Elementary Schools in Washington, DC

By · Updated May 2026

260 elementary schools serving pre-k through 5th grade (ages 4–11).

Browse all 260 schools that offer elementary grades (PK3–5) in Washington DC — including DCPS public schools, public charter schools, and private/parochial options. Filter by sector, ward, or apply via the DC school lottery.

82
DCPS
96
Charter
46
Independent
36
Parochial

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Compare All 260 Elementary Schools

Sortable directory — click any school for full profile, contact info, and admissions details.

SchoolTypeGradesWardNeighborhood
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia HeightsCharterPK3–PK4Ward 1Columbia Heights
Bancroft Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 1Mount Pleasant
Bruce-Monroe Elementary School @ Park ViewDCPSPK3–5Ward 1Park View
Cleveland Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 1Cardozo/Shaw
Fusion Academy Washington DCIndependent4–12Ward 1Adams Morgan
H.D. Cooke Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 1Adams Morgan
Howard University Early Learning ProgramIndependentAges 2-6Ward 1
Little Flower Montessori SchoolParochialPKWard 1
Marie Reed Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 1Adams Morgan
Meridian Public Charter School - Elementary SchoolCharterPK3–6Ward 1Kingman Park
Mysa MicroschoolIndependentK-8Ward 1
Sacred Heart SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 1
St. Augustine Catholic SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 1
Tubman Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 1Takoma
BASIS DC PCSCharter5–12Ward 2Navy Yard
British International School of WashingtonIndependentAges 2–18Ward 2
Center City PCS - ShawCharterPK3–8Ward 2Petworth
Fusion AcademyIndependent4-12Ward 2
Garrison Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 2Greater U Street Historic District
Georgetown Montessori SchoolIndependentAges 2-6Ward 2
Georgetown Visitation Preparatory SchoolParochial9-12Ward 2
Holy Trinity SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 2
Hyde-Addison Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 2Georgetown
John Francis Education CampusDCPSPK3–8Ward 2West End
KIPP DC - Grow Academy PCSCharterPK3–KWard 2Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - Lead Academy PCSCharter1–4Ward 2Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - WILL Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 2Trinidad
Little Folks SchoolIndependentInfant–KWard 2
Ross Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 2Dupont Circle
Seaton Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 2Logan Circle/Shaw
Smithsonian Early Enrichment CenterIndependentInfants-KWard 2
Stevens Early Learning CenterDCPSPK3–PK4Ward 2Golden Triangle
The Children's House of WashingtonIndependentAges 2–6Ward 2
The French Maternal SchoolIndependentPK–KWard 2Georgetown
The School for Ethics and Global LeadershipIndependent11Ward 2
Thomson Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 2Downtown
Ujamaa SchoolIndependentPK–12Ward 2
Washington International School – Primary CampusIndependentPreK–5Ward 2
Aidan Montessori SchoolIndependentPK-6Ward 3
Annunciation SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 3
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Spring ValleyCharterPK3–PK4Ward 3Spring Valley
Beauvoir SchoolIndependentPK-3Ward 3
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary SchoolEpiscopalPK–3Ward 3Cathedral Heights
Blessed Sacrament SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 3
Broad Branch Children's HouseIndependentPKWard 3
Eaton Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3Cleveland Park
Edmund Burke SchoolIndependent6-12Ward 3
Georgetown Day SchoolIndependentPK–12Ward 3Tenleytown
Georgetown Day School High SchoolIndependent9-12Ward 3
Georgetown Day School Lower/Middle SchoolIndependentPK-8Ward 3
Hearst Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3North Cleveland Park
Janney Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3Tenleytown
John R. Thompson Jr. High School (Formerly MacArthur HS)DCPS9-12Ward 3Foxhall Village
Key Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3The Palisades
Mann Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3Tenleytown
Maret SchoolIndependentK-12Ward 3
Montessori School of Chevy ChaseIndependentAges 18mo-12Ward 3
Murch Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3Wakefield
National Cathedral SchoolParochial4-12Ward 3
National Child Research CenterIndependentAges 2-5Ward 3
