DRUMROLL PLEASE:
DC Prep Prepares Your Child For Life.
From joyful Pre-K classrooms where students are safe and supported to our dedicated high school placement program, DC Prep prepares your child for life.
Why DC Prep?
DC Prep is a free public charter school where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to excel. Our joyful, safe, and nurturing learning environment prepares every child for a successful future in high school, college, and in life.
Our mission is to prepare students for success in college-preparatory high schools and we are meeting the mark. 100% of our alumni attend college-prep high schools and they graduate from college at 6x the rate of their peers.
For over two decades, DC Prep students have achieved the strongest academic outcomes in the city, while developing the confidence and character to succeed in life. The key is our individualized care for every child, our close partnerships with families, and our deep commitment to the communities we serve.
Pre-K3 & Pre-K4
- Your preschooler will build foundational reading and math skills as they develop independence, curiosity, and confidence.
- Our teachers create targeted support plans to help each child learn and grow at their own pace.
- Each school day includes interactive learning experiences, including pretend play and sensory exploration.
- We connect with parents daily to keep you informed about your child’s day and the progress they are making.
- Each classroom has a lead and assistant teacher.
- Students enjoy two recesses and a nap each day to recharge and refresh.
Elementary (Kindergarten - 3rd Grade)
- Your child will master reading, math, and science through engaging, hands-on learning.
- In grades K–2, students remain with the same teacher team throughout the day to provide a strong sense of stability and community.
- Beginning in 3rd grade, students transition to subject-area teaching for deeper learning.
- Each day begins with connection and social-emotional learning to help students feel centered and ready to learn.
- We celebrate learning, leadership, and growth during monthly school-wide Community Meetings.
- Families and teachers stay connected through regular updates about each child’s progress, goals, and achievements.
Middle (4th - 8th Grade)
- Our scholars take on advanced coursework that builds critical thinking, leadership, and the habits that prepare them for success in college-prep high schools and beyond.
- Our curriculum ensures every student is taking Algebra by 8th grade, building skills that strengthen readiness for top-tier high schools.
- Each student receives targeted, individualized support to help them reach their full potential.
- Families and teachers stay closely connected through regular communication about each child’s progress, goals, and achievements.
- Our High School Placement team partners with every 7th and 8th grader and their family to find the best-fit college-prep high school. Students have earned more than $13 million in scholarships to date.
- Our PrepNext team supports DC Prep alumni for 10 years after 8th grade, guiding them as they transition from high school to college and on to their careers.
How to Apply
DC Prep is free and open to all DC residents. Enrollment is easy and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Step 1: Submit an application through the My School DC Lottery, which is open December 15, 2025, through March 2, 2026. Rank all DC Prep campuses as your top choice to have the best chance at being matched to one of our campuses.
Step 2: Lottery results will be released on March 27, 2026. Complete your enrollment with DC Prep by May 1, 2026, to secure your child’s seat for the coming school year.
If you have any questions, our team is standing by to assist!
- Call: 202-780-5126
- Email: enrollment@dcprep.org
- We’ll Call You!: Request a Call Back
Missed the lottery deadline? You can still apply by submitting a My School DC Application to be added to our waitlist.
Upcoming Events
Staff & Support
At DC Prep, school leadership is one of our strongest assets. Our principals bring a blend of deep classroom experience, academic leadership, and strong community ties to each campus.
Many began their careers as teachers within DC Prep, growing into leadership roles—like Degarrius Cullum, who started as a PK3 teacher and now leads Benning Elementary, and Emily Jeffries, who rose from Special Education Coordinator to Principal at Edgewood Elementary.
Leaders like Desiree Tucker bring years of experience from both inside and outside DC Prep, including teaching in cities like New Orleans, Baltimore, and New York.
Across all campuses, DC Prep principals are known for their student-first mindset, ability to build joyful, safe, and structured school cultures, and commitment to individual student growth—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Their collective expertise supports DC Prep’s mission: preparing every student to thrive in high school, college, and life.
Aftercare Options at DC Prep Campuses
DC Prep offers after-school options that include extracurricular programs, community partnerships, and aftercare services. Champions provides aftercare on-site daily until 6pm. To explore what’s available for your child and any potential costs, please visit our After-School Programs page.
Ready to Apply and Enroll?
Apply by submitting a My School DC Application to be added to our waitlist.
Interested in enrolling but have some questions or want more information? Fill out our Enrollment Interest form and we’ll get back to you within 2-3 business days.
Enrollment Questions
DC Prep participates in My School DC, a common application for nearly all DC-based public schools. See our full list of enrollment FAQs
Safety at DC Prep
At DC Prep, the physical safety of our community– students, staff & families– is of utmost importance.
Our approach to security begins with building trust and strong relationships among students and families, so they are comfortable and safe with our team.
We provide physical safety while on campus by completing monthly drills to ensure we are in compliance and students understand what to do in case of emergency.
We regularly assess our dismissal process to ensure we provide students a safe departure home. We also collaborate with the community and DC officials to always stay in the know of what is happening in the space where we educate students. Key elements of our approach include:
- Partnership with DDOT to ensure safety in road crossing, our staff welcomes families upon arrival to campus.
- We have security to assist with opening and closing of the buildings, visitors have to show ID upon arrival, and only individuals listed in our student information system can pick up a child.
- DC Police assist in our dismissal to ensure students are safe starting their walk home.
- Our team communicates consistently with parents about vaccination updates and we communicate with families when there is a sickness inside the classroom.
- We have a team dedicated to the physical infrastructure of our buildings to maintain an environment where our social emotional learning foundations allows students to feel free in expression and safe to be themselves.
- We partner with the MPD Watch Commander to alert us when something alarming occurs in the area.
Tips for a successful My School DC application
- Create 1 account per family, with a separate application for each child.
- Ranking matters – rank DC Prep #1 to increase your chances of being matched.
- DC Prep waitlists are not carried over from year to year. Families must reapply.
- My School DC phone support can assist with all other application questions at the following number: 202-888-6336.
What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
An educational approach that focuses on developing students' ability to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It emphasizes the importance of social and emotional skills in the learning process and aims to equip students with the skills they need for success in school and life.
Key Components of SEL:Self-Management: Regulating emotions, controlling impulses, and setting goals.
Social Awareness: Understanding the perspectives of others and empathizing with them.
Relationship Skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Responsible Decision-Making: Making ethical and constructive choices.
Benefits of SEL:
Enhanced Mental Health: SEL can help students manage stress, cope with challenges, and develop a positive sense of self.
Stronger Relationships: SEL promotes empathy, respect, and positive interactions with others, leading to better social relationships.
Increased Resilience: SEL helps students develop the skills they need to bounce back from adversity and overcome obstacles.
What is departmentalized instruction?
Departmentalized instruction in elementary and middle schools involves teachers specializing in one or more core subjects and instructing multiple groups of students in a day.
Benefits:Increased Teacher Satisfaction: Assigning teachers to their stronger subjects can boost morale and motivation.
More Time for Subject-Specific Planning: Teachers may have more time to develop in-depth lesson plans and resources.
