Columbia Heights Education Campus 9–12 (CHEC)

At a Glance

Columbia Heights Education Campus 9–12 (CHEC) is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) high school serving grades 9 through 12 in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Ward 1. Located at 3101 16th Street NW, CHEC is distinguished by its globally themed bilingual campus model, offering students the opportunity to pursue a full bilingual program throughout all four years of high school. The school is part of a larger educational campus that extends through grade 6, creating an environment where students can potentially spend seven consecutive years in a consistent bilingual learning community.

CHEC prepares students for both college and career pathways, with particular emphasis on bilingual education as a core component of student preparation rather than an optional add-on. Families seeking a public high school option with sustained language instruction and a global perspective will find CHEC's mission centered on ensuring all students develop the academic skills and cultural competencies needed for post-secondary success.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS school, Columbia Heights Education Campus participates in the My School DC common lottery system for high school enrollment. Families interested in CHEC for ninth grade should submit their applications during the standard lottery window, typically in the winter preceding the fall enrollment year. The school has historically celebrated incoming ninth graders during welcoming events like signing days, where students transitioning from middle schools throughout the city are officially welcomed into the CHEC community.

The school requires uniforms, which families should plan for when budgeting for the school year. Because CHEC serves only grades 9–12, students will experience their high school years at this single location without transitioning to another campus before graduation. This can provide stability and consistency during the crucial high school years.

The bilingual program structure means that students can continue developing language proficiency throughout high school, an option not available at every DCPS high school. Families should inquire about language placement and expectations during the enrollment process to understand how their student's current language skills align with the program offerings. The globally themed approach suggests an educational environment focused on preparing students for an interconnected world.

CHEC offers Advanced Placement courses, Career and Technical Education pathways, and JROTC programming, providing multiple avenues for students to explore their interests and build credentials for college applications or workforce entry. The school also incorporates arts integration, interscholastic sports, and STEM focus areas, giving students access to a comprehensive high school experience. Additional programs include blended learning approaches, restorative justice practices for school climate and discipline, and a school garden that may connect to science or environmental education.

Programs and Approach

Columbia Heights Education Campus structures its programming around its bilingual and globally themed mission, positioning language acquisition and international perspectives as central to student preparation rather than supplementary enrichments. The presence of Career and Technical Education alongside Advanced Placement courses suggests the school serves students with diverse post-graduation goals, whether that's four-year college, community college, technical training, or direct workforce entry.

Enrollment at CHEC follows the standard DCPS process through My School DC, the common enrollment system for District public and public charter schools. Families create an account on the My School DC platform, rank their school preferences, and submit their application by the deadline. After the lottery runs, families receive placement notifications and can accept or decline their offered seat. Because CHEC does not require a separate lottery beyond the standard My School DC process, families can include it among their high school preferences without additional application steps.

The school's approach incorporates restorative justice programming, which typically focuses on building community, repairing harm through dialogue rather than purely punitive measures, and developing students' social-emotional skills alongside academics. Blended learning suggests a combination of traditional classroom instruction with digital or online learning components. The school garden provides hands-on learning opportunities that may integrate with science classes or student wellness initiatives.

Visiting and Contact

Columbia Heights Education Campus 9–12 is located at 3101 16th Street NW in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Ward 1. Families can reach the school at 202-939-7700 or visit https://checdc.org for information about tours, enrollment events, and current programming details.