Barnard Elementary School

At a Glance

Barnard Elementary School is a DC Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood elementary located at 430 Decatur Street NW in Petworth, part of Ward 4. The school serves students from preschool through fifth grade, with grades running PK3 through 5, making it a full early-childhood-through-upper-elementary option for families in the area.

As a by-right DCPS school, Barnard is the in-boundary assignment for many families living nearby in Petworth and surrounding Ward 4 neighborhoods. The school identifies community involvement and a dedicated staff as central to its identity, and has twice been recognized with the DCPS Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM) Award. It was also named a 2025 Bold Performance School by EmpowerK12, one of 16 schools across the city to receive that recognition.

What Parents Should Know

A few practical points for families considering Barnard:

• Grade span: The PK3 through 5 configuration means children can stay at the same school from age three through the end of elementary. After fifth grade, families transition to a middle school, typically a DCPS by-right option based on address.
• Enrollment type: Barnard is a DCPS by-right school, so students living in its attendance boundary are guaranteed a seat. Families outside the boundary can apply through the My School DC lottery.
• PK3 and PK4 seats: Pre-K seats at DCPS schools are competitive and assigned through the lottery, even for in-boundary families. Applying on time matters.
• Location: Decatur Street NW places the school in a residential stretch of Petworth, with access to the Georgia Avenue–Petworth Metro station and several Metrobus lines nearby.
• Stated philosophy: The school describes high expectations for all students as central to its approach, summarized in a parent comment shared by the school: "Barnard accepts all children where they are and takes them to unbelievable levels."

Programs and Approach

As a DCPS elementary, Barnard follows the district's core academic framework, including literacy, math, science, and social studies aligned to DCPS standards, along with specials such as art, music, and physical education that are typical across DCPS elementary schools. Specific program offerings, schedules, and any specialized supports are best confirmed directly with the school.

Families who do not live in the Barnard boundary can apply for a seat through My School DC, the citywide common lottery used for all DCPS out-of-boundary and PK applications as well as public charter schools. The lottery typically opens in the late fall and closes in early spring, with results released in the spring. Families who miss the main lottery can join post-lottery waitlists.

The school's recognition as a 2025 EmpowerK12 Bold Performance School points to its work with students designated as at-risk, students with disabilities, and students of color. Parents interested in the details of academic supports, intervention services, or English learner programming should reach out to the school directly to learn what is currently offered.

Visiting and Contact

Barnard Elementary is located at 430 Decatur Street NW, Washington, DC, in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4. The school can be reached by phone at 202-576-1100.

For tour schedules, open house dates, enrollment paperwork, and the most current information about staff and programs, visit the school's website at https://www.barnardbears.com/.