John Lewis Elementary School

We are Truesdell parents of two kiddos and have been at Truesdell for 8 years. As someone who has spent 20 years as an educator in DC public, private, and charter schools (and who also teaches at the university level) I feel I have a uniquely informed perspective on what makes a school truly exceptional.Both of our children have been happy, engaged learners every single year they’ve attended Truesdell. Their teachers, year after year, have made a genuine difference. Both kids are top performers in their grades, testing well above grade level, and I credit the school environment for nurturing that love of learning and drive to excel.Like any school, Truesdell has areas to grow. I’d love to see continued investment in family communication, and I know that’s something the school is working on. Responding to students who need additional support is also an area of growth and that’s consistent throughout the city. I have also raised teacher retention with leadership, as one of the best indicators of teacher quality is teacher experience, and I hope that continues to be a priority. But in my two decades in K-12 education, I have never encountered a school without imperfections. What matters is the culture, the care, and the outcomes, and on all three counts, Truesdell delivers.My partner and I both run small businesses in this neighborhood. We’ve lived here for 17 years and feel deeply rooted in this community. Truesdell is a big part of why. We aim to give back as much as we receive, and this school has given our family so much. Our kids are more than prepared to excel in whatever comes next for them.If you’re looking for a school with a strong community, dedicated teachers, and an environment where high-performing kids can thrive…Truesdell is it. We are so grateful

Poorly. The parent PTO group, Powell Padres, is very high charging and successful in fundraising ventures, but lacks long-term goals, which means a lot of time, energy and money are wasted on things of very little educational value (ie, field trips to Wolf Trap). It seems the real goal then (or consequence for lack of educational vision) is to raise the esteem of certain highly powerful PTO members to influence levels that are beyond reproach.

We had a very bad experience at LAMB. Our child was bullied and the administration didn't have a clue on how to follow Federal guidelines. The teachers are GREAT but the administration is lacking.

As a parent volunteer, I'm frequently at the school. My experience with the principal, other leadership, counselors and teachers have been very good. The students are caring and I have a since of community within the school.