There was a family in Rockville considering how long it would take to drive to private schools. However, after calculating the commuting distance, they shifted their focus toward the local public high schools instead. The performance of public high schools in Rockville and the nearby Potomac area was better than expected.

One of these is Thomas S. Wootton High School, located in Rockville. It has a GreatSchools rating of 10 out of 10, ranking 5th in Maryland and 259th nationally. The average GPA is 3.68, the average SAT score is 1370, and the graduation rate is 98 percent. Winston Churchill High School, located a bit further south in Potomac, is similarly ranked 8th in Maryland and 402nd nationally. Both schools offer AP courses and gifted programs.

The fact that they are public schools is an advantage. There are no tuition fees. However, assignments are based on residency, so moving closer to the desired school is essentially the only way to secure a spot. This means that families must find properties within the designated area rather than going through an application process like private schools. Consequently, property prices in those areas tend to be higher than in others.

Looking at home prices, the average home value in Rockville is $607,784. This is a 1.2 percent increase from a year ago. According to Redfin, there was a point in March this year when the median sale price reached $690,000, and the median in April was $659,500. Areas with good school districts tend to show greater fluctuations in these prices. Depending on commuting or working from home, the price range that individuals can afford varies, so this is something to weigh against the budget.

Let's also look at rental prices. According to RentCafe, the average monthly rent for an apartment in Rockville ranges from $2,356 to $2,396. Renting a single-family home can average up to $4,758. According to Zumper, this is a 3.15 percent increase compared to last July. Freddie Mac reports that as of August 20, 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.65 percent. Applying this rate to the average sale price of around $600,000 in Rockville results in monthly payments that are higher than apartment rent but similar to single-family home rent. In areas with good school districts, the difference between renting and buying may not be as significant as expected.

This situation has both advantages and disadvantages. If you buy a home, you can live there stably as long as the school assignment remains, but the initial financial burden is high. Starting with a rental has a lower financial burden, but you must face the risk of rent increases with each lease renewal. Which option is better depends on the family's financial plans and how long they intend to stay.

Public schools do not have entrance exams, but they rigorously verify residency. You must provide documents like a rental agreement, property tax bill, or utility bill to prove actual residency for the assignment to be confirmed. This is also why many families choose to rent first to confirm the assignment before transitioning to buying.

For reference, a GreatSchools rating of 10 is the highest rating, combining test scores, growth, and equity indicators. However, a high rating does not mean the school is suitable for every student. It is advisable to check the school environment and fit for your child through visits or reviews from current students' parents. Rather than making a decision based solely on one rating, developing a habit of looking at multiple sources leads to more accurate judgments.

Families moving from out of state should note that Maryland's property tax rate and Montgomery County's school assignment method differ from their previous locations. The assignment boundaries can be adjusted annually, so the boundaries you see this year may change next year.

The ratings and prices discussed in this article are based on specific points in time. Please verify the assigned school for the address before signing any contracts. This is not investment or legal advice, and consulting a professional before making any agreements is recommended.