Capital City PCS - Middle School

At a Glance

Capital City Public Charter School - Middle School serves students in grades 5 through 8 in the Manor Park neighborhood of Ward 4. As a public charter school, Capital City is tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the My School DC lottery system. The school operates from its campus at 100 Peabody Street NW, providing a structured middle school experience that bridges the elementary-to-high-school transition years.

The school implements the EL Education model, emphasizing rigorous academics alongside a whole child approach that integrates social-emotional learning, arts, fitness, and wellness. Capital City is known for its commitment to inclusion and diversity, creating a learning environment designed to support students with varying needs and backgrounds.

What Parents Should Know

Capital City does not require uniforms, which may appeal to families seeking a more relaxed dress environment for their middle schoolers. The school participates in the My School DC common lottery system, meaning families apply through the centralized process rather than directly to the school. However, the existing information notes "no lottery required," which may indicate the school has open enrollment or available seats—families should verify current admission requirements directly with the school.

The grade 5-8 configuration means students can remain at Capital City throughout their entire middle school years without needing to switch schools between elementary and middle school if they start in fifth grade. This continuity can provide stability during the challenging middle school years. Families should plan ahead for high school transitions, as students will need to apply to high schools for grade 9.

Manor Park, where the school is located, sits in the northern part of Ward 4. Families should consider transportation logistics, whether that means proximity to their home, access to public transit routes, or the school's transportation options. The Peabody Street location serves families throughout the District, not just those in the immediate neighborhood.

The school's model inclusion program is a significant feature for families with children who have learning differences or require additional support services. This commitment suggests integrated classrooms and support systems designed to serve diverse learners together rather than in separate settings.

Programs and Approach

Capital City uses the EL Education model, a nationally recognized instructional framework that emphasizes student engagement through real-world connections, challenging curriculum, and character development. This approach typically involves project-based learning where students explore topics in depth rather than surface-level coverage of many subjects.

The whole child philosophy means the school attends to more than just academic achievement. The social curriculum addresses relationship-building, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence—critical skills during the middle school years when students are navigating complex social dynamics and identity development. Arts integration weaves creative disciplines throughout the curriculum rather than treating arts as separate subjects, helping students explore content through multiple modes of expression.

Fitness and wellness receive dedicated attention, reflecting an understanding that physical health supports academic success and that middle school is a crucial time for establishing healthy habits. The school offers interscholastic sports, giving students opportunities to compete with other schools and develop teamwork and athletic skills.

Additional programs include blended learning, which combines traditional instruction with technology-based components; a restorative justice program that addresses behavior and conflict through dialogue and accountability rather than purely punitive measures; and a school garden that can serve as both a learning laboratory and a connection to food systems and environmental education.

As a public charter school, Capital City is publicly funded, governed by an independent board, and accountable to its charter authorizer. Families pay no tuition, and the school must accept all students regardless of academic performance or special needs.

Visiting and Contact

Capital City Public Charter School - Middle School is located at 100 Peabody Street NW in the Manor Park neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling tours, or accessing current enrollment information should visit https://www.ccpcs.org or call 202-808-9800.