Friendship PCS - Armstrong Middle

At a Glance

Friendship PCS - Armstrong Middle is a charter middle school serving grades 4–8 in the Truxton Circle neighborhood of Ward 5. Located at 111 O Street NW, Armstrong distinguishes itself as the district's only dual-curriculum middle school, combining college preparatory academics with comprehensive arts training. The school provides students a structured pathway from upper elementary through middle school, positioning itself as a bridge to competitive arts-focused high schools throughout the city.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC public charter school, Armstrong admits students through the My School DC common lottery system, the centralized enrollment process for both DCPS and participating charter schools. Families interested in Armstrong should submit their applications during the annual lottery window, typically held in the winter for the following school year. The grade 4–8 configuration means students can enter as fourth graders and remain through eighth grade, providing up to five years of continuity in a single school environment—an appealing option for families seeking stability during the critical middle years.

The school's dual focus on academics and arts makes it particularly suited for students who want serious arts training without sacrificing rigorous academic preparation. Students select majors in visual arts, music (both instrumental and voice), theater, dance, or media arts, pursuing their chosen discipline alongside college preparatory coursework. The academic program includes Friendship's Science of Reading and Math curricula and prepares students for Pre-AP courses, including Algebra, during middle school.

Armstrong's location in Truxton Circle places it in a residential neighborhood with good access to major thoroughfares. The school benefits from a 1,000-seat theater where students showcase their work through performances, and arts students participate in master classes and competitions that build both skill and confidence. For families weighing this option, understanding the commitment level expected in both academic and arts tracks is important—students here pursue dual excellence rather than choosing one path over the other.

Programs and Approach

Armstrong's academic foundation includes structured literacy and mathematics programs aligned with Friendship's broader charter network approach. The college preparatory curriculum aims to prepare students for advanced coursework, with Pre-AP classes available in middle school to build skills needed for high school Advanced Placement courses. This academic rigor runs parallel to the arts majors program, where students receive dedicated instruction in their chosen artistic discipline.

Beyond the core dual curriculum, Armstrong offers a range of extracurricular activities that extend learning and build community. Clubs include Art Club, Photography, Literary Club, Robotics Club, Sign Language Club, and Spanish Club, giving students opportunities to explore interests outside their arts majors. Athletics options include Basketball, Football, and Cheerleading, providing physical activity and team-building experiences.

The school's positioning as a "gateway to top arts high schools" suggests an intentional focus on portfolio development and audition preparation for students planning to continue arts education at the high school level. The combination of daily arts instruction, performance opportunities in a professional-scale theater, and exposure to master classes creates an environment where committed young artists can develop technical skills and artistic voice during the middle school years.

Enrollment follows the standard My School DC process. Families create an account on the My School DC website, add Armstrong to their list of school choices, and submit their application by the deadline. If demand exceeds available seats, admission is determined by random lottery, with some preferences (such as sibling priority) applied according to DC policy.

Visiting and Contact

Friendship PCS - Armstrong Middle is located at 111 O Street NW in the Truxton Circle neighborhood of Ward 5. For information about tours, upcoming performances, enrollment deadlines, and current programming details, visit the school's website at https://www.friendshipschools.org or call 202-518-3928.