National Presbyterian SchoolParochialAge 3-Grade 6Ward 3
Our Lady of Victory SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 3
Oyster-Adams Bilingual SchoolDCPSPK4–8Ward 3Woodley Park
Rock Creek International SchoolIndependentPK–8Ward 3Berkley
Sheridan SchoolIndependentK-8Ward 3
Sidwell Friends SchoolIndependentPK-12Ward 3
St. Albans SchoolParochial4-12Ward 3
St. Columba's Nursery SchoolEpiscopalPKWard 3Tenleytown
St. Patrick's Episcopal Day SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 3
St. Patrick's Episcopal Day SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 3
Stoddert Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 3Glover Park
The Episcopal Center for ChildrenEpiscopalPK–12Ward 3Chevy Chase
The Field SchoolIndependent6-12Ward 3
The Lab School of Washington - Foxhall CampusIndependentK-12Ward 3
The Lab School of Washington - Reservoir CampusIndependent9-12Ward 3
Academia de la Recta PortaCatholicPK–8Ward 4Takoma
Barnard Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Petworth
Breakthrough Montessori PCSCharterPK3–6Ward 4Takoma
Bridges AcademyIndependentPK–8Ward 4Brightwood Park
Brightwood Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Sixteenth Street Heights
Capital City PCS - Lower SchoolCharterPK3–4Ward 4Manor Park
Capital City PCS - Middle SchoolCharter5–8Ward 4Manor Park
Center City PCS - BrightwoodCharterPK3–8Ward 4Brightwood
Center City PCS - PetworthCharterPK3–8Ward 4Petworth
Dorothy I. Height Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Petworth
E.L. Haynes PCS - Elementary SchoolCharterPK3–5Ward 4Navy Yard
Episcopal Center for ChildrenParochialK-6Ward 4
Estrellitas Montessori SchoolIndependentPKWard 4Sixteenth Street Heights
Friendship PCS - Ideal ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 4Woodridge
Friendship PCS - Ideal MiddleCharter4–8Ward 4NoMa
Friendship PCS - OnlineCharterK–8Ward 416th Street Heights
John Lewis Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Sixteenth Street Heights
Lafayette Elementary SchoolDCPSPK4–5Ward 4Chevy Chase
LaSalle-Backus Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Lamond Riggs
Latin American Montessori BilingualCharterPK3–5Ward 4Sixteenth Street Heights
Lowell SchoolIndependentPK-8Ward 4
Military Road Early Learning CenterDCPSPK3–PK4Ward 416th Street Heights
Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School North CampusParochialPK-8Ward 4
Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School South CampusParochialPK-8Ward 4Sixteenth Street Heights
Parkmont SchoolIndependent6-12Ward 4
Paul PCS - Middle SchoolCharter5–8Ward 4Brightwood
Powell Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Petworth
Raymond Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Petworth
Roots PCSCharterPK3–5Ward 4Manor Park
San Miguel SchoolParochial5-8Ward 4
Sela PCSCharterPK3–5Ward 4Lamond Riggs
Shepherd Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Shepherd Park
St. John's College High SchoolParochial9-12Ward 4
Takoma Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Takoma
The Bridges AcademyIndependentPK–8Ward 4
Truesdell Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Brightwood Park
Washington Latin PCS - 2nd Street Middle SchoolCharter5–8Ward 4Brightwood Park
Whittier Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 4Brightwood
Archbishop Carroll HighParochial9-12Ward 5
Bridges PCSCharterPK3–5Ward 5Fort Totten
Browne Education CampusDCPSPK3–8Ward 5Carver / Langston
Bunker Hill Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 5Michigan Park
Burroughs Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 5Brookland
Creative Minds International PCSCharterPK3–8Ward 5Petworth
DC Bilingual PCSCharterPK3–5Ward 5Fort Totten
DC Prep PCS - Edgewood ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 5Edgewood
DC Prep PCS - Edgewood MiddleCharter4–8Ward 5Edgewood
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS - BrooklandCharterPK3–5Ward 5Grant Park
Friendship PCS - Armstrong ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 5Truxton Circle
Friendship PCS - Armstrong MiddleCharter4–8Ward 5Truxton Circle
Friendship PCS - Woodridge ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 5Woodridge
Friendship PCS - Woodridge MiddleCharter4–8Ward 5Woodridge
Harmony DC PCS - School of ExcellenceCharterPK3–5Ward 5Edgewood
Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCSCharterPK3–8Ward 5Edgewood
Kendall Demonstration Elementary SchoolIndependentPreK-8Ward 5
Kennedy InstituteCatholicPK–12Ward 5Michigan Park
