Capital City PCS - Lower School

At a Glance

Capital City PCS - Lower School is a public charter school serving the youngest learners in the Capital City network, located in the Manor Park neighborhood of Ward 4. The school enrolls students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through fourth grade at its Peabody Street campus. As a charter school, Capital City operates independently within the DC public school system, offering families a tuition-free public education option with a distinct educational philosophy and approach.

The school implements the EL Education model, which emphasizes rigorous academics combined with real-world learning experiences. Capital City takes a whole child approach to education, integrating social-emotional learning, arts, and physical wellness alongside core academics. The school is committed to inclusive education and actively cultivates diversity within its community.

What Parents Should Know

Capital City Lower School serves early childhood through elementary grades, meaning families will need to plan for a transition to either the school's middle school campus or another school after fourth grade. Understanding this grade configuration is important for long-term educational planning, though many families appreciate the focused early childhood and elementary environment this structure provides.

As a DC public charter school, admission to Capital City goes through the My School DC lottery system, the citywide common enrollment platform used by most DC charter schools and all DCPS schools. Families should be aware of annual lottery deadlines, typically in the spring for the following school year, and that charter schools cannot require entrance exams or academic prerequisites for admission.

The Manor Park location in Ward 4 places the school in an accessible neighborhood with residential character. Families considering the school should think about transportation logistics, particularly for the early childhood grades where daily drop-off and pick-up routines matter significantly.

The school does not require uniforms, which may appeal to families preferring more flexibility in daily routines. The school's commitment to inclusion means it actively serves students with diverse learning needs rather than operating as a specialized or selective program.

Programs and Approach

Capital City Lower School centers its academic program on the EL Education model, a nationally recognized framework that connects classroom learning to real-world challenges and emphasizes student engagement through active, project-based work. This approach aims to build both academic skills and character development, preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged learners.

Arts integration is woven throughout the curriculum rather than treated as a separate subject, meaning students may use artistic expression and creative thinking as tools for learning across content areas. The school also incorporates blended learning approaches that combine traditional instruction with digital tools and personalized learning opportunities.

The whole child philosophy extends beyond academics to include a strong social curriculum addressing emotional development, relationship skills, and community building. The school emphasizes fitness and wellness as core components of student development, recognizing that physical health supports academic success. A school garden provides hands-on learning opportunities and connections to science, nutrition, and environmental awareness.

Capital City's model inclusion program represents a significant commitment to serving students with varied learning profiles within general education settings. This approach reflects the school's broader commitment to diversity, welcoming students from different backgrounds and with different needs into a shared learning community. The school also implements restorative justice practices for addressing conflicts and building positive school culture.

Families interested in Capital City Lower School should enroll through the My School DC lottery system, available online each year during the enrollment window. The lottery provides equal access to all applicants, with no testing or screening requirements.

Visiting and Contact

Capital City PCS - Lower 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 https://www.ccpcs.org for information about tours, enrollment timelines, and current programming details.