Lafayette Elementary School

5701 Broad Branch Road Northwest

Washington, DC 20015

School District

District Of Columbia Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for District Of Columbia Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by other on February 14, 2025

so i was a student at lafayette a year ago so yes its a good school i learned alot and this is a prety desent school espeshaly in math because curently a 6th grader and i got into 7th grade math and if you want to sign your kid up for a after school program do ccpc not cls because i hated it so much because honesly the people they hire are just like teenagers but usualy only for the older kids only but they get the older nicer people for the yonger kids and if you have to you can sign them up but if theres an opening for ccpc you should put them in there. but apart from that yes its a good school they have good staff nice teachers and yes they have a good writing syestem i just have always been bad at spelling and anything to do with ela. but the thing that was the worst about math was i ready its super anoying and it takes a super long time to do 1 lesson. but over all i think this is a good school and your kid will like this school.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2023

While a few teachers and certainly the families at Lafayette are dedicated to a positive learning experience, the administration, starting with the activist principal is unfortunately sub-par at best. The principal rules with a top-down approach and often disregards parents' concerns, waving off the "policy-educated" parents in DC. This method ensures there is limited criticism or interference of the many nonsensical approaches to handling any kind of bump at this school from bullying to other behavioral issues. This school is equipped to handle children with clear developmental delays, requiring an aide, or kids who are within the "norm". For kids, especially rowdier boys with any kind of neurodivergent temperaments such as ADHD (which many kids now are diagnosed with!), this school is not for you. They can not adequately manage boys with ADHD or higher energy kids - simply cannot - no matter what they promise. They are very worried about possible outbursts and/or disruption in the classroom in case a DCPS official walks by. It's a "not on my watch" , old-school approach. Rowdier boys are called out as trouble-makers, impacting their self-esteem, made to sit solo or supervised by the principal, and, at worst, placed on a safety plan (which is usually reserved for older kids). The teachers are fearful of making mistakes and the counselors are left overwhelmed and undermined by the principal. While the neighborhood and community are stellar, this school for kids with stronger temperaments and higher energy will be very challenging - the admins are not open, welcoming, or flexible enough for those families. There are plenty of other great elementary schools in NW DC with a different, more humane, and child-centered philosophy including Murch and Mann, even if they aren't perfect. Know your kiddo and try to adjust to the best learning environment for them.
Submitted by teacher on August 04, 2023

After much consideration, I felt compelled to share my honest experience as a former teacher at Lafayette. Let me begin by acknowledging that Lafayette is undeniably a great school, and its teachers put in an astounding amount of effort, caring deeply for each child and fostering a supportive, close-knit community. Your child will undoubtedly receive a quality education and enjoy the learning process. However, it's crucial to understand that behind the scenes, the work environment can be extraordinarily hostile and toxic. In particular, the administration's lack of understanding regarding early childhood development has resulted in overwhelming demands placed on teachers, leading to distressing consequences.In particular, the principal's public demeanor may seem loving in parent and community meetings, but behind closed doors, she can be vicious. There have been instances of yelling during staff and grade-level meetings and leaving teachers in tears, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.I urge parents to delve deeper into the turnover rate at Lafayette. Many seasoned teachers, some with over 5-10+ years of experience at the school, have left for other institutions. Notably, a significant number of teachers of color and male teachers have departed as well, indicating a concerning trend that deserves attention.To truly understand the situation, I encourage you to reach out to former teachers who have left Lafayette and hear their stories. There's a reason why the Kindergarten team is mostly new this year. As someone who worked in a traumatic work environment, I know the importance of supporting teachers, ensuring their well-being, and fostering a positive atmosphere.Don't misunderstand; your child will receive a quality education and be surrounded by caring teachers at Lafayette. But please, as parents, take the time to check in on your child's teachers from time to time. Many of us were too afraid to speak up and seek support during our time at Lafayette. Having experienced the contrast in an extremely caring administrative team elsewhere, I now realize how things could have been different.Love your teachers this year, and I wish you all a great start to the school year.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2023

Lafayette ES is an outstanding school. Our son moved from a local private school last year and our family has been so much happier at this school. He had wonderful teachers both years; they are very loving and caring. The teachers are very open and communicative with the parents. My son loves school and is thriving here, he is performing above grade level. Our decision to transfer from the private to public school was definitely the best decision.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2023

This was our first year at Lafayette and we love the school.My kids really thrived (1st, 4th) in a very nurturing and loving environment. The Principal is great, the kids love her.Their teachers were phenomenal, very communicative, professional but also loving. One of my kids was having issues in math and they immediately put her on a smaller group of children that had a dedicated teacher to help them improve their skills. My daughter improved significantly and was at a high to above math level at the end of the year.They also have a peace curriculum that focuses on wellness for the children and many other extras for the kids to reach their best potential Finally they have a wonderful parent associationI highly recommend the school
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2023

Our child is a finishing up kindergarten and has loved the Lafayette experience so far. Great teachers, nice community at the school.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2023

This is our first year at Lafayette with kids in K and 4th. The students have been very welcoming, teachers communicate regularly and have been very responsive. Coming from a much smaller DCPS Elementary school, we have loved all the activities, sports, and aftercare options. The facilities, building and playgrounds, are amazing!
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2023

