Somerset Elementary School

Lafayette is a stellar school with one of the best parent/student communities in the DC area. The teachers are extremely committed, creative, and engaging. The curriculum is appropriately challenging but also balanced (great art, music, and peace classes). Students are generally kind and inclusive. The school’s leadership and staff are supportive and run the school in an efficient manner, ensuring parents are always aware of what’s going on. My kids look forward to school everyday and feel very supported in the Lafayette community.

We are leaving Janney and a large number of families of children above grade 2 are, as well. Principal Danielle Singh has created a culture of no accountability, including allowing an abusive teacher to continue teaching after three years of bad behavior (including refusing to allow students to receive accommodations and services as required by law). Staff and families find her non-responsive, afraid of conflict to the point of inaction, and focused only on optics and her own personal goals. Several of our best teachers are leaving or planning to leave, as well. Families who have younger children at Janney as well as older children who went to Janney before the principal changed speak regularly to how different it is now under Singh. The community and PTA are wonderful, and lower grade teachers are generally better regarded than upper grade teachers. Special education students, in particular, are considered a burden and the staff routinely pass the buck when working with them.

Since Dr. Zaks joined as principal in 2022, the school has been amazing for my child, who has special education needs. The teachers are great, as is the entire administration. There is plenty of family involvement and a very active PTA. The school provides a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to succeed.

the best school in the world I love it