Academia de la Recta Porta

At a Glance

Academia de la Recta Porta is a Catholic school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in DC's Takoma neighborhood in Ward 4. Located on Georgia Avenue NW, the school provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic tradition and values for families seeking a religious educational environment.

As a PK–8 school, Academia de la Recta Porta offers continuity from early childhood through middle school years, allowing families to keep their children in one school community for nearly a decade. This extended grade span means students can build lasting relationships with teachers and peers while progressing through their elementary and middle school education within the same Catholic educational framework.

What Parents Should Know

As a Catholic private school, Academia de la Recta Porta operates independently from the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment will need to contact the school directly to learn about their application process, deadlines, and any requirements specific to their admissions cycle.

The PK–8 configuration means families won't need to navigate an elementary-to-middle-school transition, as students can remain in the same building and school community through eighth grade. However, families should plan ahead for the high school transition after eighth grade, as they'll need to research and apply to high schools during their child's middle school years.

Being a Catholic school, Academia de la Recta Porta typically incorporates religious instruction, Mass attendance, and Catholic values into daily school life. Families considering the school should be prepared for this faith-based environment and may want to ask about expectations regarding participation in religious activities and whether the school is open to families of different faith backgrounds or requires Catholic affiliation.

The school's location on Georgia Avenue NW in Takoma places it in upper Northwest DC near the Maryland border, an area known for its residential character and proximity to the Takoma Metro station on the Red Line. Families should consider transportation logistics, as private schools don't provide the bus service that DCPS offers, though the neighborhood's Metro access may be helpful for some families.

Tuition is a key consideration, as private Catholic schools charge annual fees that vary widely. Families should inquire early about current tuition rates, whether multi-child discounts are available, and what financial aid or scholarship programs might be offered to make tuition more manageable.

Programs and Approach

As a Catholic school, Academia de la Recta Porta operates within the tradition of Catholic education that emphasizes both academic learning and spiritual development. Catholic schools typically integrate faith formation throughout the school day, with religion classes, prayer, and participation in Mass as regular parts of student life.

The pre-kindergarten through eighth grade structure allows the school to tailor its approach across different developmental stages, from early childhood education in the pre-K and kindergarten years through elementary grades and into the middle school experience in grades six through eight. This continuity can help teachers and administrators build strong relationships with students and families over many years.

Private school admissions generally involve submitting an application, meeting with school administrators, and sometimes include classroom visits or assessments depending on the grade level. Families should reach out to the school well in advance of their desired start date to understand the timeline and requirements. Many private schools have rolling admissions but fill spots on a first-come basis, so early contact is often beneficial.

Financial aid availability varies among Catholic schools, with many offering need-based assistance or scholarships. Some Catholic schools also offer parish member discounts or have relationships with scholarship funds that serve DC families.

Visiting and Contact

Academia de la Recta Porta is located at 7614 Georgia Ave NW in the Takoma neighborhood of Ward 4. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit the school's website for current contact information and details about upcoming open houses or visit opportunities.