Serving 392 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Van Ness 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 15-19% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 87% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 392 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Van Ness Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Van Ness Elementary School's student population of 392 students has grown by 45% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has grown by 34% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
392 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
2015
School Calendar
Campus Size
2 acres
School Motto
Cultivating Critical Thinkers
School Rankings
Van Ness 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 Van Ness Elementary School is 0.51, 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
#66 out of 220 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
6%
19%
Black
67%
63%
White
18%
13%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
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 Van Ness Elementary School's ranking?
Van Ness Elementary School is ranked #66 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Van Ness Elementary School often compared to?
Van Ness Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Brent Elementary School, Eagle Academy Pcs - Capitol Riverfront by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Van Ness Elementary School?
392 students attend Van Ness Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Van Ness Elementary School students are Black, 18% of students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Van Ness Elementary School?
Van Ness Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Van Ness Elementary School offer ?
Van Ness Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Van Ness Elementary School part of?
Van Ness Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Van Ness Elementary School located?
Van Ness Elementary School is located in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, DC.
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