Garfield Elementary School is truly a special school community, filled with bright and curious learners from diverse backgrounds. We are deeply committed to fostering a culture of collaboration between our educators and students, ensuring that everyone benefits from the shared knowledge, creativity, and connections within our community.

Caring Culture, Collaborative Teams, Curriculum, and Instruction

Garfield's mission is built on three key pillars: a caring culture, collaborative teams, and quality curriculum and instruction. We are dedicated to nurturing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, fostering teamwork among educators, and delivering innovative, student-centered instruction that inspires curiosity and meets the unique needs of every learner.

Valued Family Engagement

At Garfield Elementary School, we pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming community school where families and staff come together to support student success. Through engaging events, interactive workshops, and special activities, we foster strong partnerships that create a sense of belonging for everyone in our school community.

Our efforts are reflected in the 2023-24 Family Engagement Survey, where nearly all respondents shared that “My child enjoys going to this school” and “I feel welcome at my child’s school.” These affirmations speak to our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive environment where students thrive and families feel valued.

Whether it's through family nights, cultural celebrations, or volunteering opportunities, we strive to strengthen the home-school connection, ensuring that every family feels an integral part of the Garfield experience.

Dedicated and Supported Staff

At Garfield Elementary School, our staff are the heart of our community. They are not only educators but also lifelong learners who are deeply committed to building strong relationships with students and families. With a focus on creating a supportive, joyful, and engaging learning environment, our team works tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of every learner.

Our teachers bring a high level of training, expertise, and passion to their classrooms. Through ongoing professional development, collaboration with our Instructional Coach, and the support of specialized resource staff, we ensure they have the tools, strategies, and resources needed to provide high-quality instruction that inspires and challenges every student.

Prioritizing Relationships, Joy, and Student Success

At Garfield, we believe that strong relationships are at the core of student success. Our staff is dedicated to understanding and supporting each child as an individual, celebrating their strengths, and empowering them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we create a learning community where students thrive and where joy, kindness, and achievement go hand in hand.

Inclusive Learning Opportunities

At Garfield Elementary School, we take pride in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. In the Nest, we do our best, to Connect, Protect, and Respect!  Our approach to student success focuses on developing critical skills such as self-regulation and good decision-making across all our classrooms, from PreK-6.

To support the well-being of every student, we’ve dedicated time to teaching SELS curriculum such as Second Step and designed a space, like our Calm Lab.  At Garfield, we celebrate each student’s unique potential and are committed to empowering them for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Student Leadership

At Garfield Elementary, we empower students to become responsible, engaged, and equity-minded leaders. Through opportunities like Safety Patrols, Student Ambassadors, and our News Show, students develop a strong sense of responsibility, civic commitment, and teamwork. Our focus is on amplifying student voice and nurturing leadership skills that inspire confidence and lasting impact. 

Fun After-School Programs

Our diverse range of after-school programs allows students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with friends in an engaging and supportive environment.

From Robotics to Chess Club and Chorus, there’s something for every student to enjoy. For those who love science and problem-solving, our Science and Math Olympiad provides hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and innovation.

These programs not only foster a love of learning but also build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment. At Garfield, we believe in nurturing well-rounded learners, and our after-school programs are a perfect extension of that commitment. 

Early Childhood Education

With two full-time grant-funded pre-K programs, in addition to our special education preschool classrooms, we provide a nurturing educational environment for our youngest learners, setting the stage for future success.

Community Partnerships

At Garfield Elementary School, we are fortunate to have an extraordinary network of community partners and volunteers who help us provide comprehensive wrap-around care and resources for our students and families. These partnerships play a vital role in supporting student success, addressing needs beyond the classroom, and strengthening the home-school connection.

One incredible example of this generosity is the donation of designer sneakers for every Garfield student this year, made possible by a remarkable community partnership. This act of kindness reflects the deep commitment our partners have to ensuring every child feels valued and supported. At Garfield, we believe in the power of community to uplift and inspire. Through these partnerships, we continue to build a school where every student and family feels supported, valued, and connected.

Nurtures Future Educators

Garfield is proud to be a Professional Development School, collaborating with George Mason University to help prepare teacher candidates as they transition into the classroom. This unique partnership enriches our school community in two meaningful ways: it equips future educators with hands-on experience in a supportive environment while also providing our experienced teachers the opportunity to mentor and learn alongside the next generation of educators. Together, this collaboration enhances the capacity of both novice and veteran teachers, ensuring a high level of instructional excellence for our students.

Garfield is more than a school—it's a community where we learn, grow, and make an impact.