Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Shepherd Elementary School: Nurturing Global Thinkers & Compassionate Learners
At Shepherd Elementary School, we are dedicated to fostering academic excellence while nurturing the emotional, social, and physical well-being of every student. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) cultivates globally-minded learners who engage in inquiry-based education, preparing them to think critically and act compassionately. With a student-centered approach, our curriculum is driven by children's questions, ensuring personalized and meaningful learning experiences. We offer a comprehensive range of subjects, including Spanish, French, Music, Art, Library, and Physical Education, alongside core academic disciplines. Our experienced educators, including Principal Tyra Russell, bring decades of expertise in early childhood education and leadership.Founded in 1932, we maintain a legacy of excellence through traditions like our Science Fair, Spelling Bee, and community-building events. Our collaborative environment, supported by active parent engagement through the PTO, ensures students thrive academically and personally. We prioritize safety, inclusivity, and holistic development, preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our vision is to create lifelong learners who contribute to a more peaceful global community through intellectual curiosity and empathy.
Services
International Baccalaureate Program
Foreign Language Instruction
Arts Education
Physical Education
Aftercare Program
Details
- Year established: 1932
Highlights and features
- We offer a student-centered International Baccalaureate curriculum fostering global citizenship.
- Our experienced educators specialize in early childhood and IB pedagogy.
- We provide foreign language instruction in Spanish and French starting in early grades.
- Our community-driven approach includes active parent-teacher collaboration and enrichment programs.
- We maintain a legacy of academic excellence since 1932 with innovative teaching methods.
Associations and certifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
Services
International Baccalaureate Program
Shepherd's IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) develops globally-minded learners through inquiry-based education. Students aged 3-12 engage in interdisciplinary studies that emphasize critical thinking, cultural awareness, and compassionate action. Our certified IB educators design units that integrate core subjects while fostering international perspectives.
Foreign Language Instruction
We offer Spanish and French language instruction starting from early childhood education. Our programs build linguistic proficiency while cultivating cultural understanding through immersive activities, literature, and interactive communication exercises tailored to elementary learners.
Arts Education
Our arts curriculum includes Music, Art, and Library classes that nurture creativity and self-expression. Students explore diverse artistic techniques, musical genres, and literary works while developing fine motor skills and aesthetic appreciation through hands-on projects.
Physical Education
Structured physical education classes promote health, coordination, and teamwork. Our program emphasizes lifelong fitness habits through age-appropriate activities, sports, and movement education that align with national physical education standards.
Aftercare Program
Shepherd Elementary School Star Achievers (SESSA) provides supervised after-school care with academic support, enrichment activities, and structured play. The program extends learning beyond regular school hours while offering flexible scheduling for working families.
People
Tyra Russell
Principal
Principal Tyra Russell brings 18 years of educational leadership experience to Shepherd. She holds multiple master's degrees in education and administration, with expertise in curriculum development and teacher coaching. Prior to joining Shepherd, she served as Assistant Principal at Savoy Elementary and taught grades K-7 in New York charter schools.
Questions
What grades does Shepherd Elementary serve?
Shepherd serves students from PreK3 through 5th grade.
Is Shepherd an International Baccalaureate school?
Yes, Shepherd is one of only three IB elementary schools in DCPS.
What foreign languages are offered?
We offer Spanish and French language instruction starting in early childhood.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can join the PTO, become Room Parents, serve on the LSAT, or participate in volunteer programs.
What enrichment programs are available?
We offer arts education, physical education, STEM activities, and aftercare programs.
What is the school's history?
Founded in 1932, Shepherd is named after DC's territorial governor and maintains a legacy of academic excellence.
