Cedar Tree Academy PCS

At a Glance

Cedar Tree Academy PCS is a public charter school located in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Southeast DC's Ward 8. The school serves the city's youngest learners, offering classes from pre-kindergarten (starting at age 3) through fourth grade. As a charter school, Cedar Tree Academy operates independently with its own mission and approach while remaining tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the citywide lottery system.

The school's stated mission emphasizes building a strong foundation of knowledge for young scholars through an engaging curriculum that incorporates technology, fine arts, and recreational activities. Cedar Tree Academy aims to support the whole child by focusing on academic, social, emotional, and physical development during these critical early years.

What Parents Should Know

Cedar Tree Academy participates in the My School DC common lottery system, which means families apply during the annual enrollment window (typically October through March) rather than directly to the school. As with all DC charter schools, there is no admissions test or screening, and if applications exceed available seats, admission is determined by random lottery with preference given to siblings of current students and District residents.

The school's grade configuration ending at fourth grade means families will need to plan for a transition to another school for fifth grade and beyond. This is an important consideration when choosing Cedar Tree Academy, as parents should research middle school options well before their child completes fourth grade. Some families appreciate the focused early elementary environment, while others prefer schools that extend through eighth grade to minimize transitions.

Located on Howard Road SE in Hillsdale, the school serves a Ward 8 community that has historically had fewer educational options than some other parts of the city. Cedar Tree Academy's presence adds choice for families in Southeast DC looking for a small charter school environment during the foundational elementary years.

The inclusion of pre-kindergarten starting at age 3 is particularly valuable for working families seeking full-day educational programs for their youngest children. Early childhood education access can be challenging to secure in DC, making the PK3 and PK4 offerings an important part of what Cedar Tree Academy provides to its community.

Programs and Approach

Cedar Tree Academy describes itself as committed to academic excellence within a safe learning environment designed to support multiple dimensions of child development. The school emphasizes building foundational knowledge and skills that will prepare students to become active, independent learners as they progress through their educational journey.

The school's approach incorporates what it describes as an engaging curriculum alongside technology integration, fine arts programming, and recreational activities. This multi-faceted approach reflects a belief that young children develop best when academic instruction is paired with creative expression, physical activity, and opportunities to build social-emotional skills.

As a public charter school, Cedar Tree Academy operates with autonomy over its curriculum and daily schedule while remaining accountable to its charter authorizer and required to meet DC performance standards. The school receives public funding based on enrollment and does not charge tuition, making it a free public school option for District families.

Parents interested in Cedar Tree Academy should visit the school's website to learn about current programming, review the family handbook, and understand the school's specific approach to early childhood and elementary education. Attending open houses or scheduling a tour during the enrollment season can help families determine if the school's philosophy and environment align with their child's needs and their family's educational priorities.

Visiting and Contact

Cedar Tree Academy PCS is located at 701 Howard Road SE in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Southeast DC. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's website at http://cedartree-dc.org/ or call (202) 610-4193.