For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,230 students in La Plata, MD (there are , serving 560 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in La Plata, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in La Plata, MD are La Plata High School, Mary H. Matula Elementary School and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Plata, MD public schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Maryland public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in La Plata have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 68% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in La Plata, MD (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
La Plata High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6035 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-1100
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-1100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,217 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Mary H. Matula Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6025 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-5412
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-5412
Gr: PK-5 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #33.
Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 Willow Ln
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4687
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4687
Gr: PK-5 | 605 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #44.
Milton M. Somers Middle School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 Willow Lane
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4663
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-4663
Gr: 6-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #55.
F. B. Gwynn Educational Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5998 Radio Station Rd
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-3884
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 934-3884
Gr: PK | 4 students
Rank: n/an/a
Phoenix International School Of The Arts
Charter School
95 Catalpa Dr
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 202-4159
La Plata, MD 20646
(301) 202-4159
Gr: 6-8 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in La Plata, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in La Plata, MD include La Plata High School, Mary H. Matula Elementary School and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in La Plata?
6 public schools are located in La Plata.
What percentage of students in La Plata go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in La Plata are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in La Plata?
La Plata public schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 68% (majority Black).
Which public schools in La Plata are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in La Plata include: Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School vs. Mary H. Matula Elementary School, Mary H. Matula Elementary School vs. Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.