Drew Elementary School

At a Glance

Drew Elementary School is a public District of Columbia elementary school serving students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade at 5600 Eads Street NE in Ward 7's Northeast Boundary neighborhood. As a DCPS school, Drew serves neighborhood students within its boundary as well as families across the city through the My School DC lottery system. The school's mission centers on providing quality instruction that allows each student to reach high levels of academic achievement while developing the whole child in a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Families should note that Drew Elementary will be temporarily relocating to the Davis Elementary building at 4430 H Street SE until summer 2028, so students will attend classes at this alternate location during the relocation period. Drew offers Early Action guaranteed seats for both PK3 and PK4, making it an attractive option for families seeking early childhood education options in Ward 7.

What Parents Should Know

Drew Elementary is currently operating from a temporary location at Davis Elementary (4430 H Street SE) through summer 2028, which means families should plan drop-off and pick-up logistics around this address rather than the permanent Eads Street location. This temporary relocation is important for parents to understand when considering commute times and transportation arrangements.

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Drew automatically enrolls students who live within its defined boundary area. Families living outside the boundary can apply through the My School DC lottery system, which opens each fall for the following school year. The lottery application is the unified enrollment process used across DC for both traditional public and public charter schools.

The school offers Early Action PK3 and PK4 seats, which are guaranteed for eligible students who apply by the Early Action deadline. This is a significant benefit for Ward 7 families seeking pre-kindergarten options, as securing early childhood education spots can be competitive in DC. Parents should check My School DC deadlines carefully to take advantage of this Early Action opportunity.

Drew's grade configuration spans pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, meaning students complete their elementary education here before transitioning to middle school for sixth grade. This gives families up to six years at one school community if they start in PK3, though students entering at kindergarten will have a six-year elementary experience as well.

Programs and Approach

Drew Elementary is committed to ensuring students master academic content through engaging and authentic learning experiences. The school's approach emphasizes fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills across all grade levels. This whole-child philosophy means the school focuses not just on academic content but also on developing students' social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

As a DC Public Schools institution, Drew follows DCPS curriculum frameworks and participates in district-wide initiatives and assessments. Enrollment happens through the My School DC common lottery system at myschooldc.org, which opens annually in the fall. In-boundary families receive priority placement, while out-of-boundary families enter the lottery for any available seats beyond those needed for neighborhood students.

The school's dedication to discovering "success in every child, every day" reflects an equity-focused approach where educators work to meet students where they are and support their individual growth. The emphasis on a safe and nurturing learning environment underscores the school's commitment to creating conditions where all students can thrive academically and personally.

Parents interested in enrollment should be prepared to submit their lottery application during the My School DC window and understand that Early Action PK3 and PK4 seats require timely application to guarantee placement.

Visiting and Contact

Drew Elementary School is located at 5600 Eads Street NE in the Northeast Boundary neighborhood of Ward 7, though the school is temporarily operating from 4430 H Street SE through summer 2028. Families can reach the school at 202-671-6040 or visit https://www.drewelementary.org/ for information about tours, enrollment, and current programming.