KIPP DC - Connect Academy PCSCharterPK3–KWard 5Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - Northeast Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 5Trinidad
KIPP DC - Spring Academy PCSCharter1–4Ward 5Trinidad
Langdon Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 5Eckington
Langley Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 5Eckington
Lee Montessori PCS - BrooklandCharterPK3–6Ward 5Edgewood
Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCSCharterPK3–8Ward 5Brookland
Model Secondary School for the DeafIndependent9-12Ward 5
Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS - Calle Ocho CampusCharterPK3–5Ward 5Truxton Circle
Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS - J.F. Cook CampusCharterPK3–5Ward 5Truxton Circle
Noyes Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 5Dupont Circle
Perry Street Preparatory PCSCharterPK3–8Ward 5Brookland
Rocketship PCS - Infinity Community PrepCharterPK3–5Ward 5Queens Chapel
Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCSCharterPK3–6Ward 5University Heights
Social Justice PCSCharter5–8Ward 5Queens Chapel
St. Anselm's Abbey SchoolParochial6-12Ward 5
St. Anthony Catholic SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 5
St. Jerome InstituteParochial9-12Ward 5
The Children's Guild DC Public Charter SchoolCharterK–8Ward 5Langdon
The Kennedy SchoolIndependentK-12Ward 5
Two Rivers PCS at Young Elementary SchoolCharterPK3–5Ward 5Langston
Washington Jesuit AcademyParochial4-8Ward 5
Washington Latin PCS - Cooper Campus Middle SchoolCharter5–8Ward 5Brookland
Washington Yu Ying PCSCharterPK3–5Ward 5Pleasant Hill
Wheatley Education CampusDCPSPK3–8Ward 5Trinidad
Amidon-Bowen Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Southwest Waterfront
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Lincoln ParkCharterPK3–PK4Ward 6Capitol Hill
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - SouthwestCharterPK3–PK4Ward 6Southwest Waterfront
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Waterfront StationCharterPK3–PK4Ward 6Capitol Hill
Brent Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill Christian AcademyParochialK-12Ward 6Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill Day SchoolIndependentPreK–8Ward 6Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill MontessoriDCPSPK3–8Ward 6Near Northeast
Center City PCS - NOMACharterPK3–8Ward 6Petworth
Friendship PCS - Chamberlain ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 6Capitol Hill
Friendship PCS - Chamberlain MiddleCharter4–8Ward 6Capitol Hill
Global Citizens PCSCharterPK3–4Ward 6Central Northeast
Gonzaga College High SchoolParochial9-12Ward 6
J.O. Wilson Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Near Northeast
Ludlow-Taylor Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Near Northeast
Maury Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Capitol Hill
Payne Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Navy Yard
Peabody Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–KWard 6Capitol Hill
School-Within-School @ GodingDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Stanton Park
Shirley Chisholm Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 6Barracks Row
St. Benedict the Moor SchoolCatholicPK–8Ward 6Capitol Hill
St. Peter SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 6Capitol Hill
Two Rivers PCS at 4th StreetCharterPK3–5Ward 6Atlas District
Walker-Jones Education CampusDCPSPK3–8Ward 6North Capitol Street
Waterfront AcademyIndependentPK-8Ward 6Southwest Waterfront
Watkins Elementary SchoolDCPS1–5Ward 6Logan Circle/Shaw
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Oklahoma AveCharterPK3–PK4Ward 7Kingman Park
Beers Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Anacostia
Burrville Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Burrville
C.W. Harris Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Marshall Heights
Center City PCS - Capitol HillCharterPK3–8Ward 7Capitol Hill
Cornerstone Schools of Washington, D.C., Inc.ParochialPK-12Ward 7Fort Dupont
DC Prep PCS - Benning ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 7Central Northeast
DC Prep PCS - Benning MiddleCharter4–8Ward 7Benning
DC Scholars PCSCharterPK3–8Ward 7Capitol View
DC Wildflower PCS - The Riverseed SchoolCharterPK3-3Ward 7Burrville
Drew Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Northeast Boundary
Dupont Park Adventist SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 7Fort Davis Park
