Phillis Wheatley Elementary School is a school in New Orleans. The original school building was designed by the architect Charles Colbert in 1954 as a segregated school for African-American students. The cantilevered steel truss structure allowed for a covered play space underneath.
Serving 832 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Phillis Wheatley Community School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Louisiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Louisiana state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 18% (which is lower than the Louisiana state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Louisiana state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 59% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 832 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in LA
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), LA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Phillis Wheatley Community School's student population of 832 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has grown by 58% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
832 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
School Rankings
Phillis Wheatley Community School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,244 schools in Louisiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Phillis Wheatley Community School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1090 out of 1244 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
27%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
27%
11%
Black
69%
41%
White
1%
41%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), LA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phillis Wheatley Community School's ranking?
Phillis Wheatley Community School is ranked #1090 out of 1,244 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Louisiana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% LA state average), while 18% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% LA state average).
How many students attend Phillis Wheatley Community School?
832 students attend Phillis Wheatley Community School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Phillis Wheatley Community School students are Black, 27% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Phillis Wheatley Community School?
Phillis Wheatley Community School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Louisiana state average of 14:1.
What grades does Phillis Wheatley Community School offer ?
Phillis Wheatley Community School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Phillis Wheatley Community School part of?
Phillis Wheatley Community School is part of Phillis Wheatley Community School District.
In what neighborhood is Phillis Wheatley Community School located?
Phillis Wheatley Community School is located in the Treme And Lafitte neighborhood of New Orleans, LA. There are 1 other public schools located in Treme And Lafitte.
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