Janney Elementary School

At a Glance

Janney Elementary School is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood elementary serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Ward 3's Tenleytown community. Located on Albemarle Street NW, Janney serves as a foundational educational home where young learners spend their early school years before transitioning to middle school. The school operates with a mission centered on creating a community of learners through inquiry, equity, reflection, collaboration, and experimentation. Janney emphasizes building an atmosphere where respect, curiosity, and diligence are core values that shape the student experience.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Janney primarily serves families who live within its defined boundary area, with admission handled through the My School DC universal lottery system for out-of-boundary applicants. DC families applying to pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, or moving into the district, should submit applications during the annual lottery period, typically in late winter. Because Janney serves students only through fifth grade, families should plan for a transition to middle school after elementary—an important consideration when thinking about long-term school placement and sibling continuity.

The school day varies slightly by grade level: pre-K through kindergarten runs from 8:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m., first through third grade from 8:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and fourth through fifth grade from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. For families needing extended hours, Janney offers both before- and after-care programs on a fee basis with sliding scale options and voucher acceptance available—parents should contact the school directly at 202-282-0110 for current details and eligibility information.

Janney's location in Tenleytown places it in a residential Ward 3 neighborhood with relatively good Metro access and surrounding amenities. The school community values its role as a neighborhood anchor, and prospective families often appreciate understanding how the school integrates into the broader Tenleytown area when considering fit and logistics.

Programs and Approach

Janney Elementary operates within the DCPS system, which means enrollment for most families occurs through the My School DC common lottery platform, used citywide for both DCPS and public charter schools. Families living within Janney's boundary receive preference for admission, while out-of-boundary families can enter the lottery for available seats. The application window typically opens in the fall for the following school year, with results announced in spring.

The school's stated mission highlights a commitment to building a learning environment grounded in inquiry-based education, equity, reflection, collaboration, and experimentation. These principles suggest an approach that encourages students to ask questions, work together, and engage thoughtfully with their learning. Janney positions itself as more than a place where children attend class—it aims to cultivate a genuine community centered on shared values and mutual respect.

Parents exploring Janney should understand that the school serves early childhood through upper elementary, meaning students will experience their foundational academic years here before moving on to middle school. This grade configuration allows the school to focus specifically on early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development, and the building blocks that prepare students for more independent learning in later grades.

As with all DCPS schools, families can access information about special education services and feeder patterns through the district, which helps parents understand how students transition between school levels and what supports are available for diverse learning needs.

Visiting and Contact

Janney Elementary School is located at 4130 Albemarle Street NW in the Tenleytown 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://janneyschool.org/ or call 202-282-0110 to speak with the front office.