Serving 398 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Payne Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 398 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Payne ES serves the southeast part of Washington, DC, covering an attendance area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 1.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Payne Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Payne Elementary School's student population of 398 students has grown by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
398 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Where Genius Lives!
School Rankings
Payne Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Payne Elementary School is 0.60, which is more 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
#27 out of 220 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
22%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
31%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
6%
19%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
52%
62%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
36%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.4%
46.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
49%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
7%
7%
Showing 2002–2011. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue and White
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payne Elementary School's ranking?
Payne Elementary School is ranked #27 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Payne Elementary School often compared to?
Payne Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Brent Elementary School, Maury Elementary School, Center City Pcs - Capitol Hill by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Payne Elementary School?
398 students attend Payne Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Payne Elementary School students are Black, 36% of students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Payne Elementary School?
Payne Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Payne Elementary School offer ?
Payne Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Payne Elementary School part of?
Payne Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Payne Elementary School located?
Payne Elementary School is located in the Southeast Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 48 other public schools located in Southeast Washington.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Fine school which I visited in 2010. I still have to send a book to the school. I actually promised the students I talk to in 2010 that I will send this book. I now have the book which I will send once I contact the Principal!
NEMANI DROVA (MR.)
FIJI ISLANDS
Review Payne Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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