Eaton Elementary School

At a Glance

Eaton Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Northwest DC's Ward 3. As a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) institution, Eaton draws families from across all four quadrants of the city, creating what the school describes as "One Community, Many Cultures." The school's approach centers on educating the whole child through experiential learning and enriching opportunities that prepare students for success beyond their elementary years, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What Parents Should Know

Eaton Elementary admits students through the My School DC lottery system, which opens each fall for the following school year. Families can list Eaton as a choice during the common lottery application period, and the school participates in DC's universal pre-kindergarten program starting at age four. As a PK4–5 school, students will transition to middle school after fifth grade, which means families should plan ahead for the next phase of their child's education and participate in the middle school lottery process during their child's fifth-grade year.

The school's location on Lowell Street NW in Cleveland Park places it in an established residential neighborhood with access to public transportation, including nearby Metro stations. Because Eaton attracts students from throughout the District rather than serving only an immediate attendance boundary, families should consider commute times and transportation logistics when weighing this school as an option.

The emphasis on diversity and the explicit mission of serving students "regardless of background or circumstance" suggests a school community committed to inclusion and equity. Parents interested in a school environment that values multiple perspectives and cultural backgrounds may find this mission statement aligned with their educational priorities.

Programs and Approach

As a DCPS elementary school, Eaton follows the district's academic standards and curriculum frameworks while incorporating its distinctive focus on experiential learning and whole-child education. The school's mission emphasizes providing a well-rounded 21st century education, which typically includes attention to academic skills alongside social-emotional development, creative expression, and critical thinking.

Enrollment at Eaton, like all DC public and public charter schools, happens through the My School DC unified lottery system. Families complete a single application that allows them to rank their school preferences across both DCPS and participating charter schools. The lottery runs annually, with the main application window typically opening in the fall and results announced in spring. Families new to DC or those who miss the main lottery window can apply during the summer or throughout the school year if spaces are available.

The school's commitment to experiential learning suggests an educational philosophy that values hands-on activities, real-world connections, and learning experiences that extend beyond traditional textbook instruction. This approach often resonates with families seeking active, engaged learning environments for their children.

The grade span from pre-K4 through fifth grade means that families enrolling in the early childhood years can potentially remain at Eaton for six years before transitioning to middle school. This configuration allows younger siblings to potentially attend together and gives families the opportunity to build long-term relationships within the school community.

Visiting and Contact

Eaton Elementary School is located at 3301 Lowell Street NW in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Ward 3. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's website at http://eatondc.org/ or call 202-282-0103.