Annunciation School

“Knowledge · Faith · Service”

At a Glance

Annunciation School is a Catholic parochial school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade in Ward 3 of Northwest Washington, DC. Located on Massachusetts Avenue, the school operates under the Archdiocese of Washington and offers families a faith-based educational option that integrates Catholic values throughout the academic program.

As one of the relatively few Catholic schools in the United States to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP), Annunciation combines traditional Catholic education with a globally recognized curriculum framework. The school holds Cognia accreditation and maintains small class sizes designed to ensure individual attention for each student from early childhood through middle school graduation.

What Parents Should Know

Catholic schools in DC typically prioritize enrollment for registered parishioners and Catholic families, though many welcome students of all faiths depending on available space. Families interested in Annunciation should expect an application process that may include previous school records, recommendations, and family interviews, along with consideration of whether applicants are members of Annunciation parish or other Catholic parishes.

The Pre-K through eighth grade configuration means families can potentially keep their children in one school community for up to ten years, from early childhood through middle school. This structure allows younger students to benefit from established school culture and older role models, while eighth graders enjoy leadership opportunities before transitioning to high school. Families should plan ahead for high school placement during eighth grade, as DC-area Catholic high schools and other independent secondary schools have their own separate application processes.

The Massachusetts Avenue NW location in Ward 3 places the school in a well-established Northwest neighborhood with relatively good accessibility via public transportation and surrounding residential streets. Families should consider their commute and transportation needs, as parochial schools draw students from across the city and beyond rather than specific neighborhood boundaries.

The school's status as an IB-PYP school represents a significant programmatic distinction. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme is a comprehensive framework used worldwide that emphasizes inquiry-based learning and international-mindedness, which is relatively uncommon among Catholic elementary schools. Parents seeking this particular educational approach within a faith-based setting have limited options in the region.

Programs and Approach

Annunciation School combines Catholic educational traditions with contemporary academic programming. As a faith-based institution, religious education and participation in Catholic traditions form part of the school's daily life and curriculum. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme framework shapes the academic approach, focusing on concept-based learning and student inquiry across subject areas.

The school incorporates STREAM education (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) into its curriculum, reflecting the integration of faith with modern academic disciplines. Spanish language instruction is woven into the program, and students have access to one-to-one Chromebook technology to support digital literacy and learning. A Maker Space Lab provides hands-on opportunities for creative problem-solving and project-based work.

Parochial schools operate independently of the DC Public Schools system and are not part of the My School DC lottery. Families apply directly to the school, and admission decisions are made by the school administration. Prospective families should contact the school directly to learn about application timelines, tuition rates, financial assistance availability, and enrollment requirements. As with most private and parochial schools in DC, families typically need to plan ahead, as the application process often takes place nearly a year before the intended enrollment date.

The small class sizes mentioned in the school's materials suggest a focus on personalized attention and close teacher-student relationships, which is common in smaller parochial school settings.

Visiting and Contact

Annunciation School is located at 3810 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Northwest Washington. Families interested in learning more about the school's programs, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit https://annunciationschool.net or call (202) 362-1408 for current information about enrollment and visiting opportunities.