Serving 238 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Patterson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (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 Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 238 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Patterson Elementary School serves the southern part of Washington, DC, covering an area of approximately 0.4 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge being about 0.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Patterson Elementary School's student population of 238 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
238 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1945
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence is the Expectation!
School Rankings
Patterson 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 Patterson Elementary School is 0.04, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#129 out of 220 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
2%
19%
Black
98%
62%
White
n/a
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)65.6%
46.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Eagles
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patterson Elementary School's ranking?
Patterson Elementary School is ranked #129 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Patterson Elementary School?
238 students attend Patterson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Patterson Elementary School students are Black, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Patterson Elementary School?
Patterson 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 Patterson Elementary School offer ?
Patterson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Patterson Elementary School part of?
Patterson Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Patterson Elementary School located?
Patterson Elementary School is located in the Southwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 6 other public schools located in Southwest Washington.
School Reviews
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