LaSalle-Backus Elementary School

At a Glance

LaSalle-Backus Elementary School is a public DCPS school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Northeast Washington's Lamond Riggs neighborhood. Located in Ward 4 at 501 Riggs Road NE, the school focuses on whole-child development through rigorous academics combined with digital literacy and social-emotional learning. LaSalle-Backus serves a diverse student body and emphasizes preparing scholars with the skills needed for success in a 21st-century global society.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools elementary, LaSalle-Backus participates in the My School DC lottery system for enrollment. Families living within the school's boundary have priority for in-boundary seats, while out-of-boundary families can enter the lottery for any remaining spots. The application window typically opens in the winter for the following school year, and families can rank multiple schools in their preferences.

The grade configuration means families should plan for a transition to middle school after fifth grade. Understanding DCPS feeder patterns early helps parents prepare for their child's educational pathway through the system. Starting with pre-kindergarten for three-year-olds allows families to establish roots at the school for up to three years before kindergarten even begins.

The school's location on Riggs Road NE in Lamond Riggs places it in a residential area of Ward 4. Families considering the school should evaluate transportation logistics, whether that means walking distance from home, driving and parking availability, or access to public transportation routes in the area.

LaSalle-Backus has been noted as a four-star school on the rise within DCPS and was the first school in the district to implement a school-wide computer science elementary education program, indicating a commitment to digital literacy and technology integration across all grade levels.

Programs and Approach

The school's mission centers on developing the whole student through multiple educational dimensions. Academic instruction is designed to be both high-quality and rigorous, providing scholars with foundational skills across subject areas. The school employs targeted differentiated programs to personalize learning based on individual student needs and to increase engagement among diverse learners.

Digital literacy stands as a core component of the LaSalle-Backus approach, preparing students to navigate and succeed in technology-driven environments. The school-wide computer science program represents a forward-thinking commitment to ensuring all students, from the earliest grades, gain exposure to computational thinking and technology skills.

Social-emotional learning complements the academic program, recognizing that students need more than content knowledge to thrive. By focusing on the development of these interpersonal and self-management skills alongside traditional academics, the school aims to prepare well-rounded students ready for future challenges.

As a DCPS school, enrollment is handled through the My School DC unified lottery system rather than through direct application to the school. Families can contact the school directly at 202-671-6340 for information about programs and school culture, but enrollment applications must be submitted through the My School DC common application during the annual lottery window. The lottery system is designed to provide equitable access to public schools across the district.

Visiting and Contact

LaSalle-Backus Elementary School is located at 501 Riggs Road NE in the Lamond Riggs neighborhood of Ward 4. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or finding current information about programs and enrollment should visit the school's page on the DCPS website at dcps.dc.gov or call 202-671-6340.