Rachel Carson Ranks Among Best Middle Schools In Fairfax County

HERNDON, VA — Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon was named the fourth best public elementary school in Fairfax County, according to Niche's 2022 Best Schools and Districts Rankings in the U.S.

Carson scored straight A's in Academics, Diversity and Teachers, according to Niche's ranking.

These numbers translated to high rankings at the state level too. Carson ranked as 11th among 401 middle schools and 32nd out of 398 for the best middle school teachers. It was also the 109th most diverse public middle school in Virginia.

The 10 schools sitting atop Niche's list for FCPS middle schools are:

1. Franklin Middle School
2. Longfellow Middle School
3. Rocky Run Middle School
4. Carson Middle School
5. Cooper Middel School
6. Frost Middle School
7. Thoreau Middle School
8. Irving Middle School
9. Liberty Middle School
10. South County Middle School

This the eighth year in a row that Niche, a platform connecting students and their families with schools and colleges, has released its rankings of K-12 schools and districts nationwide.

For its 2022 rankings, Niche evaluated 94,491 public schools, 2,489 private schools, and 11,846 school districts across the country. The company relied on input from students, alumni and parents as well as U.S. Department of Education data to come up with its rankings.

READ: Niche's 2022 Best Schools and Districts Rankings in the U.S.

“Our 2022 rankings come at a time when so many parents are curious about the different options for their children’s education, including some they may never have considered before,” said Niche Founder and CEP Luke Skurman, in a release. “No matter where they are in their search process, we strive to be a reliable guide and resource. It is truly an honor to know our users trust us to play a key role in such a big life decision.”

Six Northern Virginia schools, both public and private, appeared among the top 10 high schools in the state, according to Niche. Maggie Walker Governor's School in Richmond was ranked first and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology was second.

Here are the 10 high schools Niche ranked as the best in Virginia:

1. Maggie Walker Governor's School (Richmond)
2. Thomas Jefferson High School For Science & Technology (Fairfax County)
3. The Madeira School (McLean)
4. Cape Henry Collegiate (Virginia Beach)
5. Episcopal High School (Alexandria)
6. The Potomac School (McLean)
7. BASIS Independent McLean (McLean)
8. Woodberry Forrest School (Woodberry)
9. Pinnacle Academy (Chantilly)
10. Norfolk Academy (Norfolk)

Falls Church City Public Schools and Arlington Public Schools were the first and second best school districts in the state, respectively, according to Niche. Loudoun County Public Schools ranked fifth, followed by Fairfax County Public Schools in the sixth spot.

In the Herndon area, Niche ranked Oakton the seventh best public high school in the county and Herndon High as the 38th best college prep public high school in Virginia.