Serving 542 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Shirley Chisholm Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% 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: 542 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School's student population of 542 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has declined by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
542 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Colors
Yellow and Navy Blue
School Motto
A Great Day to Love & Learn
School Rankings
Shirley Chisholm 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 Shirley Chisholm Elementary School is 0.62, 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
#47 out of 220 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
16%
19%
Black
55%
62%
White
23%
14%
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shirley Chisholm Elementary School's ranking?
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School is ranked #47 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Shirley Chisholm Elementary School often compared to?
Shirley Chisholm Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster) 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 22% DC state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Shirley Chisholm Elementary School?
542 students attend Shirley Chisholm Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Shirley Chisholm Elementary School students are Black, 23% of students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shirley Chisholm Elementary School?
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Shirley Chisholm Elementary School offer ?
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shirley Chisholm Elementary School part of?
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Shirley Chisholm Elementary School located?
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 2 other public schools located in Capitol Hill.
School Reviews
Review Shirley Chisholm 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
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
