Schools in Fairlawn

Fairlawn is a residential neighborhood in Ward 8 east of the Anacostia River, known as one of Ward 8's more stable working-class communities. Six schools — five DCPS and one charter — serve the families of Fairlawn, giving the neighborhood an above-average concentration of traditional public school options relative to other Ward 8 communities. The DCPS schools in Fairlawn include elementary and middle school options, with Anacostia High School serving as the neighborhood's primary DCPS high school. The strong DCPS presence reflects Fairlawn's historical patterns: a neighborhood that has maintained stable community institutions and civic engagement, including an active ANC and neighborhood watch. Fairlawn borders the Anacostia Park along the river, offering waterfront recreation and green space within walking distance for school-age children. The neighborhood connects to the Anacostia Metro station (Green line) via Metrobus routes along Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE. Ward 8 DCPS families in Fairlawn should familiarize themselves with the feeder pattern connecting local elementary schools through Kelly Miller and then to Anacostia or Ballou high schools — understanding this pathway early helps families plan ahead for middle and high school transitions.