In 2020, we started the process of renaming John Tyler Elementary School in order to have a school name that better reflected our values. The 22-23 goal was to complete that process by choosing a new name to present to DCPS and the City Council for approval.

The PTA put out three surveys: in 2021, 2022, and 2023 to collect ideas from students and families. A PTA subcommittee of 8 Tyler parents met on April 12 and April 20 to review 121 nominated names that had been suggested. Those that were ineligible (due to a person not being deceased for at least 2 years or because another school already had the name) were removed. The remaining 75 names were assigned to committee members to be scored according to the following 7 criteria: person or place historic significance, contribution or significance to black history, contribution or significance to Hispanic history, contribution or significance to the arts, notable woman in history, Washington DC relevance, contribution or significance to social justice. Each nominee received one point for each criteria met. Four nominees received a score of seven, 11 received a score of six, the rest received less. The four highest scoring renaming candidates were: Elizabeth Catlett, Shirley Horn, Shirley Chisholm, and Toni Morrison.

After an extensive ranked-choice voting process in June 2023, including former staff, families, community members, students, & caregivers, the community voted on a new name: Shirley Chisholm Elementary School.

Shirley Chisholm has been submitted to the DC Council as our new school name & we look forward to collaborating on next steps.