Capitol Hill Day School

“Rigor and Wonder”

At a Glance

Capitol Hill Day School is a progressive independent private school serving students from prekindergarten through eighth grade in Southeast Washington, DC. Located on South Carolina Avenue in Ward 6, the school sits in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, one of the city's most historic and politically significant areas.

As an independent school, Capitol Hill Day School operates outside the DC Public Schools system and charges tuition, with families applying directly to the school rather than through the citywide My School DC lottery. The PreK–8 configuration means families can potentially keep their children in one school community for up to nine years, from early childhood through middle school graduation.

What Parents Should Know

As a private independent school, Capitol Hill Day School requires a direct application to the institution, typically including school tours, student visits, family interviews, and submission of records and recommendations. Families should reach out well in advance of their desired enrollment year, as many DC private schools have specific application windows and timelines that begin a full year before enrollment.

The PreK–8 grade span means the school handles several significant developmental transitions under one roof—from early childhood education through the middle school years. Families choosing this school won't need to navigate an elementary-to-middle school transition at fifth or sixth grade, which can be appealing for continuity. However, all students will transition out after eighth grade to attend high school elsewhere, which requires planning ahead for secondary school applications during the middle school years.

The Capitol Hill location places the school within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and numerous federal buildings and cultural institutions. For families working on Capitol Hill or in the surrounding area, the location may offer logistical convenience. The neighborhood is well-served by Metro's Capitol South, Eastern Market, and Stadium-Armory stations, though families should consider their own transportation needs and whether the location works with their daily routines.

Being an independent private school, Capitol Hill Day School sets its own curriculum, calendar, and policies independent of DC Public Schools regulations. Tuition costs, financial aid availability, before and after care options, and other family logistics will be specific to the school and should be discussed directly during the application and decision-making process.

Programs and Approach

Capitol Hill Day School identifies as a progressive independent school, an educational philosophy that typically emphasizes student-centered learning, hands-on experiences, and development of critical thinking skills alongside academic content. Progressive schools often prioritize teaching the whole child—intellectual, social, emotional, and sometimes physical development—rather than focusing solely on academic metrics.

The school highlights its Field Education program as a signature element, taking advantage of the school's Capitol Hill location to use Washington, DC itself as an extension of the classroom. This approach allows students to learn through direct experience with the city's museums, monuments, government institutions, and cultural resources, connecting classroom concepts to real-world contexts.

Private independent schools typically offer smaller class sizes than DC public or charter schools, though specific student-teacher ratios vary by institution and should be confirmed directly. Independent schools also typically have dedicated admissions staff who can walk families through the process, financial aid procedures if applicable, and expectations for the school community.

Families interested in progressive education philosophies, extended field-based learning opportunities, and a PreK–8 school community may want to explore what Capitol Hill Day School offers. Because private school fit depends heavily on family values, educational priorities, and practical considerations like cost and location, visiting the school and speaking with current families is essential before making a decision.

Visiting and Contact

Capitol Hill Day School is located at 210 South Carolina Avenue SE in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Southeast DC. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit the school's website at https://www.chds.org or call (202) 547-2244 for current information and availability.