District of Columbia Public Schools

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system comprises 114 schools, including 79 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, 20 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The data reveals a wide range of academic performance across the district, with some standout schools like Benjamin Banneker High School, which ranks 1st out of 34 DCPS high schools and has a 100% four-year graduation rate, as well as Deal Middle School, which ranks 1st out of 70 DCPS middle schools and excels in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.

The data also highlights significant disparities in student outcomes, with schools like Ballou High School and Cardozo Education Campus struggling with low proficiency rates on standardized tests and graduation rates. Interestingly, the data does not show a clear correlation between per-student spending and academic performance, as some of the highest-performing schools have relatively lower funding compared to others in the district.

Overall, the District of Columbia Public Schools system exhibits a wide range of school quality, with a few exceptional institutions leading the way and several others facing significant challenges in improving student outcomes. The data suggests that factors beyond just funding and demographics play a crucial role in determining the success of these schools, and targeted interventions may be necessary to address the disparities within the district.