Recent rankings from education research firm Niche have identified Arlington and Falls Church as the top public school districts in Virginia for 2025. Falls Church City Public Schools secured the No. 1 position, while Arlington Public Schools (APS) followed closely at No. 2. Notably, only one other school district in Virginia achieved an overall A+ rating.
In terms of individual high schools, APS boasts impressive rankings with Washington-Liberty High School at No. 3 and Yorktown High School at No. 9 in the state. Wakefield High School received an A- grade and is ranked No. 62 overall. In Falls Church, Meridian High School ranks No. 12 statewide.
Arlington Public Schools reported a remarkable 95% graduation rate last year, with an average SAT score of 1,270 out of a possible 1,600. Additionally, 92% of APS students are planning to pursue post-secondary education. Niche also recognized APS as the best school district for teaching in Virginia.
Among all Virginia high schools, including both public and private institutions, Arlington’s Veritas Collegiate Academy near Crystal City was ranked No. 7.
Both APS and Falls Church’s smaller school district have consistently held top rankings in the state, mirroring their positions from last year. In this year’s more detailed report card, Niche awarded APS grades ranging from A+ to A- across eight out of nine categories, with a B- rating for food services.
Arlington is recognized as one of America’s most educated localities, ranking No. 2 nationwide according to a recent Forbes Advisor list, with approximately 78% of residents aged 25 and older holding bachelor’s degrees, and 43% possessing graduate degrees.
