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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 20003 District Of Columbia Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 3,225 students in 20003, DC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 20003, DC are Brent Elementary School, Payne Elementary School and Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster). Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 20003 have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the District Of Columbia public elementary school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 31% statewide average). Elementary schools in 20003, DC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of District Of Columbia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the District Of Columbia public elementary school average of 85% (majority Black).

Best 20003, DC Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brent Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
301 North Carolina Ave. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3363
Gr: PK-5 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Payne Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1445 C St. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3262
Gr: PK-5 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #33.
Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster)
(Math: 42% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
420 12th St. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 698-3355
Gr: 1-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #44.
Shirley Chisholm Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1001 G St. Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 939-4810
Gr: PK-5 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #55.
Van Ness Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1150 5th St Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 727-4314
Gr: PK-5 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #66.
Friendship Pcs - Chamberlain Middle School
Charter School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1345 Potomac Avenue Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-5800
Gr: 4-8 | 282 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Friendship Pcs - Chamberlain Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1345 Potomac Avenue Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-5800
Gr: PK-3 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #88.
Center City Pcs - Capitol Hill
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1503 East Capitol Street Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 547-7556
Gr: PK-8 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #99.
St. Coletta Special Education Pcs
Special Education School
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1901 Independence Avenue Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 350-8680
Gr: PK-12 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 97%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 20003, DC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 20003, DC include Brent Elementary School, Payne Elementary School and Watkins Es (Capitol Hill Cluster).
How many public elementary schools are located in 20003?
9 public elementary schools are located in 20003.
What is the racial composition of students in 20003?
20003 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the District Of Columbia public elementary schools average of 85% (majority Black).

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