Malcolm X Elementary School @ Green

At a Glance

Malcolm X Elementary School @ Green serves students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through fifth grade in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8. As a DC Public Schools neighborhood elementary, it provides families in Southeast DC with a full range of early childhood and elementary programming under one roof. The school's mission emphasizes both rigorous academics and social-emotional learning, creating what staff describe as a safe and nurturing environment where young learners can thrive.

With its span from PK3 through fifth grade, Malcolm X Elementary offers families the advantage of continuity through the crucial early learning and elementary years. Students can grow from preschool through upper elementary in a familiar community setting, building relationships with staff and peers across multiple grade levels.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Malcolm X Elementary gives enrollment preference to students who live within its designated boundary area in Congress Heights and surrounding parts of Ward 8. Families living in-boundary have guaranteed access to a seat, while out-of-boundary families may apply through the My School DC lottery system, though availability depends on space. Understanding your boundary status is an important first step when considering this school.

The PK3 start means families can enroll children as young as three years old, providing early childhood education that can ease the transition into formal schooling. This early entry point is particularly valuable for working families seeking consistent, full-day programming and for children who benefit from structured learning environments before kindergarten. The school's commitment to social-emotional growth alongside academics reflects current understanding of how young children develop and learn.

The Congress Heights location in Ward 8 places the school in a historically significant Southeast DC neighborhood. Mississippi Avenue SE is accessible by Metro (the Congress Heights station on the Green Line is nearby) and several bus lines, which matters for families coordinating drop-off and pick-up schedules.

Because the school serves through fifth grade, families should plan for a transition to middle school after elementary. DCPS students typically move to middle schools serving grades 6-8, so understanding the feeder pattern and middle school options in the area becomes relevant as students approach upper elementary grades.

Programs and Approach

Malcolm X Elementary operates within the DC Public Schools system, which means enrollment is managed through My School DC, the unified lottery platform used by both DCPS and participating charter schools. Families submit applications during the annual lottery window, typically in the winter for the following school year. In-boundary families are guaranteed placement, while out-of-boundary applicants enter the lottery for any available seats.

The school's stated approach centers on combining academic rigor with attention to the whole child. The emphasis on social-emotional growth recognizes that elementary-aged children, especially in the early grades, are developing far more than just academic skills—they're learning how to navigate relationships, manage emotions, and become part of a learning community. This dual focus suggests a school culture that values both achievement and personal development.

As a DCPS school, Malcolm X Elementary follows district-wide standards and curriculum frameworks while maintaining its own school culture and community partnerships. The typical DCPS elementary structure includes core academic instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with specials like art, music, and physical education, though specific programming details should be confirmed directly with the school.

Visiting and Contact

Malcolm X Elementary School @ Green is located at 1500 Mississippi Avenue SE in the Congress Heights neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or getting current information about enrollment should visit the school's website at dcps.dc.gov or call 202-645-3409 to speak with the main office.