Burroughs Elementary School

At a Glance

John Burroughs Elementary School is a DCPS public school with a specialized focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Located at 1820 Monroe Street NE in the Brookland neighborhood of Ward 5, the school serves students from pre-kindergarten (starting at age 3) through fifth grade. As a neighborhood public school, Burroughs operates with a clear mission to build foundational STEM skills while preparing students for college and career readiness through data-driven instruction.

The school emphasizes creating a safe, diverse learning environment where families, teachers, and students work together as a collaborative community. With its STEM designation, Burroughs offers an educational approach centered on science and technology integration across grade levels, providing young learners with early exposure to these critical fields.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools neighborhood school, Burroughs Elementary follows the standard DCPS enrollment process through the My School DC system, though as a neighborhood school, it does not require a lottery for in-boundary families. Families living within the school's boundary area have guaranteed access, while out-of-boundary families may apply through the citywide lottery if space is available.

The school requires students to wear uniforms, which is standard practice across many DCPS elementary schools and helps create a focused learning environment. Parents should plan for this requirement when preparing for the school year.

Burroughs offers Early Action guaranteed seats for both PK3 and PK4, which is particularly valuable for DC families seeking early childhood education options. This means families can secure spots for their three- and four-year-olds through the Early Action application period, giving parents earlier certainty about their child's placement and allowing younger students to establish roots in a school community they can remain in through fifth grade.

The PK3–5 grade configuration means students can potentially stay at Burroughs for up to seven years, creating strong community ties and consistency. However, families should be aware that students will transition to a different school for middle school after fifth grade, and it's worth researching feeder patterns and middle school options in Ward 5 and beyond well before that transition year arrives.

The Brookland location places the school in a well-connected Northeast DC neighborhood with Metro access and a mix of residential streets, making drop-off and pick-up logistics worth considering based on your family's commute patterns.

Programs and Approach

Burroughs Elementary distinguishes itself through its schoolwide STEM focus, integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics principles throughout the curriculum from the earliest grades. This approach means students engage with hands-on learning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking as core components of their daily education rather than as occasional enrichment activities.

The school implements blended learning strategies, combining traditional classroom instruction with digital tools and resources to meet students at their individual learning levels. This approach aligns with the school's emphasis on data-driven instruction, where teachers use student performance information to tailor teaching methods and interventions.

Burroughs also incorporates a Restorative Justice Program, which focuses on building positive school culture and addressing behavioral issues through dialogue, accountability, and community repair rather than purely punitive measures. This approach aims to create the safe and collaborative environment central to the school's vision.

As a DCPS school, enrollment for in-boundary families happens automatically, while out-of-boundary families participate in the My School DC lottery system. The lottery application window typically opens in late fall for the following school year, with results announced in the spring. Families can visit the My School DC website for current deadlines and application procedures.

Visiting and Contact

John Burroughs Elementary School is located at 1820 Monroe Street NE in the Brookland neighborhood of Ward 5. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's website at www.jbecstem.com or call 202-576-6150.