KIPP DC - Inspire Academy PCS

At a Glance

KIPP DC - Inspire Academy PCS is a public charter elementary school serving students in grades 1 through 4. It sits on the Wheeler Campus at 3301 Wheeler Road SE, in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Ward 8, just inside the District's southeastern edge.

As part of the KIPP DC charter network, Inspire Academy is tuition-free and open to DC residents through the city's unified public school lottery. The school is designed for families looking for a structured elementary experience that feeds directly into a KIPP DC middle school on the same campus, making it a fit for parents who want continuity from the early grades onward.

What Parents Should Know

A few practical points for families considering Inspire Academy:

• It's a charter, so enrollment runs through My School DC. There are no neighborhood boundaries or attendance zones. Families apply through the citywide lottery, typically in the winter for the following school year, and seats are offered based on lottery results and any applicable preferences (such as siblings already enrolled).
• The grade span is narrow on purpose. Inspire serves grades 1–4 only. After 4th grade, students continue on to KIPP DC Honor Academy, located on the same Wheeler Campus, which simplifies the transition to middle school. Families with a rising kindergartener will need to look at other KIPP DC elementary options or other DC schools, since Inspire begins in 1st grade.
• Location matters. The Wheeler Road SE campus is in Ward 8's Hillsdale area, near the DC/Maryland line. Families should think through commute logistics, including drop-off and pick-up routines, before applying.
• It's part of a larger network. KIPP DC operates multiple campuses across the District, and Inspire shares a building and culture with Honor Academy, which can be an advantage for siblings in different grade bands.
• The school describes its focus as foundational academics paired with a sense of belonging, safe learning environments, and preparation for college readiness over the long term.

Programs and Approach

As a DC public charter school, KIPP DC - Inspire Academy PCS is publicly funded and free to attend for DC residents. Enrollment is handled exclusively through the My School DC common lottery at myschooldc.org, where families rank their preferred schools on a single application. Lottery results are released in the spring, and families then have a window to accept their seat and complete enrollment paperwork directly with the school.

According to information shared by the school, Inspire Academy emphasizes the academic skills and mindsets students need to be ready for what KIPP DC calls "rigorous and joyful" middle schools. The school also references enrichment and extracurricular offerings that have included a jazz guitar program, cheer and dance, tutoring support, cooking, and elementary sports such as soccer, flag football, and basketball. For the most current list of activities, electives, and any after-school options in a given year, families should confirm directly with the school, since offerings can change.

Visiting and Contact

KIPP DC - Inspire Academy PCS is located at 3301 Wheeler Road SE, Washington, DC, on the Wheeler Campus in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Ward 8. The main office can be reached at 202-562-9101. For tour schedules, open house dates, current grade-level information, and enrollment details, visit the school's page at https://www.kippdc.org/kipp-dc-public-schools/elementary-schools/kipp-dc-inspire-academy/.