AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Lincoln Park

At a Glance

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Lincoln Park is a tuition-free public charter preschool serving the youngest learners in Washington DC. Located on Capitol Hill in Ward 6, this campus focuses exclusively on pre-kindergarten education for three- and four-year-olds in PK3 and PK4 classrooms.

As part of the AppleTree Schools network—the largest public preschool program in the District—the Lincoln Park campus has been helping DC families access quality early childhood education for over 25 years. The school provides a structured, nurturing environment designed specifically around the developmental needs of preschool-aged children, preparing them for a successful transition to kindergarten.

What Parents Should Know

AppleTree Lincoln Park enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the centralized application process used by all DC public charter schools and DCPS. Families interested in the PK3 or PK4 program should submit their application during the annual lottery window, typically in late winter for the following school year. Because AppleTree specializes exclusively in preschool, families will need to plan for their child to transition to a different school for kindergarten.

The grade configuration at this campus means parents are selecting a two-year early learning experience (or one year, depending on entry point) rather than a through-elementary or K-12 pathway. This focused approach allows the school to specialize entirely in preschool education, with teachers and programming tailored to three- and four-year-olds. Families appreciate the developmental expertise but should consider their kindergarten options early in the process.

The Lincoln Park location on 12th Street NE sits in a residential Capitol Hill neighborhood, accessible to families throughout Ward 6 and beyond. The campus serves a tuition-free model, removing financial barriers that often limit access to quality preschool programs. As a public charter school, AppleTree is open to all DC residents regardless of neighborhood boundaries or income level.

Transportation and scheduling are important practical considerations for preschool families. Parents should contact the school directly to learn about current school hours, whether before- or after-care options exist, and whether the school provides transportation or families need to arrange drop-off and pick-up.

Programs and Approach

AppleTree Schools uses Every Child Ready, a research-based instructional program developed specifically for three- and four-year-old learners. This nationally recognized curriculum integrates academic skill-building with social-emotional development and play-based learning, recognizing that preschoolers learn best through exploration and hands-on experiences. The approach balances structured instruction in early literacy, language development, and STEM concepts with opportunities for creative play, helping children build both cognitive skills and confidence.

The program emphasizes preparing children for kindergarten success while fostering a genuine love of learning. Experienced teachers create engaging classroom environments where young learners develop foundational skills in a supportive setting. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, and the curriculum is designed to meet children where they are developmentally while encouraging growth across multiple domains.

Social-emotional learning forms a core component of the AppleTree approach, recognizing that preschoolers need support building skills like self-regulation, cooperation, and conflict resolution alongside academic preparation. The goal is for each child to enter kindergarten not just with early literacy and math skills, but with curiosity, resilience, and the ability to navigate a school environment confidently.

As a charter school, AppleTree operates with flexibility in curriculum and staffing while maintaining accountability to DC's Public Charter School Board. The network's track record and focus on early childhood education distinguishes it from elementary-focused charter schools that include preschool grades.

Visiting and Contact

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Lincoln Park is located at 138 12th Street NE on Capitol Hill in Ward 6. Families interested in learning more about the program, scheduling a tour, or exploring enrollment should visit the school's website at https://www.appletreeinstitute.org/lincoln-park or call 202-621-6581 for current information and availability.