J.G. Whittier Elementary School is a public elementary school located in the Northwest quadrant of the District of Columbia.
Serving 413 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Whittier Elementary School ranks in the top 50% 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 20-24% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 19%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (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 88% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 87% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 413 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Whittier Elementary School's student population of 413 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
413 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
1926
School Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.57, 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
#72 out of 220 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
19%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
22%
19%
Black
61%
63%
White
12%
13%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
88%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Warrior
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #72 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Whittier Elementary School often compared to?
Whittier Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mundo Verde Bilingual Pcs - J.f. Cook, Washington Yu Ying Pcs 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 19% DC state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
413 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Whittier Elementary School students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier 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 Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Whittier Elementary School located?
Whittier 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 Whittier 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.
