AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia Heights

At a Glance

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia Heights is a tuition-free public charter preschool serving the youngest learners in Ward 1. Located in the vibrant Columbia Heights neighborhood at 2750 14th Street NW, this campus focuses exclusively on prekindergarten education for three- and four-year-olds in PK3 and PK4.

As part of the AppleTree Schools network—the largest public preschool program in Washington DC—this campus has been providing early childhood education to DC families for over 25 years. The school uses the research-based Every Child Ready instructional program, which blends academic preparation with social-emotional development and play-based learning to create a structured, nurturing environment for children experiencing school for the first time.

What Parents Should Know

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia Heights admits students through the My School DC lottery system, the same universal enrollment process used by all DC public charter schools and DCPS. Families interested in enrolling their three- or four-year-old should submit an application during the annual lottery window, typically held in the winter for the following school year. As a charter school offering tuition-free preschool, AppleTree provides an accessible early learning option for DC families who want a high-quality prekindergarten experience without private school costs.

Because this campus serves only PK3 and PK4, families should plan for a transition to a different school for kindergarten and beyond. This grade configuration means parents will need to navigate the school selection process again when their child completes preschool, though the early foundation provided can prepare students well for their next educational setting. The benefit of this specialized approach is that every aspect of the school—from curriculum to classroom design to teacher expertise—is tailored specifically to the developmental needs of three- and four-year-olds.

The Columbia Heights location offers convenient access for families in Ward 1 and surrounding neighborhoods. The 14th Street NW corridor is well-served by public transportation, including Metro's Green and Yellow lines at the Columbia Heights station, making school drop-off and pick-up more manageable for working families. The neighborhood's walkability and community amenities also make it a practical choice for families living nearby.

Programs and Approach

AppleTree's instructional model centers on Every Child Ready, a curriculum specifically designed for PK3 and PK4 students that has gained national recognition in early childhood education. This research-based approach integrates multiple learning domains—language and literacy development, STEM exploration, and social-emotional growth—through intentionally designed play-based activities. The goal is not simply to prepare children academically but to foster creativity, engagement, and a genuine love of learning that will serve them throughout their educational journey.

Teachers at AppleTree are experienced early childhood educators who understand how young children learn best. Small class sizes allow for more individualized attention and help teachers build strong relationships with each child and family. The structured yet nurturing environment helps children develop the executive function skills, self-regulation abilities, and confidence they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

The program recognizes that preschool is about more than academics—it's where many children first learn to navigate social relationships, express their needs, solve problems collaboratively, and develop independence. By balancing structured learning time with opportunities for exploration and play, AppleTree aims to support the whole child during these critical early years.

Visiting and Contact

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Columbia Heights is located at 2750 14th Street NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Ward 1. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or understanding the enrollment process should visit https://www.appletreeinstitute.org/columbia-heights or call 771-210-3999 for current information and to connect with the school directly.