DC Prep PCS - Anacostia Elementary

At a Glance

DC Prep PCS - Anacostia Elementary is a public charter school serving the youngest learners in Ward 8's Hillsdale neighborhood. Located at 2330 Pomeroy Road SE, the school welcomes students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through third grade. As part of the DC Prep network—one of the city's highest-performing public charter organizations—Anacostia Elementary operates in a brand-new campus building designed to support its mission of rigorous academics combined with social-emotional learning.

The school serves families across Wards 5, 7, and 8, building on more than two decades of DC Prep's work in these communities. Students, affectionately called "Preppies," are part of a tight-knit community where teachers and families work together to ensure every child is known by name, celebrated for their unique strengths, and challenged to grow academically and personally.

What Parents Should Know

DC Prep Anacostia Elementary is part of the DC public charter system, which means families apply through the My School DC unified lottery rather than directly to the school. If your child receives a match to DC Prep through the lottery, the school hosts Enrollment Parties where families can meet the school team, get help completing enrollment paperwork, and start connecting with the community before the school year begins. This is a welcoming entry point for families new to the DC Prep network.

The school's grade configuration—PK3 through third grade—means it focuses exclusively on early childhood and primary education. Families should know that students will transition to another campus after third grade. DC Prep operates multiple schools across the city, and the network structure is designed to support students as they move through grade levels, though parents will want to ask about the transition process and sibling priority for continuing within the DC Prep system.

The school requires uniforms, which helps create a consistent, focused learning environment and can simplify morning routines for busy families. Extended Day programming is available, an important consideration for working parents who need care beyond standard school hours. The school's location in Hillsdale places it in the southeastern portion of Ward 8, and families should consider transportation logistics when making enrollment decisions.

The school emphasizes both academic rigor and social-emotional development, reflecting a whole-child approach to education. The mission statement highlights that students are "nurtured to connect to their community and valued for who they are," signaling that the school aims to ground learning in students' lived experiences and cultural context.

Programs and Approach

As a public charter school, DC Prep Anacostia Elementary is tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the My School DC lottery system. Families interested in enrolling should submit their lottery application during the annual window, typically in the winter for the following school year. The lottery is the primary admission mechanism for DC charter schools, and families can list multiple schools in order of preference.

DC Prep's approach centers on combining rigorous academics with social-emotional learning, a dual focus that recognizes young children need both strong foundational skills and the emotional tools to navigate challenges, build relationships, and develop confidence. The network has built its reputation over more than 20 years working specifically in Wards 5, 7, and 8, demonstrating sustained commitment to these communities.

The brand-new campus building at the Anacostia Elementary location provides modern facilities designed to support early learners. For young children, the physical environment matters significantly—bright, safe, well-equipped spaces can enhance both learning and comfort, particularly for students in their first school experiences.

The Extended Day program addresses a practical need many families face, offering supervised care and activities beyond the regular school day. Parents juggling work schedules will want to contact the school directly for specific details about Extended Day hours, costs if any, and programming.

Visiting and Contact

DC Prep PCS - Anacostia Elementary is located at 2330 Pomeroy Road SE in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Ward 8. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or getting current enrollment information should visit https://www.dcprep.org/ or call 202-729-3500.