Lasalle-backus Elementary School

501 Riggs Rd. Ne
Washington, DC 20011
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 279 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Lasalle-backus Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to 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.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 279 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 96%
  • : Top 30% in DC
  • : 25-29% (Top 30%)
  • : 30-34% (Top 30%)
  • : ≤20% (Top 30%)
  • : LaSalle Backus EC serves the northern part of Washington, DC, covering an area of approximately 1.1 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.6 miles away from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

School Overview

Lasalle-backus Elementary School's student population of 279 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
279 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Rankings

Lasalle-backus Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lasalle-backus Elementary School is 0.56, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (DC)
#47 out of 220 schools
(Top 30%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

25-29%
22%

Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

30-34%
31%

Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

≤20%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
1%
1%

Showing 1998–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
43%
19%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

Black
51%
62%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
4%
14%

Showing 2001–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
96%
0.56

Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
29.8%
46.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
9%
7%

Showing 2002–2011. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lasalle-backus Elementary School's ranking?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School is ranked #47 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Lasalle-backus Elementary School often compared to?
Lasalle-backus Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Langley Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Lasalle-backus Elementary School?
279 students attend Lasalle-backus Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Lasalle-backus Elementary School students are Black, 43% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lasalle-backus Elementary School?
Lasalle-backus 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 Lasalle-backus Elementary School offer ?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lasalle-backus Elementary School part of?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Lasalle-backus Elementary School located?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School is located in the Northeast Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 64 other public schools located in Northeast Washington.

School Calendar

View the Lasalle-backus Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Spring Break
March 22, 2027 (Monday)
LAST Day for Students
June 17, 2027 (Thursday)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 279 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 96%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 25-29% (Top 30%)
  • : 30-34% (Top 30%)
  • : ≤20% (Top 30%)
  • : LaSalle Backus EC serves the northern part of Washington, DC, covering an area of approximately 1.1 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.6 miles away from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

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