AppleTree Early Learning PCS - Waterfront Station

At a Glance

AppleTree Early Learning PCS – Waterfront Station is a tuition-free public charter preschool located at 330 Maple Drive SW in Ward 6. The campus is part of the AppleTree network, which has focused exclusively on early childhood education in Washington DC for more than 25 years. It serves PK3 and PK4 students, meaning three- and four-year-olds preparing for kindergarten.

Because AppleTree campuses are designed only for preschoolers, the entire building, schedule, and staff are oriented around the developmental needs of young children. For families in the Capitol Hill area and nearby Southwest neighborhoods, this Waterfront Station campus offers a structured, full-day preschool experience without tuition costs.

What Parents Should Know

• It is a public charter, not a private preschool. Enrollment is free for DC residents, and admission is handled through the citywide My School DC lottery rather than a private application process.
• Grades are limited to PK3 and PK4. Families should plan ahead for kindergarten, since children will need to transition to a different school (DCPS, charter, or private) after PK4. AppleTree typically helps families understand this transition during the PK4 year.
• The campus is in Ward 6. While the address falls within the broader Capitol Hill/Southwest Waterfront area of the city, families across DC can apply — there is no in-boundary requirement for charter schools.
• Schedule and care. AppleTree generally runs a full school-day program aligned with DC's preschool calendar, which can be helpful for working parents compared to half-day options.
• Siblings and lottery preferences. Like other DC charters, AppleTree applies any sibling preference through the My School DC system. Check current rules each year, as lottery details can shift.

Programs and Approach

AppleTree uses its own research-based instructional model called Every Child Ready, which is built specifically for PK3 and PK4 classrooms. The approach blends early academics — language, literacy, and math foundations — with social-emotional development and play-based learning. The goal is to give children a first formal school experience that is both nurturing and structured enough to prepare them for kindergarten.

Because AppleTree is a DC public charter school, families enroll through My School DC (myschooldc.org). The lottery typically opens in the winter for the following school year, with separate deadlines for PK applicants. Families rank their preferred schools, and placements are offered in the spring. There is no test or interview for admission.

Class sizes at AppleTree campuses are intentionally small for the age group, and teachers receive ongoing training in the Every Child Ready framework. Beyond academics, the program emphasizes routines, social skills, and the kinds of habits that help young children adjust to a school setting for the first time.

Visiting and Contact

Address: 330 Maple Drive SW, Washington, DC (Ward 6) Phone: 202-988-3780 Website: appletreeinstitute.org/waterfront

For tour schedules, open house dates, current enrollment details, and the most up-to-date program information, visit the school's website directly or contact the campus by phone.