For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,230 students in La Plata, MD (there are 2 private schools, serving 553 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 26% (versus the Maryland public school average of 25%), 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 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in La Plata, MD (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 1,217 students
Rank: #22.
Mary H. Matula Elementary School
(Math: 32% | 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
Grades: PK-5
| 578 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 605 students
Rank: #44.
Milton M. Somers Middle School
(Math: 19% | 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
Grades: 6-8
| 659 students
Rank: #55.
F. B. Gwynn Educational Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5998 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-3884
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-3884
Grades: PK
| 4 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 167 students
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 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.