Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary School is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering personal growth, respect, and a love of learning in every student. We strive to create a supportive environment where students are empowered to reach their highest potential and develop the skills they need to succeed. 

Academic Success

At Coates, it is our mission to nurture and expect all students to be strong individuals (who demonstrate high academic achievement, grit, and personal responsibility), collaborative teammates (who demonstrate effective communication skills and empathy), and bold thinkers (who engage in thoughtful risk-taking).

Student Programs

You won’t find another group of teachers with a bigger heart for kids.  Our students’ areas of growth are ours too.  Our students’ successes fill us with pride.  Everyone who works here is a make-a-difference kind of person, and we look forward to bringing your child into the Coates family!

Caring Staff

Among our award-winning teachers, Demilyn Diaz, a fourth grade teacher, was honored with an Excellence Award in 2024. Fourth Grade Teacher Kristen Cegile was recognized as the FCPS 2023 Region 5 Outstanding Elementary Teacher. 

Family Academy

Coates authentically partners with parents to help support the success of their students. Led by their Family Liaison Solangie McPerson, the school offers a Family Academy for parents to learn more about FCPS and the American public education system.

Home Support

The school adopted a Home-School Compact in 2020, outlining how Coates teachers and parents are equally committed to each child’s success at school.

Active PTA

Coates is proud to have a wonderful Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that works with the principal to make Coates a great school. Typical PTA events include our annual Fall Festival, Family Movie Nights, International Night, Spelling Bee, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!

Community-Focused Culture

We want all of our kids and families to feel welcomed, appreciated, and safe when they walk through our doors. There’s a warmth and sense of connection that parents have commented on when they spend time in the school building or with their children’s teachers. This is the culture we’re constantly nurturing at Coates.

Diverse Community

Our community is diverse and supportive, and we have more than 40 languages spoken in the homes of our families.  We have teachers and staff members from all across the globe, and we view our multiculturalism as a strength. It shows our children how to appreciate others’ uniqueness and our common greatness. Our families are happy to partner with us, and we’re proud of our Family Engagement Survey results.

Equitable Meal Support

Coates participates in the Community Eligibility Provision program, providing two meals a day, free of cost, to all students.

Positivity Project

We also take seriously our responsibility to promote character in our students. We have clear rules and logical consequences for students, but more importantly, we devote class time to explicitly teaching and reinforcing character. We are proud to be part of the Positivity Project along with many schools throughout the nation.