Center City PCS - NOMA

At a Glance

Center City Public Charter Schools - NOMA Campus is a public charter school serving students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through eighth grade in Northeast Washington, DC. Located in Ward 6, the school is part of the larger Center City PCS network, which operates multiple campuses throughout the District. The NOMA campus focuses on a comprehensive educational approach that emphasizes not just academic achievement, but also character development and community engagement.

As a charter school, Center City PCS - NOMA is a tuition-free public option open to all DC residents. The school requires students to wear uniforms, creating a consistent learning environment across all grade levels. With its PK3–8 configuration, families can keep their children in one school community from early childhood through middle school, providing continuity and stability during crucial developmental years.

What Parents Should Know

Center City PCS - NOMA enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, which is the universal application process for DC charter schools and out-of-boundary DCPS schools. Families interested in enrollment should submit their application during the annual lottery window, typically held in the winter for the following school year. However, the school has been noted as not requiring a lottery in some circumstances, so families should contact the school directly to understand current enrollment availability and processes.

The grade span from PK3 through eighth grade means families can potentially keep their children enrolled at the same campus for up to eleven years. This creates strong community bonds and allows teachers to understand each child's learning progression over time. However, families should plan ahead for the transition to high school after eighth grade, as students will need to apply to high schools through My School DC during their eighth-grade year.

The school's location at 1217 West Virginia Avenue NE places it in the NoMa neighborhood of Northeast DC, an area that has experienced significant development and growth in recent years. The neighborhood is accessible by multiple public transportation options, which can be an important consideration for families commuting from other parts of the city. Ward 6 encompasses diverse neighborhoods from Capitol Hill to the H Street corridor, and the school serves families from across this section of the District.

Center City PCS operates six campuses throughout Washington, DC, which means families have options if they prefer a different location or if the NOMA campus doesn't have immediate availability. Each campus operates under the same mission and educational philosophy while serving its particular neighborhood community.

Programs and Approach

As a public charter school, Center City PCS - NOMA operates independently with its own governance structure while remaining accountable to the DC Public Charter School Board and open to all District residents free of charge. The school's stated mission emphasizes three core pillars: building moral character, promoting academic excellence, and generating public service throughout Washington, DC. This approach suggests a focus not just on traditional academics, but on developing well-rounded students who understand their role in the broader community.

The school features a school garden program, which provides hands-on learning opportunities and connects students to science, nutrition, and environmental education. The uniform requirement helps establish clear expectations and reduces daily decisions about clothing, allowing students to focus on learning.

Center City PCS's network model means the NOMA campus benefits from shared resources and support systems across all six locations. Families interested in learning more about specific academic programs, enrichment activities, daily schedules, and student support services should contact the school directly or visit the campus website for the most current information.

Visiting and Contact

Center City PCS - NOMA is located at 1217 West Virginia Avenue NE in the NoMa neighborhood of Ward 6. Families can reach the school at 202-397-1614 or visit https://centercitypcs.org/ to learn more about enrollment, schedule a tour, and get current information about programs and campus life.