For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 6,856 students in Potomac, MD (there are 19 private schools, serving 5,415 private students). 56% 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 60% (versus the Maryland public school average of 25%), 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Winston Churchill High School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
11300 Gainsborough Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-5400
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-5400
Grades: 9-12
| 2,203 students
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
Grades: K-5
| 335 students
Rank: #33.
Wayside Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10011 Glen Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0240
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0240
Grades: PK-5
| 470 students
Rank: #44.
Bells Mill Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
8225 Bells Mill Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0480
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0480
Grades: PK-5
| 591 students
Rank: #55.
Potomac Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10311 River Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4360
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4360
Grades: K-5
| 435 students
Rank: #66.
Ritchie Park Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1514 Dunster Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-6310
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-6310
Grades: K-5
| 361 students
Rank: #77.
Beverly Farms Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
8501 Post Oak Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0200
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0200
Grades: K-5
| 561 students
Rank: #88.
Cabin John Middle School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
10701 Gainsborough Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 406-1600
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 406-1600
Grades: 6-8
| 974 students
Rank: #99.
Herbert Hoover Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8810 Post Oak Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 968-3740
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 968-3740
Grades: 6-8
| 926 students
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?
56% 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, Wayside Elementary School vs. Cold Spring Elementary School
Recent Articles
Why Public Schools are Launching Marketing Campaigns
Advertising and marketing are not traditionally associated with public schools, but more and more campuses are launching campaigns to attract students. Learn about the growing marketing movement and why public schools are scrambling to advertise themselves.
Why Parents are Choosing Montessori Charter Public Schools
Learn about the Montessori Method, the growing number of Montessori charter schools, and why parents are considering this individualized approach to education.
Who Oversees Public Schools?
We explore the various models of governance of public schools in the U.S. today, breaking down the responsibilities of the federal, state and local governments.