Friendship PCS - Online

At a Glance

Friendship PCS - Online is a public charter school serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade through a primarily virtual learning model. The school is part of the Friendship Public Charter School network and operates out of a campus on Nicholson Street NW in the 16th Street Heights neighborhood of Ward 4.

Because instruction happens mostly from home, this school is best suited to families who can commit an adult to serve as a Learning Coach during the school day. It serves elementary and middle grade students across the District who are looking for a flexible alternative to a traditional in-person classroom, while still maintaining ties to a physical DC campus.

What Parents Should Know

• It is an online school with required in-person days. Most academic work is completed virtually from home, but students must come to the Nicholson Street campus for state testing, which takes place multiple times per year. Families should plan for transportation to Ward 4 on those dates.
• A Learning Coach is required. A parent, caregiver, or another adult in the home partners with teachers to guide the student's day. This is a meaningful time commitment, especially for younger students, and is central to how the school works.
• The curriculum is K12. Friendship Online uses the K12 curriculum, a widely used online learning program, combined with support from Friendship's own teachers.
• K–8 means one transition during these years. Families enrolling in kindergarten can stay through 8th grade without switching schools, but will need to plan separately for high school. Friendship operates other campuses, but online students should confirm pathways directly with the school.
• In-person community is built in. Beyond required testing, students are invited to in-person sessions on campus as well as field trips and family events, which can be important for social development in a virtual program.

Programs and Approach

As a DC public charter school, Friendship PCS - Online enrolls students through the citywide My School DC lottery. Families apply each year during the standard application window, list their school choices, and receive placement results in the spring. There are no tuition costs and no boundary requirements — any DC resident in the eligible grades can apply.

The school's approach blends self-paced online coursework with live virtual instruction from Friendship teachers, supported by the at-home Learning Coach. A typical school day runs 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., though the flexible structure allows families to organize the day around the student's pace and needs. The model can work well for students who need a quieter learning environment, who travel, who have health considerations, or who simply thrive with one-on-one adult support at home.

Because programming, schedules, and in-person requirements can shift year to year, parents should confirm current details directly with the school before applying.

Visiting and Contact

Friendship PCS - Online is located at 1351 Nicholson Street NW, in the 16th Street Heights neighborhood of Ward 4. The campus is the hub for state testing, in-person sessions, and family events, even though most learning happens at home.

For tour information, open house dates, and the most current enrollment details, visit the school's website at https://fpcso.k12.com/ or call 202-729-8287.