Welcome to Lafayette Elementary School
Our mission is to help our students reach their full potential through creative, challenging, and joyful learning experiences in a supportive, nurturing environment that integrates the arts into all we do. Located in Chevy Chase, DC
Meet the Team
Our talented and caring staff ensures that students thrive academically and socially. Get to know who is on the team!
Our Values
The choices we make are driven by our core values of a growth-mindset, joy, kindness, inclusion, and integrity.
Our Curricula
Our commitment to ensuring every child receives rigorous and joyful instruction starts with the curricula we teach.
School Video Tour
Although we are unable to offer families building tours outside of the regularly scheduled information sessions, we hope this virtual building tour gives you an understanding of the space and the sense of belonging you will experience here!
School News & Updates
2026 HSA and LSAT Elections
HSA CandidatesThe following is the slate of candidates for open HSA Positions: Co-President: (1 position available, 2-year term) Biography of Chris Dietz: I’m a Lafayette Dad of Olivia, a rising 4th grader, and future student Liam; last year served as 1st VP, working...
Your Voice Matters: Discuss the Proposed SY26–27 Budget
Reminder: Tomorrow, June 2, 7-8pm the HSA invites the Lafayette community to attend a combined Board-General virtual meeting. We will present and discuss the proposed SY26-27 budget. We appreciate your input! Join virtually using this link.
Arts Night – A Special Thanks
Thank you to all the dedicated staff including Ms. Gemar, Ms. Swift, Mr. Brockman, Mr. Buxbaum, Ms. Scott, and the facilities team for orchestrating an amazing Arts Night event. From planning to executing, it takes a lot of volunteers and coordination to make Arts...
Save the Date for June’s HSA Meeting
On Tuesday, June 2, 7-8pm the HSA invites the Lafayette community to attend a combined Board-General meeting. We will discuss and vote on the proposed SY26-27 budget. The meeting will be virtual and we will share the link in a future newsletter. For now, please save...
Teacher Appreciation Week Thanks
Teacher Appreciation Week was a meaningful celebration of the great work Lafayette faculty and staff perform throughout the year. Special thanks to our fantastic TAW leads, Sarah Kilby and Lisa Luse, and to Mr. Buxbaum for his instrumental help with coordination and...
Who We Are
Lafayette is the largest elementary school in the District of Columbia with about 900 students in pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. We serve students from all 8 wards from over 15 different linguistic backgrounds and believe that our diversity is the source of our strength. We are proud of our academic excellence, talented teachers, happy students, and engaged community.
Find out more about what is required to enroll >
Donation Opportunities
We are able to provide our students with incredible experiences with the support of the Home School Association (HSA), who accepts donations all year round.