Amidon-Bowen Elementary School

At a Glance

Amidon-Bowen Elementary School is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Southwest DC. Located at 401 I Street SW in Ward 6's Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, the school describes itself as a safe and nurturing community committed to providing a well-rounded education to every student.

The school offers a comprehensive elementary program that includes core academics alongside enrichment opportunities in art, music, physical education, and Spanish language instruction. With a 2,000-volume library and a range of athletic and extracurricular activities, Amidon-Bowen provides resources that complement its academic mission. The school has been recognized by the Office of the State Superintendent for outstanding results in math growth across its student population.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Amidon-Bowen Elementary participates in the My School DC lottery system, which manages enrollment for all District public and public charter schools. Families living within the school's boundary area receive priority for admission, and the school offers Equitable Access designated seats specifically for in-boundary PK3 and PK4 applicants during the lottery process. Understanding your boundary status is important when applying, as in-boundary students have significantly stronger chances of placement.

The school's grade configuration runs from pre-kindergarten age three through fifth grade, meaning families can potentially keep their children in one school community for up to seven years if they begin in PK3. However, parents should plan for a transition to middle school after fifth grade, as students will need to apply to a new school for sixth grade through the My School DC lottery system. This transition point is worth considering when thinking about long-term school planning.

The Southwest Waterfront location places Amidon-Bowen in a neighborhood that has seen considerable development and change in recent years. Families working in federal offices or living in the surrounding Southwest area may find the location convenient. The school's presence in Ward 6 connects it to a broader network of DCPS schools in this section of the city.

The school's recognition for math growth demonstrates a track record of academic progress in at least one key subject area. This type of recognition from the Office of the State Superintendent indicates that students at various performance levels showed measurable improvement, which can be an important indicator of a school's effectiveness beyond snapshot test scores.

Programs and Approach

Amidon-Bowen Elementary emphasizes providing a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond core reading and math instruction. Students receive regular instruction in art, music, and physical education as part of the standard schedule, ensuring exposure to creative and physical development alongside academics. The Spanish language program introduces elementary students to world language learning, building foundational skills that can benefit them as they progress through their education.

The school's 2,000-volume library provides students with access to books and reading materials that support literacy development and independent reading. Athletic and extracurricular activities give students opportunities to explore interests, develop teamwork skills, and engage with the school community outside regular classroom hours. According to the school, these offerings are comparable to those at other sought-after DC public schools.

Families interested in Amidon-Bowen Elementary should apply through the My School DC universal lottery system, which opens each fall for the following school year. The lottery uses a common application for families to rank their school preferences, whether DCPS neighborhood schools, DCPS application schools, or public charter schools. Parents can check boundary maps on the DCPS website to determine whether they live within Amidon-Bowen's attendance zone, which affects their admissions priority.

Visiting and Contact

Amidon-Bowen Elementary School is located at 401 I Street SW in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Ward 6. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's profile page at http://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/amidon or call 202-724-4867.