This lauded elementary school, situated in the heart of the District of Columbia since 1928, welcomes students from pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. With a profound dedication to academic excellence, the school fosters a dynamic and encouraging environment.
Serving 933 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Lafayette Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 87% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 933 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 80% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 5%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lafayette Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Lafayette Elementary School's student population of 933 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
933 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Year Founded
1928
First Day of School
Thu. Aug 28, 2025
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 17, 2026
School Rankings
Lafayette Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lafayette Elementary School is 0.46, 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
#3 out of 220 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
2%
Hispanic
8%
19%
Black
9%
63%
White
72%
13%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
2%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
1%
3%
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 Lafayette Elementary School's ranking?
Lafayette Elementary School is ranked #3 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Lafayette Elementary School often compared to?
Lafayette Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Janney Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Lafayette Elementary School?
933 students attend Lafayette Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Lafayette Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Lafayette Elementary School?
Lafayette Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Lafayette Elementary School offer ?
Lafayette Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lafayette Elementary School part of?
Lafayette Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Lafayette Elementary School located?
Lafayette Elementary School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 74 other public schools located in Northwest Washington.
School Calendar
View the Lafayette Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 25, 2025 (Monday)
School Reviews
Review Lafayette 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