I rushed from work early to pick my child, the class teacher eloped with my child, where she took the child to, I don’t know. The teachers’s class was called from reception phone so she could bring my child to me but she was no where to be found with the child . I peeped in my child’s class but no child in the class. I Checked all around the school I didn’t find my child and the teacher, for 2 good hours . Security also helped search for my child no one knew where the teacher took my child to. The very terrible principal dismissed my concerns as to my child’s where about with the teacher , she did her best to cover it. When I reported the case they went back to the security to tell the security to sugar coat the story and paint the teacher in a good light to me. The teacher retaliated by giving my child bad grades and the school, framed everything saying my child is autistic and is not able to follow the class activities and the principal supported this. My child always complained about his teacher as she constantly maltreated him also starving him while other children were fed at school. They asked me to sign a form so they could administer a test on him which was going to be manipulated anyways to support their claim of autism . The child doesn’t have autism he is also stressed from what he goes through in the hands of his teacher . I reported the case and asked they check the camera footage to know where the teacher took my child to but they are delaying so the camera footage would be deleted. It is clear to me that this is the first time she eloped with the child I happen to have closed from work on time that day. What a Horror of a school . She will definitely be caught. I also noticed a benefit account was initiated with my sons school email and this email is used solely for my child’s school activities and the email was barely a month old which I updated with the teacher to get communications from the school. It’s been a messy experience. I had to call to report the govt account that it was not opened by me so the benefit account can be closed. The principal is well aware of bad practices. This is the reason most parents are loosing faith in the school system. I took my child away from the school quickly to home school. They pressured me to sign the test doc or they will continue with the test anyways, without my approval. Child Safety is no concern here. Universe pls protect our kids!!!
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2022

My two daughters are just finishing pre-K and K, and really enjoyed it. They learned how to read and write while still having a lot of fun on art, Spanish, gym, etc. The teachers were awesome and the principal managed the covid situation well this school year, all things considered.
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2020

I loved the people and all of the playgrounds. Great teachers but no walls between classrooms. Really liked it. The current principle is terrible though.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2020

We had a terrible experience at Lafayette and our kid hated to go to school every day. Meetings with the teacher, guidance counselor and principal went nowhere and everything was just ignored, swept under the rug, or they blamed my child for disliking school. We have since left Lafayette and our family is so much happier to be at a school where people care about children and where adults speak to one another respectfully, with the goal of solving problems and giving kids the best experience possible.
Submitted by other on March 06, 2019

The biggest bunch of bullies on the planet. The place should be shut down.
Submitted by teacher on August 24, 2018

It is a great school. Getting bigger and bigger every year! Teachers are amazing, the front office very effective and caring and the principal a very professional woman... It is very hard to please almost 900 families but I am sure she is doing her best and cares about our students and community.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2018

My experience has been great. We are going on year 5.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2018

We have loved our time at Lafayette. Our children have thrived in a nurturing, stimulating environment, and are well-prepared for their next adventures...with some great memories and neighborhood friends.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2018

Been a fantastic experience for our daughter - very happy with it.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2017

I have had two children go to Lafayette. Both started there in pre-K. One finished and the other is now in fourth grade. Both have had very good experiences. The teachers are very caring and some are quite creative in how they teach. One of my son's had extensive learning disabilities and the staff worked with him and us; he is now a B student in high school which is a huge achievement. The parents group works hard and is very supportive. The new building is also beautiful. Some parents and teachers, however, have complained about the new principal who started about 2 years ago; several teachers left the school reportedly because of the new principal's management style (micro-managing, dictating rather than involving teachers, not using the committee structure, etc).
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2016

We have a daughter going into 2nd grade and a son entering pre-k next year. So far all great teachers. Not sure why so much bashing of the school. We'll see how the older grades go but so far so good.
Submitted by other on April 18, 2015

I am a Lafayette graduate that now goes to Alice Deal Middle School. Previous comments have seemed to be extremely harsh while saying their opinions but I don't think they realize this is an elementary school. There are bound to be problems, and unfortunately many families do not have the money to find some other private school as an alternative. Fortunately for me I seemed to end up with very good teachers my entire time except for 5th grade... That, I admit was a disaster. Though, it is a possibility to get switched from different teachers. 5th grade was the one year that seemed to be very disorganized. Also, when I was there, they had no walls, but "dividers." Luckily Lafayette will be going through an all out renovation through the 2015-2016 school year, which I think everyone is excited for. Though they have these problems, I have had my favorite teachers at this school, and have lots of good memories.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

For the amount of $ DC spends on each child, which is one of the highest per student allotments in the entire country, this is unacceptable. I get the impression that Lafayette parents are just so relived to be in one of the better DC school zones. Other schools in DCPS are shameful and literacy rates are low. If I hear Kaya Henderson brag that DC has one of the largest increases of test scores one more time... Of course DCPS has improved scores more than say Fairfax/Montgomery. Those systems are operating with test scores in the 90 percentile & have little room for academic improvement. DC scores are so low that it is virtually impossible to go anywhere but up. Going from the 16th to the 24th percentile is a gain but an embarrassment. Lafayette is not a great or even good school. It is an okay school at best, academically speaking. The principal leaves much to be desired. I can't think of one positive thing to say about her except she does a fine job keeping the parents in the dark. Ignorance is bliss. New leadership should improve Lafayette. We believe in public education but realized our children would receive years of mediocre education. Can't get those years back.