DC Prep PCS - Edgewood Elementary

At a Glance

DC Prep PCS - Edgewood Elementary is a public charter school serving the youngest learners in Northeast Washington. Located in the Edgewood neighborhood of Ward 5, the school welcomes students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through third grade. As part of the DC Prep network, one of the city's established charter organizations with over two decades of service to DC families, Edgewood Elementary focuses on building strong academic foundations alongside social-emotional development in the early years.

The school refers to its students as "Preppies" and emphasizes a joyful, student-centered approach where young learners are encouraged to explore, question, and grow. Families seeking an early childhood program that balances academic rigor with community connection and individual support will find DC Prep Edgewood Elementary designed specifically for this developmental stage.

What Parents Should Know

Early childhood focus means planned transitions. Since DC Prep Edgewood Elementary only serves through third grade, families should understand that students will transition to another school for fourth grade and beyond. DC Prep operates multiple campuses across the District, and families typically continue within the network, but it's worth confirming transition pathways early in your child's enrollment.

Enrollment happens through My School DC. Like all DC public charter schools, DC Prep Edgewood Elementary participates in the citywide My School DC lottery system. Families interested in enrolling should submit an application during the lottery window, typically in the winter for the following school year. If your child receives a match with DC Prep through the lottery, the school hosts Enrollment Parties where families can meet staff, complete enrollment paperwork, and begin connecting with the school community.

Extended day programming is available. For working families who need care beyond traditional school hours, DC Prep Edgewood Elementary offers an Extended Day program. This can be an important consideration when comparing schools and planning your family's daily logistics.

A uniform is required. Parents should budget for and plan to purchase school uniforms as part of enrollment. Uniform requirements help create a sense of community and reduce daily decision-making for young children, though they do represent an additional cost and planning consideration for families.

Ward 5 location with a community focus. Situated on Edgewood Street NE, the school serves families primarily from Wards 5, 7, and 8, though any DC resident can apply through the lottery. The school emphasizes connecting students to their community as part of its educational approach.

Programs and Approach

DC Prep's model centers on preparing students for long-term academic success by building strong foundations in the early grades. The network describes its approach as combining rigorous academics with social-emotional learning, recognizing that young children need both skill development and emotional support to thrive. At the elementary level, this means creating what the school calls a "joyful, student-centered environment" where curiosity is nurtured and each child is valued as an individual.

The early childhood and primary grades at DC Prep Edgewood Elementary are designed to help young learners develop confidence, basic academic skills, and positive relationships with learning itself. The school works in partnership with families, viewing parents and caregivers as essential partners in each child's education. This collaborative approach can be especially important during the early years when children are adjusting to school routines and expectations for the first time.

As a public charter school, DC Prep Edgewood Elementary is tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the My School DC lottery system. Families apply online at myschooldc.org during the annual application period, ranking their school preferences. The lottery runs citywide, and families receive match results in the spring. Charter schools in DC operate independently with their own governance but receive public funding and must meet the same accountability standards as traditional DCPS schools.

Visiting and Contact

DC Prep PCS - Edgewood Elementary is located at 707 Edgewood Street NE in the Edgewood neighborhood of Ward 5. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or getting current enrollment information should visit the DC Prep website at www.dcprep.org or call 202-635-4411.