Phillis Wheatley Elementary School is a school in New Orleans. The original school building was designed by the architect Charles Colbert in 1954 as a segregated school for African-American students. The cantilevered steel truss structure allowed for a covered play space underneath.
Serving 777 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Phillis Wheatley Community School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Louisiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Louisiana state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the Louisiana state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Louisiana state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 777 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in LA
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), LA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Phillis Wheatley Community School's student population of 777 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has grown by 72% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
777 students
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
School Rankings
Phillis Wheatley Community School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,244 schools in Louisiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Phillis Wheatley Community School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1090 out of 1244 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
27%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
27%
11%
Black
70%
42%
White
n/a
41%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
61%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), LA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phillis Wheatley Community School's ranking?
Phillis Wheatley Community School is ranked #1090 out of 1,244 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Louisiana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% LA state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% LA state average).
How many students attend Phillis Wheatley Community School?
777 students attend Phillis Wheatley Community School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Phillis Wheatley Community School students are Black, 27% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Phillis Wheatley Community School?
Phillis Wheatley Community School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Louisiana state average of 13:1.
What grades does Phillis Wheatley Community School offer ?
Phillis Wheatley Community School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Phillis Wheatley Community School part of?
Phillis Wheatley Community School is part of Phillis Wheatley Community School District.
In what neighborhood is Phillis Wheatley Community School located?
Phillis Wheatley Community School is located in the Treme And Lafitte neighborhood of New Orleans, LA. There are 1 other public schools located in Treme And Lafitte.
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