Garfield Elementary School

At a Glance

Garfield Elementary School is a DC Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood elementary serving students from pre-kindergarten 3 (PK3) through 5th grade. The school sits at 2435 Alabama Avenue SE in the Buena Vista area of Ward 8, in the southeastern part of the District.

As a DCPS elementary, Garfield serves families living within its in-boundary zone first, with additional seats filled through the citywide lottery. The PK3 through grade 5 configuration means children can enter as young as three years old and stay through the end of elementary school, giving families a long runway with a single school community before transitioning to middle school.

What Parents Should Know

A few practical points for families considering Garfield:

• It's a by-right neighborhood school. If you live in Garfield's DCPS boundary, your child has a guaranteed seat. Families outside the boundary, or those seeking a PK3 or PK4 seat, apply through the My School DC lottery.
• Early childhood seats are competitive citywide. PK3 and PK4 spots at DCPS schools are in high demand, and out-of-boundary access depends on lottery results. In-boundary families still need to register, but they are not subject to the lottery for those grades.
• Grade span runs PK3–5. After 5th grade, families move on to a DCPS middle school based on the elementary's feeder pattern. It is worth checking the current feeder chart on the DCPS website so you know which middle school your child would be assigned to from Garfield.
• Location and transportation. The school is on Alabama Avenue SE in Ward 8's Buena Vista neighborhood. Families should plan for car, bus, or walking routes appropriate to that part of Southeast DC; there is no school-provided transportation for general education students in DCPS.
• Whole-child focus. The school's stated mission emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academics, an inclusive school community, and partnerships that bring in events, field trips, and guest speakers.

Programs and Approach

Garfield describes itself as a learning community built around high expectations, rigorous instruction, and an inclusive environment that values every student. The school states that it focuses on educating the whole child, with attention to social-emotional growth as well as academic skills, and that it works to be welcoming, safe, equitable, and affirming for all families.

As with all DCPS elementary schools, Garfield follows the district's adopted curriculum and standards. Enrollment for out-of-boundary applicants — and for any PK3 or PK4 seat — runs through My School DC, the common application and lottery used by all DCPS and public charter schools. The lottery typically opens in the winter for the following school year; families should check myschooldc.org for current deadlines.

For specifics on classroom programs, partnerships, specials, and any extended-day options, contact the school directly or check their website, as offerings can change year to year.

Visiting and Contact

Address: 2435 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC (Buena Vista, Ward 8) Phone: 202-671-6140 Website: http://www.garfieldelementarysf.org/

For tour schedules, registration steps, and the most current information about staff and programs, visit the school's website or call the main office.