Center City PCS - Petworth

At a Glance

Center City Public Charter Schools - Petworth Campus is a public charter school serving students in Pre-K 3 through eighth grade at 510 Webster Street NW in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4. The school is part of the Center City PCS network, which operates multiple campuses across Washington, D.C. with a unified mission focused on character development, academic achievement, and community engagement.

As a charter school, Center City PCS - Petworth is tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the citywide enrollment process. The PK3–8 configuration means families can potentially keep their children at the same school from early childhood through middle school, offering continuity during crucial developmental years before the transition to high school.

What Parents Should Know

Center City PCS - Petworth enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the centralized application process used by DC charter schools and some DCPS programs. Families interested in enrolling should submit their applications during the annual My School DC window, typically in the winter for the following school year. Because this campus is part of a larger network with six locations throughout the city, parents should make sure they're selecting the specific Petworth campus when applying.

The school's grade configuration spans from preschool through eighth grade, which means students can remain in the same school community for up to ten years. This extended timeline can provide stability and continuity, though families will need to plan for the transition to high school after eighth grade. The early childhood program begins with three-year-olds in PK3, which can be particularly valuable for families seeking quality early learning options in Ward 4.

Center City PCS - Petworth emphasizes three core pillars in its educational approach: building moral character, promoting academic excellence, and generating public service throughout Washington, D.C. These priorities are reflected in the school's stated mission to empower students and families for lifelong success. Families who value character education alongside academics may find this mission particularly aligned with their goals.

The school is located in the Petworth neighborhood, a historically residential area of Northwest DC that has seen significant development in recent years. The Webster Street location is accessible to families throughout Ward 4 and potentially neighboring wards depending on transportation options and commute considerations.

Programs and Approach

As a public charter school, Center City PCS - Petworth operates independently from DC Public Schools but is publicly funded and tuition-free. Charter schools in DC have flexibility in their educational approaches while still being accountable for student outcomes. All DC charter schools participate in the My School DC common lottery system, meaning families apply through one centralized platform rather than contacting individual schools directly.

The school's mission statement highlights three interconnected priorities. The emphasis on moral character suggests that social-emotional learning and values development are intentional parts of the school day. Academic excellence indicates a focus on strong instruction and student achievement across subject areas. The commitment to public service suggests that students may engage with their community through service learning or civic engagement activities as part of their education.

Center City PCS operates six campus locations throughout Washington, D.C., allowing the network to serve families in different neighborhoods while maintaining a consistent educational philosophy. This multi-campus model can offer benefits like shared resources and professional development across sites while still maintaining neighborhood-based school communities.

Visiting and Contact

Center City PCS - Petworth is located at 510 Webster Street NW in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or getting current enrollment information should visit the school's website at http://centercitypcs.org/ or call 202-726-9212 to speak with the school directly.