Ketcham Elementary School

At a Glance

John H. Ketcham Elementary School is a public elementary school serving students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Southeast Washington, DC. Located in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8, Ketcham serves families seeking a community-focused educational environment grounded in the belief that "Our Students. Our Future. Our Responsibility."

The school emphasizes collaboration between dedicated staff, parents, and community partners to promote both academic and social growth for its scholars. Ketcham takes pride in its deep roots in Historic Anacostia and its commitment to enriching the lives of young learners during these foundational years.

What Parents Should Know

Ketcham Elementary will be temporarily relocating to 1409 V Street SE and will remain at this location until Summer 2028 while its permanent building undergoes improvements. Families considering Ketcham should plan accordingly for this temporary address when thinking about transportation and commute logistics.

As a DC Public Schools institution, enrollment at Ketcham happens through the My School DC lottery system, which DC families use to apply to both DCPS and public charter schools. For the prekindergarten levels specifically, Ketcham offers Equitable Access as a lottery preference for in-boundary PK3 and PK4 applicants, which can increase admission chances for families living within the school's boundary lines.

The grade configuration running from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade means families can potentially keep their children at Ketcham for up to six years before transitioning to middle school. This span covers crucial early learning years, from the earliest pre-K experiences through the upper elementary grades where students build foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and social-emotional learning.

Ketcham's location in Anacostia places it within a neighborhood with significant historical importance to DC's African American community and ongoing development. Families should explore the school's current programs and visit during the application season to understand how the temporary location may affect daily operations and community partnerships.

Programs and Approach

As a DCPS neighborhood elementary school, Ketcham follows the district-wide curriculum standards and frameworks while serving its local community. The school's stated mission emphasizes the partnership between multiple stakeholders—community partners, staff, and parents—all working together to support student success. This collaborative approach reflects a recognition that educating young children requires involvement from the entire community.

The school's focus on both academic and social growth acknowledges that elementary-aged children need support developing not just reading and math skills, but also the interpersonal abilities and emotional intelligence that help them succeed in school and beyond. The early childhood years from pre-K3 through kindergarten are particularly important for establishing these foundations.

Families interested in Ketcham should participate in the My School DC lottery, which opens each fall for the following school year. The lottery system allows DC families to rank their school preferences, and students receive preference based on factors like sibling enrollment, geography, and special designations like the Equitable Access preference Ketcham offers for in-boundary pre-K applicants. In-boundary students at neighborhood schools like Ketcham typically receive strong preference in lottery placement.

Parents new to the DC school system should note that applying through My School DC is free and required for admission to DCPS schools, even for students who live within a school's boundary. The process includes specific deadlines and requirements that families should review carefully on the My School DC website.

Visiting and Contact

Ketcham Elementary School is temporarily located at 1409 V Street SE in the Anacostia neighborhood through Summer 2028. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling tours, or finding current contact information should visit the school's profile on the DCPS website at http://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Ketcham+Elementary+School or call 202-698-1122.