Lauren Lumpkin

Washington, D.C.

Reporter covering issues at local schools

Education: American University, MA journalism and public affairs; American University, BA public relations and strategic communication

Lauren Lumpkin is a local education reporter for The Washington Post. She joined The Post in 2020 after a year-long fellowship on the education desk. Before coming to The Post, Lumpkin covered public schools for the Capital Gazette and breaking news for the Baltimore Sun. She has previously contributed to the Nation and NBC Washington.
Latest from Lauren Lumpkin

In wake of Ralph Yarl shooting, Black teens face fear and resignation

In the wake of Ralph Yarl's shooting, Black teens say they are dealing with new levels of fear. Yarl was shot by a White man after ringing the doorbell at the wrong house.

April 23, 2023

Schools brace for challenges as once-in-a-lifetime cash runs out

The fallout could lead to several tumultuous years for schools as they contend not only with the loss of cash, but also with declining enrollment and inflation.

April 18, 2023

D.C. school lottery sees uptick in applications, high school interest

Seventy-four percent of D.C. families were offered seats at their first-choice schools in the My School DC lottery, the highest match rate since the system started almost 10 years ago, according to education officials.

April 10, 2023

Where are the worst drivers, best restaurants in the D.C. area? The poll data are in.

The poll set about trying to shed light on that question and a handful of others, including whether Northern Virginia, the District or its Maryland suburbs have the best restaurants, schools, shopping or parks.

April 7, 2023

D.C. elementary students hospitalized after sharing ‘gummies,’ officials say

The students from Key Elementary School in Northwest are in stable condition, authorities said

April 5, 2023

Proposed cuts to D.C. school budget draw big crowd at marathon hearing

More than 400 parents, principals, teachers, students and advocates signed up to testify Wednesday at a marathon budget oversight hearing of D.C.’s education agencies, signaling wide dissatisfaction with Mayor Muriel E. Bowser's proposed spending plan.

April 5, 2023

D.C.’s Eastern High celebrates 100 years of memories and milestones

Eastern High School, also known as "The Pride of Capitol Hill,” marked its centennial anniversary with an exhibit on the D.C. school's history and a Hall of Fame ceremony.

April 4, 2023

Republican congressman calls D.C. schools ‘crappy,’ ‘inmate factories’

The criticism from Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) came during a congressional hearing that focused largely on crime in the city.

March 29, 2023

Too few D.C. students finish college. This program aims to change that.

A recent policy report found only eight out of every 100 ninth graders in D.C. will graduate college within six years of leaving high school.

March 27, 2023

Charting D.C. schools’ road to recovery, from enrollment to retention

A report from the D.C. Policy Center examines the 2021-2022 school year — the first full year in buildings after online learning — including enrollment trends, student outcomes and how D.C. is using its federal education relief funds.

March 15, 2023