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Center City PCS - Shaw

charterWard 2

Petworth · Grades PK3–8

2026–27 enrollment openGet lottery alerts:

OSSE STAR Rating

SY 2018-19
3 / 5 stars · Score 48.6 / 100
Enrollment: 240

Source: OSSE School Report Card — official rating from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

About Center City PCS - Shaw

Center City PCS - Shaw Campus is a public charter school serving pre-K3 through 8th grade at 711 N Street NW in Shaw, Ward 2. Shaw is one of six Center City campuses across DC, operating under a Catholic-rooted lay leadership model that emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.

Center City model

Center City Public Charter Schools were established in 2008 when a group of long-running Catholic schools converted to public charter status. The network kept its uniform-required, family-engagement-heavy, character-formation approach but became free and lottery-accessible to all DC residents. Six campuses across the city share curriculum and operations:

  • Shaw (this campus)
  • Brightwood, Capitol Hill, Congress Heights, Petworth, Trinidad

Programs

  • Character formation (the "moral character" pillar of the mission)
  • Spanish instruction across grades
  • Art integration
  • Physical Education daily
  • Public service component built into the curriculum

Admissions and lottery

Center City is a public charter — open to all DC residents via the My School DC lottery, no in-boundary preference. Apply before the late-January deadline. Sibling preference applies. Uniforms required. School hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri; Wed early release).

Enrollment and demographics

Current enrollment at Shaw campus: 66% Black/African-American, 30% Hispanic/Latino, with small white, Asian, and multiracial populations. Demographics reflect the Shaw neighborhood and the network's wide draw from across DC.

Contact and resources

Compare other charter schools in DC on our directory.

Center City Public Charter Schools - Shaw Campus empowers our students and families for lifelong success by building moral character, promoting academic excellence, and generating public service throughout Washington, D.C.

Enrichment

Spanish · Art · Physical Education

🕐 MTThF: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | W: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.👔 Uniform required

Address

711 N STREET NW

Enrollment Lottery

Not required

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Free transit for students

All DC residents enrolled at Center City PCS - Shaw (ages 5–21) qualify for Kids Ride Free — a SmarTrip card that grants free Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator rides on school days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grades does Center City PCS - Shaw serve?+

Center City PCS - Shaw serves grades PK3–8 in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington DC.

What ward is Center City PCS - Shaw in?+

Center City PCS - Shaw is located in Ward 2, Petworth, Washington DC.

How do I apply to Center City PCS - Shaw?+

Center City PCS - Shaw is a DC public charter school. Contact the school directly for enrollment and seat availability.

What is Center City PCS - Shaw's OSSE star rating?+

Center City PCS - Shaw received a 3/5 star rating (★★★☆☆) from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in SY 2018-19. OSSE ratings measure academic achievement, growth, and attendance.

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