Hearst Elementary School

At a Glance

Hearst Elementary School is a public DC elementary school serving students from pre-kindergarten (age 4) through fifth grade in the North Cleveland Park neighborhood of Ward 3. The school proudly describes itself with the vision of being "the best little school in the District," emphasizing both academic rigor and arts integration throughout its programs.

Located on 37th Street NW, Hearst serves families in upper Northwest DC with a commitment to meeting the needs of diverse learners while maintaining small class sizes and a close-knit school community. The school's approach centers on three key goals: improving student outcomes, partnering meaningfully with families, and supporting staff professional development.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools (DCPS) elementary, Hearst participates in the My School DC unified enrollment lottery system. Families living within the school's boundary area receive priority for enrollment, while out-of-boundary families can enter the lottery for any available seats. The lottery opens each fall for the following school year, with pre-kindergarten and kindergarten typically seeing the highest demand.

The grade configuration of PK4 through fifth grade means families will need to plan for a transition to middle school after fifth grade. This is standard for DC elementary schools, and parents should research middle school options—whether in-boundary DCPS schools, charter schools, or other choices—well before their child's final year at Hearst.

The North Cleveland Park location puts Hearst in a primarily residential area of Ward 3, accessible by bus routes serving upper Northwest DC. Families considering the school should verify their boundary status through the DCPS website, as school boundaries can shift and knowing your in-boundary schools is essential for navigating DC school enrollment.

Class sizes at Hearst tend to be smaller than at many larger DC elementary schools, which can mean more individualized attention but also fewer sections per grade level. This "small school" character is central to Hearst's identity and appeals to families seeking a tight-knit community feel.

Programs and Approach

Hearst Elementary emphasizes a curriculum that integrates the arts alongside core academic subjects, reflecting the school's belief that creative exposure enhances learning across all areas. The school's mission highlights its commitment to providing rigorous academics while remaining responsive to diverse learning needs, an approach that requires differentiation and individualized support within the classroom.

The school places notable emphasis on three pillars: student achievement, family partnership, and staff professional growth. This focus on collaboration means parents can expect opportunities to engage with teachers and school leadership as partners in their children's education. The school explicitly values family involvement and works to create welcoming environments for all families in its community.

As a DCPS school, Hearst follows the district's academic standards and curriculum frameworks while maintaining its particular focus on arts integration and what the school describes as attention to wellness and environmental awareness. Staff work as a collaborative team across grade levels, creating consistency in approach from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

Enrollment at Hearst, like all DC public and public charter schools, happens through the My School DC lottery system. Families can list Hearst on their application during the annual enrollment window. In-boundary families receive the highest preference, followed by siblings of current students and other preference categories established by DCPS policy.

Visiting and Contact

Hearst Elementary School is located at 3950 37th Street NW in the North 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 www.hearstes.org or call 202-282-0106 to connect with the main office.