Capital City PCS - High School

At a Glance

Capital City Public Charter School - High School serves students in grades 9 through 12 from its Manor Park campus in Ward 4. As a public charter school, Capital City operates independently while remaining tuition-free and open to all DC residents. The school implements the EL Education model, which emphasizes rigorous academics combined with real-world learning experiences and character development.

Located at 100 Peabody Street NW, the high school takes a whole child approach to education that extends beyond traditional academics. The school's commitment includes a strong social curriculum, arts integration throughout coursework, and dedicated attention to student fitness and wellness. Capital City is known for its model inclusion program and commitment to maintaining a diverse student body.

What Parents Should Know

Like all DC public charter schools, Capital City High School participates in the My School DC common lottery system for enrollment. Families interested in the school should submit applications during the annual lottery window, though as noted in school materials, no lottery may be required in some circumstances. Understanding the application timeline and process through the My School DC platform is essential for families considering this option.

The school serves only high school grades, meaning students will need to transition in for ninth grade and families should consider where younger siblings might attend or where students attended middle school. This focused grade span allows the school to concentrate entirely on the high school experience, including college and career preparation for older adolescents.

Capital City does not require uniforms, which may appeal to families seeking a less formal dress environment. The school offers several pathways for advanced learning and real-world experience, including Advanced Placement courses for college credit, dual college enrollment opportunities, and Career and Technical Education programs that prepare students for post-secondary success.

The Manor Park location in Ward 4 serves families across DC who are drawn to the school's particular educational model. Parents should consider transportation logistics and how students will commute to this Northwest DC location, particularly if traveling from other quadrants of the city.

Programs and Approach

Capital City High School structures its academic program around the EL Education model, a nationally recognized framework that combines challenging academics with character development and real-world learning. This approach moves beyond traditional classroom instruction to help students connect their learning to meaningful work and community impact.

Arts integration is woven throughout the curriculum rather than treated as a separate subject, meaning students might encounter artistic expression and creative thinking across multiple disciplines. The school also incorporates blended learning approaches that mix traditional instruction with technology and personalized learning opportunities.

The whole child philosophy extends to multiple dimensions of student life. The social curriculum focuses on building community, developing interpersonal skills, and supporting student emotional growth alongside academics. The fitness and wellness focus ensures physical health remains a priority during the high school years. Additionally, the school maintains a restorative justice program, which addresses conflict and behavioral issues through dialogue and community repair rather than purely punitive measures.

Students can participate in interscholastic sports, competing against other schools in organized athletics. The school also maintains a school garden, providing hands-on learning opportunities connected to science, nutrition, and environmental education. Capital City's model inclusion program is designed to successfully integrate students with diverse learning needs into the school community, with appropriate supports and accommodations.

For students seeking college-level challenge, the combination of Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment options allows motivated students to earn college credits while still in high school, potentially reducing future college costs and time to degree.

Visiting and Contact

Capital City Public Charter School - High School is located at 100 Peabody Street NW in the Manor Park neighborhood of Ward 4. Families can reach the school at 202-808-9800 or visit http://ccpcs.org/ for information about tours, enrollment deadlines, and current programming details.