Serving 804 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, James K. Polk Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 63% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 804 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 63% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: James K Polk Elementary serves the west part of Alexandria, VA, covering an area of approximately 0.8 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 1.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
School Overview
James K. Polk Elementary School's student population of 804 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
804 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
James K. Polk Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James K. Polk Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1447 out of 1773 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
68%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)40-44%
69%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35-39%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
12%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
32%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
26%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
White
24%
44%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14.2%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
57%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
12%
5%
Showing 2013–2022. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James K. Polk Elementary School's ranking?
James K. Polk Elementary School is ranked #1447 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are James K. Polk Elementary School often compared to?
James K. Polk Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Patrick Henry K-8 School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
63% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend James K. Polk Elementary School?
804 students attend James K. Polk Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of James K. Polk Elementary School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are Black, 24% of students are White, 12% of students are Asian, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of James K. Polk Elementary School?
James K. Polk Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does James K. Polk Elementary School offer ?
James K. Polk Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is James K. Polk Elementary School part of?
James K. Polk Elementary School is part of Alexandria City School District.
In what neighborhood is James K. Polk Elementary School located?
James K. Polk Elementary School is located in the Seminary Hill neighborhood of Alexandria, VA. There are 2 other public schools located in Seminary Hill.
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