Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary first welcomed students through its doors on September 8, 2009 with an enrollment of 540 students. The school is named for a local African American educator, and we are dedicated to excellence, just as Mrs. Coates was during her years as a teacher and principal in northern Virginia. We challenge our students to come to school every day prepared to be Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Shine!

Over the years, Coates has grown to an enrollment of approximately 740 students.  We are a diverse community with families speaking over 40 languages at home.  We are proud of the high standards for academics and behavior in all of our classes and programs, including our advanced academics ("local level IV") classrooms, our range of special education services including autism services, and our robust school-wide program to promote empathy, respect and resilience.  Above all, the Coates staff is proud of their commitment to teaching thinking skills that transcend the curriculum.

Coates boasts a staff that is always ready to go above and beyond for our students, and a growing PTA that we hope parents join and support.  At Coates, staff and students are referred to as "stars" because our mascot is a star. School colors are blue and yellow.