

Navy Yard · Grades PK3–5
Source: OSSE School Report Card — official rating from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
Payne Elementary School operates under its guiding mission: "where genius lives!" The school aims to grow self-efficacy and school pride by acknowledging each student's innate ability to learn. Students benefit from a diverse array of enrichment activities designed to broaden their horizons, including a Robotics Club, Girl Scouts, and Student Government. The educational approach incorporates a Creative Curriculum, fostering comprehensive development. The school day begins at 8:45 a.m. and concludes at 3:15 p.m., offering a consistent schedule for academic and social growth. A uniform is required for all students, contributing to a unified learning environment. Lottery priority is extended to in-boundary students with a sibling currently attending or with a sibling offered enrollment.
“Payne Elementary School is where genius lives! We grow self-efficacy and school pride by acknowledging each students innate ability to learn and by cultivating individual genius. Each member of the Payne community is committed to ensuring growth and intellectual development through rigorous study in a nurturing and engaging learning community.”
Enrichment
Robotics Club · Girl Scouts · Creative Curriculum · Student Government
1445 C STREET SE
Required
All DC residents enrolled at Payne Elementary School (ages 5–21) qualify for Kids Ride Free — a SmarTrip card that grants free Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator rides on school days.
Payne Elementary School serves grades PK3–5 in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington DC.
Payne Elementary School is located in Ward 6, Navy Yard, Washington DC.
Payne Elementary School is DCPS (DC Public Schools) that requires a lottery application. Applications are submitted through MySchoolDC (myschooldc.org), which opens each November and closes in early February. Results are released in late March.
Payne Elementary School received a 3/5 star rating (★★★☆☆) from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in SY 2018-19. OSSE ratings measure academic achievement, growth, and attendance.
Yes. As a DC public school, Payne Elementary School is tuition-free and open to all DC residents regardless of ward or neighborhood.
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