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS - East EndCharterPK3–5Ward 7Grant Park
Friendship PCS - Blow-Pierce ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 7Woodridge
Friendship PCS - Blow-Pierce MiddleCharter4–8Ward 7Kingman Park
Houston Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Deanwood
Kimball Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Greenway
KIPP DC - Arts & Technology Academy PCSCharterPK3–KWard 7Grant Park
KIPP DC - KEY Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 7Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - LEAP Academy PCSCharterPK3–PK4Ward 7Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - Promise Academy PCSCharterK–4Ward 7Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - Quest Academy PCSCharter1–4Ward 7Grant Park
KIPP DC - Valor Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 7Grant Park
Lorraine H. Whitlock Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Lincoln Heights
Miner Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Kingman Park
Monument Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 7Kingman Park
Muhammad University of IslamParochialK-12Ward 7
Nalle Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Lincoln Heights
Nation House SchoolParochialPK-8Ward 7Northeast Boundary
Plummer Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Benning Ridge
Randle Highlands Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Anacostia
Rocketship PCS - Legacy PrepCharterPK3–5Ward 7Fort Davis Park
Smothers Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Lincoln Heights
St. Francis Xavier Catholic AcademyParochialPK-8Ward 7
The Monroe SchoolIndependent5-12Ward 7
Thomas Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 7Kenilworth
Achievement Prep PCS - Wahler PlaceCharterPK3–8Ward 8Washington Highlands
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Douglas KnollCharterPK3–PK4Ward 8Douglass
AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Parklands @ THEARCCharterPK3–PK4Ward 8Ward 8
Bishop John T. Walker School for BoysParochialPK-8Ward 8
Boone Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Fairlawn
Cedar Tree Academy PCSCharterPK3–4Ward 8Hillsdale
Center City PCS - Congress HeightsCharterPK3–8Ward 8Congress Heights
DC Prep PCS - Anacostia ElementaryCharterPK3–3Ward 8Hillsdale
DC Prep PCS - Anacostia MiddleCharter4–8Ward 8Hillsdale
DC Wildflower PCS - Blue MontessoriCharterPK3-KWard 8Congress Heights
Early Childhood Academy PCSCharterPK3–3Ward 8Washington Highlands
Excel AcademyDCPSPK3–8Ward 8Barry Farm
Friendship PCS - Southeast Elementary AcademyCharterPK3–3Ward 8Anacostia
Friendship PCS - Southeast Middle AcademyCharter4–8Ward 8Anacostia
Garfield Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Buena Vista
Hendley Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Washington Highlands
Ingenuity Prep PCSCharterPK3–8Ward 8Washington Highlands
Ketcham Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Anacostia
King Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Kingman Park
KIPP DC - AIM Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 8Hillsdale
KIPP DC - Discover Academy PCSCharterPK3–KWard 8Hillsdale
KIPP DC - Heights Academy PCSCharter1–4Ward 8Hillsdale
KIPP DC - Honor Academy PCSCharter5–8Ward 8Marshall Heights
KIPP DC - Inspire Academy PCSCharter1–4Ward 8Hillsdale
KIPP DC - Pride Academy PCSCharterPK3–KWard 8Trinidad
Kuumba Preparatory School of the ArtsIndependentPK–12Ward 8
LEARN DC PCSCharterPK3–6Ward 8Eckington
Leckie Education CampusDCPSPK3–8Ward 8Brookland
Lee Montessori PCS - East EndCharterPK3–6Ward 8Fairlawn
Malcolm X Elementary School @ GreenDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Congress Heights
Moten Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Anacostia
NCC Early Learning Center and Early Intervention CenterIndependentInfants-Pre-KWard 8
Patterson Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Bellevue
Rocketship PCS - Rise AcademyCharterPK3–5Ward 8Woodland
Savoy Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Bridge District
Simon Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Congress Heights
St. Thomas More Catholic AcademyParochialPK-8Ward 8
Stanton Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Anacostia
Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys PCSCharter4–8Ward 8Washington Highlands
Turner Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Douglass
Van Ness Elementary SchoolDCPSPK3–5Ward 8Near Southeast
Washington School for Girls - The VIEW CampusIndependent3-5Ward 8

