According to the newly released 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, seven of Virginia’s top 10 public high schools are located right here in Northern Virginia. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology also earned an impressive No. 6 ranking nationally out of more than 27,000 public high schools evaluated across the country.
Which Northern Virginia High Schools Made the Top 10 in Virginia?
The Northern Virginia schools making the state’s top 10 include:
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology — Alexandria — No. 1 in Virginia
- Langley High School — McLean — No. 4
- Meridian High School — Falls Church — No. 5
- McLean High School — McLean — No. 6
- Woodson High School — Fairfax — No. 7
- Oakton High School — Vienna — No. 8
- Marshall High School — Falls Church — No. 9
That is a pretty incredible showing for one region.
Why Schools Matter When Buying a Home in Northern Virginia
For many families searching for a home in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington, Alexandria or Falls Church, the school district is one of the first things they consider.
But even if you don’t have school-aged children, schools can still be an important part of the bigger real estate picture. School assignments can influence buyer demand, neighborhood desirability and ultimately how many buyers may be interested in a particular home when it comes time to sell.
That doesn’t mean a ranking should be the only factor in choosing where to live — far from it. Commute, lifestyle, home style, budget, community amenities and proximity to friends and family can be just as important.
The key is understanding the full picture of the neighborhood before you buy.
One Important Reminder for Home Buyers
School rankings and school boundaries can change.
If a particular school is important to your home search, always verify the current attendance boundary directly with the applicable school district rather than relying solely on a real estate listing or third-party website.
As a Northern Virginia Realtor, this is exactly why I encourage buyers to think beyond just bedrooms, bathrooms and countertops.
We’re really choosing a community and lifestyle.
Whether that means walking to restaurants in Arlington, finding more space in Loudoun County, living near Metro in Fairfax County or prioritizing a particular school pyramid, the right home looks a little different for every family.
Thinking About Moving to Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia continues to offer an incredible combination of strong communities, employment opportunities, restaurants, outdoor recreation, access to Washington, DC — and yes, some highly ranked public schools.
If you’re considering buying a home in Northern Virginia, moving within Loudoun or Fairfax County, or relocating to the DC area, I’d love to help you narrow down the communities that make the most sense for your family and your goals.
Let’s find the neighborhood that fits the way you actually want to live.
