DC Prep PCS - Benning Middle

At a Glance

DC Prep PCS - Benning Middle is a public charter school serving students in grades 4 through 8 in the Benning neighborhood of Ward 7. Located at 100 41st Street NE, the school is part of the DC Prep network, one of the city's highest-performing charter organizations with a track record spanning over two decades in Wards 5, 7, and 8. As a charter school, DC Prep Benning Middle operates independently within the DC public school system while remaining tuition-free and open to all DC residents. The school combines rigorous academics with social-emotional learning to prepare students for long-term educational success.

What Parents Should Know

DC Prep Benning Middle enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the centralized application process used by all DC charter and traditional public schools. Families can apply during the annual lottery window, and if their child matches with DC Prep through this process, the school hosts Enrollment Parties where families can meet staff, receive enrollment support, and begin connecting with the school community. The school requires uniforms, which is an important practical consideration for families planning their budget and daily routines.

The grade configuration at this campus—serving grades 4 through 8—means students experience their upper elementary and full middle school years at the same location, which can provide continuity during critical developmental years. Families should be aware that students will need to transition to a high school after eighth grade, so it's worth exploring DC Prep's high school options or other secondary schools well before that transition point.

The school offers Extended Day programming, which can be valuable for families needing care beyond regular school hours or seeking additional academic and enrichment time for their children. Ward 7 families in particular may appreciate having a high-performing charter option in their neighborhood, reducing commute times and keeping students connected to their community.

Programs and Approach

As a public charter school, DC Prep Benning Middle is free to attend and does not require tuition, though families participate in the My School DC lottery for admission. The school's mission emphasizes preparing students through rigorous academics paired with social-emotional learning, recognizing that academic skills and personal development work together to create well-rounded learners. The network describes its approach as deeply understanding students' identities and fostering a joyful, student-centered community where all students build skills for lifelong success.

The DC Prep network has demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement while serving predominantly Ward 5, 7, and 8 families for more than twenty years. The network refers to its students as "Preppies," reflecting the community culture that extends across campuses. The emphasis on social-emotional learning alongside academics suggests that the school values not just test preparation but also developing students' ability to navigate relationships, regulate emotions, and build character traits that contribute to success beyond the classroom.

Charter schools in DC have the flexibility to design their own academic programs and school culture while being held accountable for student outcomes. This means DC Prep Benning Middle operates with some independence in how it structures its school day, curriculum approach, and community practices, though it must still meet district standards and participate in citywide assessments.

Visiting and Contact

DC Prep PCS - Benning Middle is located at 100 41st Street NE in the Benning neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, including tour opportunities and current enrollment information, should visit the school's website at https://www.dcprep.org/prospective-families/our-schools/benning-middle-campus/ or call 202-396-3780 to connect with staff directly.