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Ward 337 schools

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Ward 438 schools

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Ward 543 schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does elementary school start in DC?

DC public schools (DCPS) and most public charter schools follow a August/early-September start. Pre-K3 starts at age 3 (turning 3 by Sept 30), Pre-K4 at age 4, and Kindergarten at age 5. Most schools follow the standard DCPS calendar. Check schoolreportcard.dc.gov or each school's site for exact dates.

Is Pre-K free in DC?

Yes. DC offers universal free Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 at DCPS schools, public charter schools, and approved community-based programs. Apply through the DC school lottery starting November of the year before. Private preschools charge tuition.

How do I find my in-boundary elementary school?

DCPS assigns an in-boundary elementary school to every DC address. Use the official Boundary Look-up at enrolldcps.dc.gov to find yours. You're guaranteed a seat at your in-boundary school, but you can also apply to other DCPS schools or charter schools through the lottery.

Which DC ward has the best elementary schools?

Ward 3 (Tenleytown, Cleveland Park, Chevy Chase) has historically been associated with strong DCPS elementary schools, but high-performing options exist in every ward — including Ward 4 (Lafayette, Brightwood Education Campus), Ward 5 (Brookland), Ward 6 (Brent, Maury, Capitol Hill Cluster), and growing options in Wards 7 and 8. STAR ratings from OSSE provide official performance data.

Do I need to apply through the lottery for elementary school?

For your in-boundary DCPS school: no, you're guaranteed a seat. For any other DCPS school, any charter school, or any Pre-K3/Pre-K4 program: yes, apply through the DC school lottery (opens November, closes late January). Private schools have their own separate applications.

How many elementary schools are there in Washington DC?

DC has roughly 200 schools serving elementary grades (PK3 through 5), including DCPS, public charter, parochial, and private schools. Browse the full list above by ward.

What are the best elementary schools in Washington DC?

Top-rated elementary schools in Washington DC based on OSSE STAR ratings include Lafayette Elementary (Ward 4), Brent Elementary (Ward 6), Janney Elementary (Ward 3), and Maury Elementary (Ward 6). Among charter schools, Mundo Verde Bilingual, Two Rivers, and Latin American Montessori Bilingual consistently receive strong marks. Ratings vary year to year — check schoolreportcard.dc.gov for current data.

Are there bilingual or language immersion elementary schools in Washington?

Yes. Washington DC has several bilingual elementary school options. Spanish immersion: Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS (Wards 1 & 5), DC Bilingual PCS, and Oyster-Adams Bilingual (DCPS, Ward 3). Mandarin immersion: Washington Yu Ying PCS (Ward 5). French: French Maternal School (private, Ward 2). The DC school lottery covers all public charter options.

What is the difference between DCPS and charter elementary schools in Washington DC?

Both are public and tuition-free, but they operate differently. DCPS (DC Public Schools) elementary schools are neighborhood schools — every DC address has an in-boundary school with a guaranteed seat. Charter elementary schools are open to any DC resident via the lottery, with no neighborhood preference (except for siblings). Charter schools set their own curriculum and calendar within DC regulations.

Can families from outside Washington DC attend DC elementary schools?

No. DC public schools — both DCPS and public charter — are open only to DC residents. Proof of DC residency is required at enrollment. Private elementary schools in Washington DC may accept out-of-state students at their own discretion.

What neighborhoods in Washington DC have the most elementary schools?

Elementary schools are distributed across all 8 wards. Ward 3 (Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park) and Ward 6 (Capitol Hill, H Street) have dense clusters of DCPS elementaries. Ward 5 (Brookland, Petworth) has a high concentration of charter elementary schools. Wards 7 and 8 (east of the Anacostia River) have been expanding with new DCPS investments and charter options.

Continue exploring

About elementary schools in Washington DC

Washington DC has more than 200 elementary schools serving Pre-K through 5th grade — spread across all eight wards and operated by three distinct systems: DC Public Schools (DCPS), public charter schools, and private schools.

Tuition-free elementary schools in Washington DC

DCPS and public charter elementary schools are both tuition-free for DC residents. Every DC address is assigned an in-boundary DCPS elementary school — families are guaranteed a seat there without applying. For charter schools or out-of-boundary DCPS schools, families apply through the unified DC school lottery each November–January.

Elementary school options by neighborhood

Ward 3 (Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, Cleveland Park) is home to some of DC's most sought-after DCPS elementaries, including Janney, Lafayette, and Murch. Ward 6 (Capitol Hill, H Street) offers strong options like Brent, Maury, and Tyler. East of the river, Wards 7 and 8 have seen significant investment with upgraded facilities and new charter options.

Language immersion and specialty programs

Washington DC has an unusually strong set of bilingual elementary schools. Spanish immersion options include Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS, DC Bilingual PCS, and Oyster-Adams Bilingual School. Mandarin immersion is offered at Washington Yu Ying PCS. Several DCPS schools also offer dual-language strands — check enrolldcps.dc.gov for in-boundary options with immersion programs.