Serving 497 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Powell Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is approximately equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 87% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 497 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Powell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Powell Elementary School's student population of 497 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
497 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
We educate, prepare, and inspire all students to reach their highest potential.
School Rankings
Powell 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 Powell Elementary School is 0.44, which is less 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
#60 out of 220 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
73%
19%
Black
12%
63%
White
11%
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
100%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Powell Elementary School's ranking?
Powell Elementary School is ranked #60 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Powell Elementary School often compared to?
Powell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bancroft Elementary School 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 22% DC state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Powell Elementary School?
497 students attend Powell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Powell Elementary School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 11% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Powell Elementary School?
Powell Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Powell Elementary School offer ?
Powell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Powell Elementary School part of?
Powell Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Powell Elementary School located?
Powell 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 Powell 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

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.