Friendship PCS - Armstrong Elementary

At a Glance

Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Elementary serves students from Pre-K3 through third grade in the Truxton Circle neighborhood of Ward 5. This arts-focused charter school distinguishes itself through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach in its early childhood programs, emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based learning that integrates creative expression across all subject areas. As part of the Friendship network of public charter schools, Armstrong provides a tuition-free education to District families seeking an arts-integrated elementary experience for their youngest learners.

The school's grade configuration means families will need to plan for a transition after third grade, as students typically move to another school within the Friendship network or apply to other options for fourth grade and beyond. The campus features specialized learning spaces including a dedicated Reggio Arts Studio, outdoor classrooms, and the Armstrong Garden, all designed to support the school's mission of connecting classroom learning to the wider world through creative exploration.

What Parents Should Know

Enrollment at Friendship Armstrong Elementary happens through the My School DC common lottery system, the unified application process used by DC charter schools and some DCPS programs. Families interested in the school should submit their applications during the annual lottery window, typically held in late winter, and the school is required to accept students without regard to academic achievement, athletic ability, or other selective criteria. Like all DC charter schools, if applications exceed available seats, admission is determined by random lottery with preferences given according to My School DC rules.

The Pre-K3 through grade 3 configuration means this school focuses exclusively on early childhood and primary education. Parents should understand that their child will transition to another school after third grade, which requires advance planning and potentially another lottery application. Some families view this as an opportunity to choose a specialized early childhood environment, while others prefer schools that continue through fifth or eighth grade to minimize transitions.

Armstrong Elementary is located at 111 O Street NW in Truxton Circle, a neighborhood that has seen significant residential development in recent years and sits within Ward 5 in the northeastern section of the city. The school's Ward 5 location may offer admissions preferences to families living in that ward, depending on current My School DC lottery preference rules.

The school offers extended day programming, which can be particularly valuable for working families who need care beyond the standard school day. Additional enrichment opportunities include interscholastic sports, various clubs including art, photography, and literary club, as well as basketball and other athletic options that provide students with structured activities and opportunities to explore interests beyond core academics.

Programs and Approach

Friendship Armstrong Elementary centers its educational model on arts integration, weaving creative expression through its academic program. The school implements a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach in its preschool years, an Italian educational philosophy that views children as capable learners and emphasizes student-directed, experiential learning in relationship with peers, teachers, and the environment. The Reggio Arts Studio serves as a dedicated space for creative exploration, while the Armstrong Garden and outdoor classrooms provide hands-on learning environments where students can connect abstract concepts to tangible, real-world experiences.

In the primary grades from kindergarten through third, the curriculum includes Friendship's Science of Reading and Math programs, building foundational skills through structured, research-based methods. The arts remain integrated throughout instruction, supporting literacy, numeracy, world language development, and creative problem-solving skills. The school also implements a Restorative Justice Program, an approach to discipline and community-building that focuses on repairing harm and maintaining relationships rather than relying solely on punitive consequences.

The school describes itself as providing a "joyful, nurturing community" designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning in young children. This emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic skills reflects the early childhood focus of the grade levels served.

Visiting and Contact

Friendship PCS - Armstrong Elementary is located at 111 O Street NW in the Truxton Circle neighborhood of Ward 5. Families interested in learning more about the school's arts-integrated approach, touring the facilities, or understanding the admissions process should visit http://www.friendshipschools.org/ or call 202-518-3928 for current information about open houses and enrollment.