DC Scholars PCS

At a Glance

DC Scholars Public Charter School serves students in grades PK3 through 8th grade in the Capitol View neighborhood of Ward 7. Since opening its doors in 2012 as a PK-3 school, DC Scholars has grown steadily to its current grade configuration, providing families in Southeast DC with a continuous educational pathway from early childhood through middle school. The school's mission centers on developing lifelong scholars equipped with academic knowledge, individual passions, and community-mindedness to succeed in an ever-changing world.

As a public charter school, DC Scholars offers families a tuition-free option with a focus on rigorous instruction delivered in what the school describes as a "community of joy" where students thrive. The school maintains high expectations for all scholars while serving the Capitol View community along East Capitol Street SE.

What Parents Should Know

DC Scholars participates in the My School DC lottery system, which is how families apply for enrollment at DC charter schools. Applications typically open in the fall for the following school year, and families can list DC Scholars among their school choices regardless of where they live in the District. Ward 7 residents exploring neighborhood options will find DC Scholars within their community, though charter schools accept students citywide.

The PK3-8 grade configuration means families can potentially keep their children at DC Scholars from preschool through middle school graduation—a nine or ten-year span depending on entry point. This extended timeline allows students to build long-term relationships with teachers and peers while experiencing consistent expectations and school culture. Families should consider, however, that students will need to transition to a different high school after 8th grade, which requires planning ahead for high school applications during the middle school years.

The school's location on East Capitol Street SE in Capitol View places it in the eastern section of Ward 7, an area where families have increasingly sought quality educational options. The school emphasizes both academic rigor and community connection, positioning itself as an institution invested in the local neighborhood while preparing students for success beyond it.

Programs and Approach

As a District of Columbia public charter school, DC Scholars operates independently with its own curriculum and approach while remaining tuition-free and publicly funded. Charter schools in DC have flexibility in their instructional methods and school culture, and DC Scholars uses this autonomy to deliver what it describes as rigorous instruction within a joyful community environment.

The school's mission statement emphasizes three key pillars: academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness. This framework suggests an approach that balances traditional academics with personal exploration and civic responsibility. The commitment to developing "lifelong scholars" indicates a focus on building learning habits and curiosity that extend beyond test preparation.

Enrollment for DC Scholars, like all DC charter schools, happens through the centralized My School DC lottery rather than direct application to the school. Families create a My School DC account, rank their preferred schools, and submit their application during the lottery window. The system then matches students with schools based on preferences and available seats. Some students may receive preferences based on factors like sibling enrollment or boundary residence, depending on the school's specific lottery preferences.

Parents interested in DC Scholars should visit the school's website at dcscholars.org for detailed information about the school's approach, current programs, and community. Many charter schools offer tours and information sessions, particularly during the My School DC application season.

Visiting and Contact

DC Scholars Public Charter School is located at 5601 East Capitol Street SE in the Capitol View neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or accessing current enrollment information should visit http://www.dcscholars.org/ or call 202-559-6138 to connect with the school directly.