For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,404 students in 20646, MD (there are 3 private schools, serving 629 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in 20646, MD are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 20646, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 20646 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 20646, MD have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Maryland public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best 20646, MD Public Schools (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 students 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 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
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 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
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 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
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
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 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 20646, MD?
The top-ranked public schools in 20646, MD include La Plata High School, Mary H. Matula Elementary School and Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 20646?
6 public schools are located in 20646.
What percentage of students in 20646 go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in 20646 are educated in public schools (compared to the MD state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 20646?
20646 public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Maryland public schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.