Powell Elementary School

1350 Upshur St. Nw
Washington, DC 20011
(School attendance zone shown in map)
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 514 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Powell Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 20-24% (which is approximately equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 514 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 86%
  • : Top 30% in DC
  • : 20-24% (Top 50%)
  • : 25-29% (Top 30%)
  • : 20-29% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

School Overview

Powell Elementary School's student population of 514 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 50 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
514 students
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
We educate, prepare, and inspire all students to reach their highest potential.

School Rankings

Powell 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 Powell Elementary School is 0.49, 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.
This School
State Level (DC)
#60 out of 220 schools
(Top 30%)
20-24%
22%
25-29%
31%
20-29%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
69%
19%
Black
13%
62%
White
14%
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.49
(22-23)
13.4%
46.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Powell Elementary School's ranking?
Powell Elementary School is ranked #60 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Powell Elementary School often compared to?
Powell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bancroft Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Powell Elementary School?
514 students attend Powell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Powell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 13% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Powell Elementary School?
Powell Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Powell Elementary School offer ?
Powell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Powell Elementary School part of?
Powell Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Powell Elementary School located?
Powell Elementary School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 74 other public schools located in Northwest Washington.

School Reviews

Review Powell 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 514 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 86%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 20-24% (Top 50%)
  • : 25-29% (Top 30%)
  • : 20-29% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links