J.O. Wilson Elementary School

At a Glance

J.O. Wilson Elementary School is a DC Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood elementary serving students from preschool (PK3) through 5th grade. Located at 660 K Street NE, the school sits in the Near Northeast neighborhood of Ward 6, just blocks from the H Street corridor and within walking distance of NoMa and Union Station.

As a traditional public school, J.O. Wilson serves families living in its in-boundary attendance zone, with additional seats often available through the citywide lottery. Its Cardinals community spans early childhood through upper elementary, making it a place where families can settle in for nearly a decade of schooling. The school describes its culture as "SOARing to success every day in every way," with an emphasis on joy, pride, growth mindsets, and helping students build the confidence to take academic and social risks.

What Parents Should Know

• In-boundary and lottery enrollment. Because J.O. Wilson is a by-right DCPS school, families who live in its boundary are guaranteed a seat. Out-of-boundary families and those seeking PK3 or PK4 spots (which are not guaranteed even for in-boundary residents) apply through the My School DC common lottery.
• PK3 through 5th grade configuration. The school covers eight grade levels under one roof, which can ease early transitions. After 5th grade, students move on to a DCPS middle school based on their feeder pattern — families should confirm the current feeder on the DCPS website, as middle school assignments occasionally shift.
• Ward 6 location. The Near Northeast location puts the school close to H Street NE amenities, the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro stop, and several bus lines, which can be useful for working parents and families without cars.
• Early childhood seats are competitive. Across DCPS, PK3 and PK4 seats at popular Ward 6 schools tend to fill quickly through the lottery. Families interested in starting at J.O. Wilson should plan to apply during the standard My School DC application window.
• A school-stated culture of risk-taking and self-advocacy. The school's own mission language centers on positive interactions and helping students face adversity — a useful signal for parents thinking about social-emotional fit alongside academics.

Programs and Approach

J.O. Wilson follows the DCPS curriculum framework used across the district, which includes literacy, math, science, and social studies aligned to district standards, plus specials and recess time built into the elementary school day. As a DCPS elementary, it also participates in district-wide initiatives around early literacy and arts and physical education access.

Enrollment for non-guaranteed seats — including PK3, PK4, and any out-of-boundary applications for higher grades — runs through the My School DC lottery (myschooldc.org). In-boundary families for kindergarten through 5th grade can enroll directly with the school by providing proof of DC residency and the required enrollment paperwork. Specific program offerings, after-school options, and any specialty instruction are best confirmed directly with the school, since these can change from year to year.

Visiting and Contact

J.O. Wilson Elementary School 660 K Street NE, Washington, DC (Near Northeast, Ward 6) Phone: 202-698-4733

For tour schedules, current staff contacts, enrollment paperwork, and up-to-date information about the school day, visit the school's website at jowilsondcps.org.