The school offers a student-centered approach to learning, core content areas, and various extracurricular programs. It has a rich history and commitment to education, fostering a loving and academically rigorous environment for students.
Serving 394 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Shepherd Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 394 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Shepherd Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Shepherd Elementary School's student population of 394 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
394 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Inquire, Act, Lead
School Rankings
Shepherd Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shepherd Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#16 out of 220 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
8%
19%
Black
45%
62%
White
31%
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
14%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)6.4%
46.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shepherd Elementary School's ranking?
Shepherd Elementary School is ranked #16 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Shepherd Elementary School often compared to?
Shepherd Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Washington Yu Ying Pcs by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Shepherd Elementary School?
394 students attend Shepherd Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Shepherd Elementary School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shepherd Elementary School?
Shepherd Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Shepherd Elementary School offer ?
Shepherd Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shepherd Elementary School part of?
Shepherd Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Shepherd Elementary School located?
Shepherd Elementary School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 74 other public schools located in Northwest Washington.
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