Lasalle-backus Elementary School

501 Riggs Rd. Ne
Washington, DC 20011
(School attendance zone shown in map)
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 279 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Lasalle-backus Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 279 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 96%
  • : Top 30% in DC
  • : 25-29% (Top 30%)
  • : 30-34% (Top 30%)
  • : ≤20% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Lasalle-backus Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Lasalle-backus Elementary School's student population of 279 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
279 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold

School Rankings

Lasalle-backus 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 Lasalle-backus Elementary School is 0.56, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (DC)
#47 out of 220 schools
(Top 30%)
25-29%
22%
30-34%
31%
≤20%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
11:1
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
43%
19%
Black
51%
62%
White
4%
14%
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.56
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lasalle-backus Elementary School's ranking?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School is ranked #47 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Lasalle-backus Elementary School often compared to?
Lasalle-backus Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Langley Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Lasalle-backus Elementary School?
279 students attend Lasalle-backus Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Lasalle-backus Elementary School students are Black, 43% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lasalle-backus Elementary School?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Lasalle-backus Elementary School offer ?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lasalle-backus Elementary School part of?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Lasalle-backus Elementary School located?
Lasalle-backus Elementary School is located in the Northeast Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 62 other public schools located in Northeast Washington.

School Calendar

View the Lasalle-backus Elementary School yearly calendar below.

School Reviews

Review Lasalle-backus 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 279 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 96%
  • : Top 30%
  • : 25-29% (Top 30%)
  • : 30-34% (Top 30%)
  • : ≤20% (Top 30%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education

Related School Videos

Quick Links