Best Potomac Public Elementary Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 4,653 students in Potomac, MD. The top-ranked public elementary schools in Potomac, MD are Cold Spring Elementary School, Wayside Elementary School and Bells Mill Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Potomac, MD public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Maryland public elementary school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 78% (versus the 44% statewide average). Elementary schools in Potomac have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Maryland public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Maryland public elementary school average of 69% (majority Black).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Potomac, MD (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cold Spring Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
9201 Falls Chapel Way
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4390
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #22.
Wayside Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
10011 Glen Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0240
Gr: PK-5 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #33.
Bells Mill Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
8225 Bells Mill Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0480
Gr: PK-5 | 570 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #44.
Potomac Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
10311 River Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-4360
Gr: K-5 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #55.
Ritchie Park Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
1514 Dunster Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-6310
Gr: K-5 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Beverly Farms Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
8501 Post Oak Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 740-0200
Gr: K-5 | 526 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #77.
Herbert Hoover Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
8810 Post Oak Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 968-3740
Gr: 6-8 | 930 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #88.
Cabin John Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
10701 Gainsborough Road
Potomac, MD 20854
(240) 406-1600
Gr: 6-8 | 983 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 63%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Potomac, MD?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Potomac, MD include Cold Spring Elementary School, Wayside Elementary School and Bells Mill Elementary School. Potomac has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Maryland.
How many public elementary schools are located in Potomac?
8 public elementary schools are located in Potomac.
What is the racial composition of students in Potomac?
Potomac public elementary schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Maryland public elementary schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Potomac are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Links