education.
Choosing the best school for your family is a decision that can impact the rest of your child’s life and development. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on your child’s educational needs and your family’s preferences. Bethesda, MD, has a wide selection of top-tier schools to suit every child.
Abrams Residential can help you find the right home in the Bethesda, MD school district.
We have built our practice as a family business. We have deep subject matter expertise and provide our clients with exceptional service, individualized attention, and a commitment to being your trusted real estate advisors for life.