KIPP DC - Legacy College Preparatory PCS

At a Glance

KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory is a public charter high school serving students in grades 9 through 12 in Ward 8's Washington Highlands neighborhood. Located at 3999 8th Street SE, Legacy is part of the KIPP DC network of schools and focuses exclusively on preparing high school students for college and career success. The school emphasizes a comprehensive approach that extends beyond graduation, offering KIPP DC alumni up to six years of continued advising, support, and scholarships through the KIPP Forward program.

As a charter school, Legacy combines rigorous academics with extracurricular activities, athletics, and what the school describes as a safe and caring community environment. The four-year high school model allows students to enter as freshmen and progress through a college preparatory curriculum designed to build skills and readiness for postsecondary education.

What Parents Should Know

KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory participates in the My School DC lottery system, which is how DC families apply to charter schools. Families interested in Legacy should submit their application through the My School DC platform during the annual enrollment window, typically in the winter months. Because Legacy serves only high school grades, families should plan for this transition point carefully, particularly if their student is coming from a KIPP DC middle school or another school in the district.

The school's location in Ward 8 places it in the Washington Highlands neighborhood of Southeast DC. Families should consider transportation logistics when evaluating the school, as accessibility may vary depending on where students live in the city. The school's extended day programming means students may spend additional hours on campus beyond the standard school day.

KIPP DC's post-graduation support through KIPP Forward is a distinctive feature worth understanding. This program provides up to six years of college and career advising after students graduate from Legacy, which can be particularly valuable as students navigate college enrollment, persistence, and early career decisions. The program also includes scholarship opportunities for KIPP DC alumni.

As a grades 9-12 school, Legacy requires students to transition in as freshmen rather than having a built-in elementary or middle school feeder pattern, unless students are already part of the KIPP DC network. Families should inquire about how the school supports ninth-graders during this critical transition year.

Programs and Approach

KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory offers Advanced Placement courses, allowing students to pursue college-level work while still in high school. The school incorporates blended learning approaches, which typically combine traditional classroom instruction with digital and online components. Career and Technical Education programs provide pathways for students interested in developing specific workforce skills alongside their academic studies.

Dual college enrollment opportunities allow eligible students to earn college credits while completing their high school requirements, potentially giving them a head start on postsecondary education. The extended day schedule provides additional time for academics, enrichment, and support beyond typical school hours.

The school offers interscholastic sports, giving students opportunities to compete athletically as part of the high school experience. KIPP DC Legacy also implements a restorative justice program, which focuses on building community, addressing conflict constructively, and supporting students in taking responsibility for their actions in ways that repair harm rather than relying solely on punitive discipline measures.

Parents interested in enrollment should apply through the My School DC lottery system. Because KIPP DC Legacy is a public charter school, there is no tuition, and the school must accept students through the lottery process rather than selective admissions. Families can rank Legacy among their school preferences when completing their My School DC application.

Visiting and Contact

KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory is located at 3999 8th Street SE in the Washington Highlands neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or finding current enrollment information should visit the school's website at https://www.kippdc.org/schools/high-school/kipp-dc-legacy-college-prep/ or call 202-562-9170.