Serving 202 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Garfield Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 19%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 202 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Garfield Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Garfield Elementary School's student population of 202 students has declined by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
202 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Rankings
Garfield Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Garfield Elementary School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#132 out of 220 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
19%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
19%
Black
95%
63%
White
n/a
13%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garfield Elementary School's ranking?
Garfield Elementary School is ranked #132 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Garfield Elementary School often compared to?
Garfield Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Stanton Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 19% DC state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Garfield Elementary School?
202 students attend Garfield Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Garfield Elementary School students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Garfield Elementary School?
Garfield Elementary School has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Garfield Elementary School offer ?
Garfield Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Garfield Elementary School part of?
Garfield Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Garfield Elementary School located?
Garfield Elementary School is located in the Buena Vista neighborhood of Washington, DC.
School Reviews
Review Garfield Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.