Shepherd Elementary has progressively declined over the years. My child has attended the school for 5 years. Instruction from teachers is severely lacking leaving parents to reteach fundamentals of math and language arts at home. Instruction is often replaced by websites meant to be a supplement such as "First in Math". Often times some of the newer teachers are dismissive of parents concerns which ultimately must be funneled to the principle who at this time is bombarded by complaints, yet no changes have been seen. Longevity of teaching staff has been a significant issue at the school. Many of the academic issues could be addressed by utilizing online resources properly such as posting homework assignments online, instead of steering students to video game type learning tools in lieu of classroom instruction. I can say that Music, Art, and Gym instruction are on track for this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Shepherd tries very hard but is a bit overwhelmed with trying to be an IB school.Academics are average at best. I was not impressed with teacher my child had. She had no up to date training and was not interested n teaching the whole child. The PTA is overwhelmingly the best thing about the school however if you dont live in the neihborhood you are kind of an outcast. Also if your child is new and you have not been a part of the school since Pre K you an outsider. It is in a very nice area of Washington DC and therefore gets credit that it doesnt deserve. The star average says it all.
—Submitted by a parent

My son entered Shepherd last year as a new PK student. As my wife and I were new to the District, we had out concerns with public education in the city. We went to several DCPS open houses, and felt very comfortable with the Shepherd community. Not only has our son's want for academic success grown, but our family feels enriched by the caring environment. As a father, I am pleased with the leadership and the school's direction.
—Submitted by a parent

Shepherd is a wonderful school, on its way to becoming even better. A lot of the concerns I heard a few years ago, seem to have been--or are being--addressed. Shepherd is now officially an IB school. I love hearing the children say good morning in three different languages during morning assembly. The program is rich and diverse; the community is warm and caring. The school is not perfect and there are a few individual teachers that I feel aren't as good as they could be; but overall, I'm very happy to have my child there.
—Submitted by a parent

Shepherd is a wonderful neighborhood school in a wonderful neighborhood. We just moved to area and we have two children at Shepherd ES - we have lucked out!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with great teachers/staff, and great parent/community involvment. All of my children began their educations there. Our music program is outstanding and our language program is making great strides.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers. Very loving, caring and smart!
—Submitted by a parent

Shepherd makes learning fun!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, great princal, wonderful language instruction and music program!
—Submitted by a parent

Because the teachers really care about the children and their growth.
—Submitted by a parent

So many dedicated individuals, some who have been at the school for years. Kindergarten teachers (the ones I know best) are terrific. Great new principal. Diverse classroom, which I value a great deal. Involved PTA. Lovely neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

Shepherd is a neighborhood school, where children can walk to school, where the school is surrounded by the community it serves. Whether one has children at the school or not it serves as a focal point for our neighborhood.

Professional, caring and committed teaching and administrative staff; involved parents; supportive community.
—Submitted by a parent

Shepherd is a good school in a fantastic neighborhood. Hopefully in a couple of years our own children will be able to cross the street and become part of the Shepherd School family.

Very solid school, teacher quality is good, music and language is great, parents are involved and it has a long history of ties and support with the neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

We love our neighborhood school!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great! The Principal is great! What's not to love!
—Submitted by a parent

I love how this school welcomes newcomers
—Submitted by a parent

I love the care and concern for the children displayed by the teachers, assistants and staff. The fact that they know the children by name and usually recognize the parents/grandparents gives me a sense of security. I feel the children are receiving an excellent education and foundation for the future, just as I did when my oldest daughter, who is now 36 years old, was a student there.

Shepherd Elementary has a staff that truly cares about its students. Furthermore, many of the Shepherd families are from Shepherd Park, which makes for more of a community-feel in the school. I have been a Shepherd parent since 2005 and I have no complaints! The students learn a lot and they have fun doing it. My daughter started Pre-K at Shepherd last year and began learning to read and my son has always tested either advanced or proficient in both reading and math since he started DC BAS/DC CAS testing.
—Submitted by a parent