Serving 376 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 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 19%). 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 14:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 87% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 376 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Top 30%)
- 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
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Payne Elementary School's student population of 376 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
376 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
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 0.62, which is more 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
#34 out of 220 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
19%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
7%
19%
Black
51%
63%
White
34%
13%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
7%
7%
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 Payne Elementary School's ranking?
Payne Elementary School is ranked #34 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 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 19% 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?
376 students attend Payne Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Payne Elementary School students are Black, 34% of students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Payne Elementary School?
Payne Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, 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 School District.
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 3/16/2012
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:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
