For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 8,188 students in 20817, MD (there are 11 private schools, serving 2,808 private students). 75% of all K-12 students in 20817, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 20817, MD are Walt Whitman High School, Bradley Hills Elementary School and Bannockburn Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 20817 have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 79% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 20817, MD have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best 20817, MD Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Walt Whitman High School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
7100 Whittier Blvd
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-4800
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-4800
Gr: 9-12 | 2,056 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Bradley Hills Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
8701 Hartsdale Ave
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 204-5210
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 204-5210
Gr: K-5 | 474 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Bannockburn Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
6520 Dalroy Ln
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1270
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1270
Gr: K-5 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Seven Locks Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9500 Seven Locks Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-0940
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-0940
Gr: K-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
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
Gr: K-5 | 363 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #66.
Wyngate Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9300 Wadsworth Dr
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1080
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1080
Gr: K-5 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #77.
Burning Tree Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7900 Beech Tree Rd
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1750
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1750
Gr: K-5 | 479 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #88.
Thomas W. Pyle Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6311 Wilson Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-3500
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-3500
Gr: 6-8 | 1,259 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #99.
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
Gr: 6-8 | 1,224 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #1010.
Ashburton Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6314 Lone Oak Dr
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1300
Bethesda, MD 20817
(240) 740-1300
Gr: K-5 | 871 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 20817, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 20817, MD include Walt Whitman High School, Bradley Hills Elementary School and Bannockburn Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 20817?
10 public schools are located in 20817.
What percentage of students in 20817 go to public school?
75% of all K-12 students in 20817 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 20817?
20817 public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
