Mann Elementary School

At a Glance

Horace Mann Elementary School is a public DCPS school serving students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Ward 3's Tenleytown neighborhood. Located on Newark Street NW, Mann has earned recognition as a five-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon School Award, a distinction that places it among the nation's most exemplary schools. The school recently underwent renovation and expansion, adding features like a rooftop farm, dedicated arts classrooms, and an extensive outdoor playscape that extends learning beyond traditional classroom walls.

Mann describes itself as a lively learning community where curiosity and connection take center stage. While maintaining serious attention to academic growth, the school emphasizes that education should also be a place of joy and celebration for students, families, and staff alike.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS school, Mann Elementary participates in the My School DC lottery system for student enrollment. Families living within the school's boundary have priority for admission, and Mann offers Equitable Access as a lottery preference for in-boundary PK4 applicants, which can affect placement odds for pre-kindergarten families. Out-of-boundary families may also apply through the lottery but should understand that in-boundary students generally receive preference.

The PK4–5 grade configuration means families should plan for a transition to middle school after fifth grade. DCPS middle schools typically serve grades 6–8, so families will need to navigate another school selection process when their child completes elementary school. This is standard for DCPS elementary schools, but it's worth considering early in your school planning.

Mann's location in Tenleytown, a Northwest DC neighborhood known for good Metro access and residential character, makes it accessible to families throughout Ward 3 and potentially beyond depending on commute preferences. The school's recent renovation and expansion signal institutional investment in the facility, with features like the rooftop farm providing hands-on learning opportunities that extend traditional academic programming.

The school's emphasis on learning "within and beyond our school walls" suggests a philosophy that values both indoor and outdoor education, community connection, and varied learning environments. Parents looking for a traditional elementary school structure with additional enrichment spaces may find this approach appealing.

Programs and Approach

Horace Mann Elementary follows the DCPS curriculum and school calendar while maintaining its own school culture centered on curiosity, connection, and community. The school's mission statement emphasizes balancing academic rigor with joy—an approach that recognizes young learners need both challenge and celebration to thrive.

The renovated campus provides specialized spaces that go beyond standard classrooms. The rooftop farm offers opportunities for hands-on science, environmental education, and possibly garden-to-table learning experiences. Dedicated arts classrooms suggest a commitment to creative subjects as part of the core educational experience, not just supplementary programming. The expansive outdoor playscape provides space for physical education, recess, and outdoor learning activities.

As a public DCPS school, Mann receives funding through DC tax dollars and follows district-wide policies for curriculum, assessment, and teacher certification. Families interested in Mann should apply through the My School DC unified lottery system, which opens each fall for the following school year. The lottery runs on a common timeline across DCPS and public charter schools, allowing families to rank multiple school preferences. In-boundary families have the strongest chance of placement, but the Equitable Access preference for PK4 may affect individual lottery results.

Parents seeking current information about specific academic programs, extracurricular activities, before- and after-school care, or parent engagement opportunities should contact the school directly or visit the website, as these details can change from year to year.

Visiting and Contact

Horace Mann Elementary School is located at 4430 Newark Street NW in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Northwest DC. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or accessing current enrollment information should visit https://www.horacemanndc.org/ or call 202-282-0126.