About Barnard

Guided by the belief that Only the Best Is Good Enough, Barnard Elementary School is committed to excellence for every student. Our community partnerships and passionate educators create an inclusive environment where all learners are supported to achieve at the highest levels. Through innovative and engaging programs like our Flagship Autism Program, cheerleading, DC Scores and Yearbook Club, Barnard empowers students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, meeting every child where they are and helping them soar.

Leadership & Staff
Barnard Basics
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School principal, DCPS chancellor, and members of the school community attend a playground ribbon cutting ceremony.

Location: 430 Decatur St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011*

Phone Number: (202) 576-1100

Building Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

School Hours: 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

*Beginning in April 2025, the new entry point due to construction is on Crittenden St. NW. More about the addition construction can be found here.

Location & Hours

School History

Barnard Elementary’s story began in 1926 with a small, eight-room schoolhouse designed by renowned D.C. architect Louis Justement. Reimagined in 2003 at 430 Decatur Street NW, Barnard now serves PK3 through 5th grade students with pride. The school was named for Justice Job Barnard, a former associate justice of the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia. Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, Barnard became one of the first schools in Washington, D.C. to integrate. Today, Barnard continues to build on nearly a century of history as a vibrant, inclusive learning community, where students are inspired every day to live up to our motto: Only the Best Is Good Enough.

Source: What’s In A Name: History and Heritage of District of Columbia Public and Public Charter Schools, DC Office of Planning