Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders Through Education, Care, and Community
Lafayette Elementary School has been dedicated to academic excellence and student development since 1928. Our mission focuses on nurturing students through creative, challenging, and joyful learning experiences while integrating the arts into all subject areas. With over 900 students from diverse backgrounds across Washington, D.C., we foster a supportive environment that values growth mindset, kindness, and inclusion. Our experienced staff and engaged parent community collaborate to provide rigorous curricula and enrichment programs, including the Peace Program, arts initiatives, and after-school activities.As a cornerstone of the Chevy Chase community, we prioritize family engagement, teacher appreciation, and partnerships with local organizations to enhance educational outcomes. Our modernized facilities and commitment to innovation ensure students receive a well-rounded education preparing them for future success.
Services
Core Curriculum
Arts Integration
Peace Program
After School Enrichment
Teacher Training
Family Engagement
Student Assessments
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- We offer arts-integrated curricula proven to enhance student engagement and creativity.
- Our Peace Program teaches mindfulness and conflict resolution skills to students and families.
- Diverse student body representing all 8 D.C. wards fosters inclusive learning environments.
- Experienced educators receive dedicated funding for classroom resources through the Bear Fund.
- Modernized 120,000 sq ft facility includes outdoor learning spaces and technology resources.
Services
Core Curriculum
Our standards-aligned curricula emphasize literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while integrating arts across all subjects. Specialized instruction includes music, visual arts, and physical education. The program supports differentiated learning to meet individual student needs through small-group instruction and enrichment opportunities.
Peace Program
This social-emotional learning curriculum teaches mindfulness, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation to students and families. Weekly sessions include guided practices and community-building activities that promote kindness and resilience. Parent workshops extend these practices to home environments through evidence-based strategies.
After School Enrichment
After-care programs provide academic support, STEM activities, and creative enrichment from 3:15-6 PM daily. Options include homework assistance, educational games, and outdoor recreation. The program maintains a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio with certified instructors ensuring structured yet flexible learning experiences aligned with school values.
Family Engagement
We offer monthly community meetings, volunteer opportunities, and specialized workshops like Peace for Parents. The Home & School Association facilitates family involvement through events, communication channels, and decision-making roles. These initiatives strengthen home-school connections and support student success through collaborative partnerships.
Student Assessments
Regular formative and summative assessments track academic growth while identifying individual learning needs. Teachers use data-driven instruction to personalize support through targeted interventions and enrichment activities. Assessment results inform curriculum adjustments and parent-teacher conferences to ensure continuous improvement in student outcomes.
Questions
What grade levels does Lafayette serve?
We serve students from pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade.
Is Lafayette a public school?
Yes, we are a public elementary school within the District of Columbia Public Schools system.
What special programs are offered?
We offer arts integration, the Peace Program, after-school enrichment, and specialized assessments for personalized learning.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can join the Home & School Association, volunteer through our online portal, or participate in community events and workshops.
What are before/after care options?
CLS provides structured before care starting at 7:30 AM and after care until 6:00 PM with monthly and drop-in pricing options.
What is the Bear Fund's purpose?
The Bear Fund supports teacher resources, classroom materials, and special programs not covered by the district budget.
