5 Top-Rated Arlington VA Elementary Schools for Families to Know

Updated: November 2025
The top-rated elementary schools in Arlington, VA include Arlington Traditional Elementary School, Jamestown Elementary School, Nottingham Elementary School, Glebe Elementary School, and Taylor Elementary School. These schools consistently appear in rankings for high academic proficiency, strong parent reviews, and supportive school communities.

Sources (as of November 2025)

Data and ratings referenced in this article were collected from the following publicly available websites:

• Niche.com – Best Public Elementary Schools in Arlington County, VA

• Public School Review – Arlington, VA Elementary Schools

• GreatSchools.org – Arlington County Public Schools

• Arlington County Public Schools Official Site – Attendance Zone Information (https://www.apsva.us/schools)

When families move to Arlington, one of the most important considerations is the elementary school their children will attend. While we can’t make school-specific recommendations, understanding the top schools in the area can help you narrow your home search and focus on neighborhoods that align with your family’s priorities.

In this guide, you’ll find five of Arlington’s highest-rated elementary schools, along with what makes each one worth knowing about.

TLDR: Quick Snapshot

• These five schools consistently receive strong rankings in test scores, parent reviews, and overall community reputation.

• Homes in attendance zones for top schools often see higher buyer demand.

• Each school has unique strengths, so consider how “fit” aligns with your family’s lifestyle and commute.

• Always verify current boundaries — they can shift from year to year.

1. Arlington Traditional Elementary School

📍 1030 N McKinley Rd, Arlington, VA
Ranked among the top elementary schools in Arlington County, Arlington Traditional stands out for academic rigor and strong family involvement.
Why families note it: A structured approach to learning, highly engaged teachers, and a strong sense of school pride.
Considerations: Limited enrollment capacity and high demand.

2. Jamestown Elementary School

📍 3700 N Delaware St, Arlington, VA
Jamestown consistently earns top marks from Niche and GreatSchools. It’s known for its warm community and balanced focus on academics and social development.
Why families note it: Smaller class sizes and strong teacher-parent collaboration.
Considerations: Homes in this zone are in high demand due to school reputation and proximity to parks.

3. Nottingham Elementary School

📍 5900 Little Falls Rd, Arlington, VA
Nottingham ranks highly on both GreatSchools and Public School Review for academic performance and extracurricular balance.
Why families note it: A nurturing culture and emphasis on both STEM and the arts.
Considerations: Verify after-school program availability — capacity can fluctuate.

4. Glebe Elementary School

📍 1770 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
Glebe Elementary offers a strong academic program and a tight-knit parent community. It’s centrally located and frequently praised for its inclusive environment.
Why families note it: Community engagement, convenient location, and a reputation for student growth.
Considerations: Like others on this list, attendance boundaries may shift periodically.

5. Taylor Elementary School

📍 2600 N Stuart St, Arlington, VA
Taylor Elementary rounds out our top five, known for its highly rated teachers and long-standing community involvement.
Why families note it: Modernized facilities, excellent communication, and a strong PTA presence.
Considerations: Proximity to major commuter routes makes it popular among working families.

Key Takeaways

• Arlington has one of Northern Virginia’s strongest public elementary systems.

• Each school offers a distinct blend of community, academics, and location benefits.

• High-performing school zones often align with stable long-term home values.

• Always confirm boundaries directly with Arlington Public Schools.

FAQs

Q: Can school boundaries change year to year?
A: Yes. The Arlington Public Schools Board periodically reviews attendance boundaries to balance enrollment.

Q: How can I verify which school serves a specific address?
A: Use the boundary lookup tool on the APS official website.

Q: Do these ratings reflect private schools?
A: No. This list focuses solely on public elementary schools within Arlington City limits.

Q: Are these rankings the same on every platform?
A: No. Niche, GreatSchools, and Public School Review each use different scoring criteria.

Q: Does living in a top-rated zone impact resale value?
A: Often yes — buyer demand tends to be stronger near consistently well-rated schools.

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Sources

• Niche.com – Best Public Elementary Schools in Arlington County, VA

• Public School Review – Arlington, VA Elementary Schools

• GreatSchools.org – Arlington County Public Schools

• Arlington County Public Schools Official Site

Disclaimer

The Davenport Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty is licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. We are not permitted to provide advice or recommendations regarding schools or school districts. The information provided in this blog post has been collected from publicly available sources for general informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify all details independently and conduct their own research before making any real estate or educational decisions.