Serving 603 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Brightwood Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% 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 12% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 19%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 17% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% 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: 603 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in DC
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Brightwood Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Brightwood Elementary School's student population of 603 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 67 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
603 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
67 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Brightwood Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Brightwood Elementary School is 0.41, 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
#113 out of 220 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
19%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
31%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1

American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%

Hispanic
73%
19%

Black
25%
63%

White
2%
13%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
3%

All Ethnic Groups



Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
1%
5%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brightwood Elementary School's ranking?
Brightwood Elementary School is ranked #113 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 19% DC state average), while 17% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
How many students attend Brightwood Elementary School?
603 students attend Brightwood Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Brightwood Elementary School students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Brightwood Elementary School?
Brightwood Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Brightwood Elementary School offer ?
Brightwood Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Brightwood Elementary School part of?
Brightwood Elementary School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Brightwood Elementary School located?
Brightwood Elementary School is located in the Sixteenth Street Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 3 other public schools located in Sixteenth Street Heights.
School Calendar
View the Brightwood Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break: No school for students and teachers
April 14, 2025 (Monday)
Spring Break: No school for students and teachers
April 15, 2025 (Tuesday)
Spring Break: No school for students and teachers |DC Emancipation Day: DCPS Closed
April 16, 2025 (Wednesday)
Spring Break: No school for students and teachers
April 17, 2025 (Thursday)
Spring Break: No school for students and teachers
April 18, 2025 (Friday)
School Reviews
Review Brightwood 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

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.