The District of Columbia Public Schools, serve some 65,000 students in 172 schools, including 101 elementary, 11 middle, 9 junior high, 20 senior high, 6 education and 20 special schools. Because Washington's population is spread out into the surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia, public schools in those venues also provide educational services. In Prince George's County, MD, there are 137,285 students in some 203 schools. Montgomery County, MD public schools serve 139,200 students in 199 facilities. Fairfax County, VA provides education to 164,200 students in 239 schools. There are also 100 private schools in the District of Columbia.

Among colleges and universities, Georgetown University is the oldest, having been founded in 1789. George Washington University is the largest in the capital. Catholic University of America, American University, Howard University and Southeastern University are also located in Washington, as is Gallaudet University, the first school for advanced education of the deaf and hard of hearing. The U.S. military's National Defense University is located at Fort McNair. The Corcoran College of Art and Design is located near the White House. Other schools include the Washington Theological Union and Strayer University.