AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Oklahoma Ave

At a Glance

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Oklahoma Ave is a tuition-free public charter preschool serving families in Ward 7's Kingman Park neighborhood. Located at 330 21st Street NE, this campus is part of the AppleTree network, which has been providing early childhood education in Washington DC for over 25 years and operates 13 locations across the city. The school exclusively serves preschool-aged children in PK3 and PK4, focusing entirely on the developmental needs of three- and four-year-olds.

As DC's largest public preschool program, AppleTree designs its educational approach specifically around early learners, combining academic preparation with social-emotional growth and play-based learning. The school aims to ensure every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed, with strong foundational skills and confidence.

What Parents Should Know

Enrollment at AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Oklahoma Ave happens through the My School DC lottery system, the unified enrollment platform for DC charter and public schools. Families should submit their applications during the annual lottery window, typically in the winter for the following school year. Because this campus only serves PK3 and PK4, families will need to plan for a transition to a different elementary school for kindergarten and beyond.

The school's focus on preschool-only education means teachers and staff specialize in early childhood development, with training and experience specific to three- and four-year-olds. This targeted approach differs from schools that include preschool as part of a larger grade span, allowing for age-appropriate environments, schedules, and instructional practices designed for young learners.

Being located in Kingman Park in Ward 7 means the school serves families in Northeast DC, with the 330 21st Street NE campus accessible to surrounding neighborhoods. The AppleTree network has multiple locations throughout the District, so families may want to explore whether other campuses are more convenient to their home or work, though each operates independently for enrollment purposes through the lottery.

As a charter school, AppleTree operates with more flexibility than traditional DCPS schools while remaining publicly funded and tuition-free. Families pay nothing for their child's preschool education, making quality early learning accessible regardless of income.

Programs and Approach

AppleTree schools implement Every Child Ready, a research-based curriculum developed specifically for PK3 and PK4 students. This instructional program integrates multiple areas of development including academics, social-emotional learning, and play-based exploration. The curriculum emphasizes language and literacy development, STEM concepts, and helping young children learn to navigate relationships, manage emotions, and develop independence in a school setting.

The school's model recognizes that preschool is often a child's first structured educational experience and designs the program accordingly. Teachers work to create nurturing, engaging environments where curiosity is encouraged and children develop positive associations with learning. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention and help educators understand each child's unique strengths and needs.

The Every Child Ready approach has gained national recognition for its effectiveness in early childhood education. AppleTree campuses have consistently received Strong or Exceptional ratings from DC's accountability system, reflecting the program's commitment to quality.

With over 25 years of experience serving DC families, AppleTree has refined its model to balance structure with the flexibility young children need. The program incorporates teacher expertise in early childhood development, ensuring instructional strategies match how preschoolers actually learn—through exploration, play, hands-on activities, and social interaction.

Visiting and Contact

AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Oklahoma Ave is located at 330 21st Street NE in the Kingman Park neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or understanding the enrollment process should visit https://www.appletreeinstitute.org/oklahoma-avenue or call 771-210-4260 for current information and to connect with school staff.