LaSalle-Backus ES vs Hearst ES

Hearst ES holds a 0.6-point overall rating edge over LaSalle-Backus ES — 9.6/10 versus 9.0/10 — but the state rank gap tells a sharper story: Hearst ES ranks #2 of 240 in the District of Columbia while LaSalle-Backus ES ranks #9 of 240. Both are elite by any measure, yet Hearst sits seven spots higher in a pool of 240 schools, placing it in the top 1% of DC elementaries.

The academic scores drive most of that gap. Hearst ES scores 9.7/10 in academics against LaSalle-Backus ES's 8.4/10 — a 1.3-point difference that reflects meaningfully higher proficiency rates in tested subjects. On growth, the two schools are essentially tied: LaSalle-Backus ES earns a 9.6/10 and Hearst ES earns a 9.7/10, indicating that both schools are accelerating student learning at nearly identical rates regardless of starting point. A family prioritizing demonstrated proficiency levels will find Hearst's academic score more compelling; a family focused on year-over-year learning gains will find both schools competitive.

The demographic picture separates them more on structure than composition. LaSalle-Backus ES enrolls 261 students versus Hearst ES's 337, making Hearst roughly 30% larger. The student-teacher ratio at LaSalle-Backus ES is 8.4:1 — significantly lower than Hearst ES's 11.6:1 — meaning LaSalle-Backus students get more teacher contact time on average. Parents who prioritize small-group instruction and individualized attention will notice that 3.2-student difference in practice.

Both schools serve grades PK through 05, so neither has a structural advantage for early learners or those finishing elementary. The two campuses sit 4.1 miles apart within Washington, DC, making them a realistic either-or choice for families in neighborhoods between Ward 3 and Ward 5. The combination of Hearst's top-2 ranking and stronger academic score versus LaSalle-Backus's lower student-teacher ratio defines the core tradeoff on this comparison.