Columbia Heights Education Campus 6–8 (CHEC)

At a Glance

Columbia Heights Education Campus 6–8 (CHEC) is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) middle school serving students in grades 6 through 8. Located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Ward 1 at 3101 16th Street NW, CHEC operates as part of a larger educational campus with a distinctive global and bilingual focus. The school is designed to prepare middle schoolers for the transition to high school while building language skills and academic foundations.

As a public DCPS school, CHEC is open to all DC residents and does not require a lottery for admission. The campus embraces a globally themed approach with bilingual programming that allows students to continue language development through their middle school years, setting the stage for continued dual-language education if they choose to remain on the campus for high school.

What Parents Should Know

Because CHEC is a DCPS neighborhood school, families living in the school's boundary area have a guaranteed seat, and no lottery application is required. Out-of-boundary families may also enroll if space is available. This straightforward enrollment process can be appealing for families who want to avoid the uncertainty of the citywide lottery system, though it's always wise to confirm current boundary lines and availability by contacting the school directly.

The 6–8 grade configuration means CHEC focuses exclusively on the middle school years, a time when students need both academic challenge and developmental support. For families considering the school, it's worth noting that the campus also includes a high school component (grades 9–12), which can provide a built-in pathway for students who want continuity in their educational environment and the opportunity to continue bilingual coursework through graduation.

The school's bilingual program is a defining feature. Students can take a full bilingual program, meaning instruction happens in two languages, which supports both native speakers maintaining their home language and English speakers developing fluency in a second language. This approach aligns with the campus's global theme and can be particularly valuable for families prioritizing multilingualism.

Location matters for middle schoolers gaining independence. Situated on 16th Street NW in Columbia Heights, the campus is accessible via Metro (Columbia Heights station on the Green/Yellow lines is nearby) and multiple bus lines, which can ease the transition as students begin navigating the city more independently.

The school has a uniform requirement, which some families appreciate for simplicity and equity, though it does mean an additional cost consideration when planning for the school year.

Programs and Approach

Columbia Heights Education Campus offers a range of programs designed to engage middle school students across multiple learning pathways. The school includes Advanced Placement options, Arts Integration, Blended Learning approaches, Career and Technical Education exposure, and a STEM focus—all designed to meet diverse student interests and prepare them for high school-level work. The dual-language immersion program threads through the academic experience, supporting the campus's global mission.

Additional offerings include interscholastic sports for students interested in athletics, JROTC programming, and a school garden that provides hands-on learning opportunities. The campus also implements a Restorative Justice Program, which focuses on building community and addressing conflicts through dialogue and accountability rather than purely punitive measures—an approach that many families value during the socially complex middle school years.

As a DCPS school, enrollment is managed through the standard district processes. Families can contact the school directly at 202-939-7700 for questions about programs, enrollment, and the student experience.

Visiting and Contact

Columbia Heights Education Campus 6–8 is located at 3101 16th Street NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or getting current enrollment information should visit the campus website at http://checdc.org/ or call the main office.