Military Road Early Learning Center

At a Glance

Military Road Early Learning Center is a public District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) facility serving prekindergarten students in grades PK3 and PK4. As DCPS's second standalone early childhood school, MRELC operates as a citywide program, welcoming young learners from all eight wards of the District. Located in the 16th Street Heights neighborhood of Ward 4, the school occupies the historic Military Road School building at 1375 Missouri Avenue NW.

The center's mission emphasizes building a solid academic and developmental foundation through creative exploration, nurturing relationships, and adventurous play. This dedicated early childhood facility allows DCPS to concentrate resources and expertise specifically on the crucial preschool years, providing DC families with a public option designed entirely around the needs of three- and four-year-old learners.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS school, Military Road Early Learning Center participates in the My School DC common lottery system for enrollment. Families interested in enrolling their preschool-age child should submit an application through the My School DC platform during the annual lottery window, typically held in late winter and early spring. Because MRELC is a citywide program rather than a neighborhood school, it draws students from across the District and does not give boundary preference to local families.

The school's grade configuration—serving only PK3 and PK4—means families should plan for a transition to a different school when their child reaches kindergarten. Many DCPS early learning centers feed into multiple elementary schools, so parents will want to consider their longer-term schooling plans and apply to kindergarten programs through My School DC when the time comes. This transition is a normal part of the DCPS early childhood structure and allows the center to specialize entirely in preschool programming.

The Ward 4 location in 16th Street Heights places the school in an established residential neighborhood with relatively easy access from multiple parts of the city. The historic Military Road School building provides a sense of continuity and institutional presence, housing a facility purpose-built for education. Families traveling from other wards should factor in commute times and transportation logistics when considering this citywide option.

For working families, understanding the school calendar and daily schedule will be important, as early learning center hours may differ from traditional elementary schools. Contacting the school directly can clarify schedule details, extended care options if available, and other practical considerations for families with young children.

Programs and Approach

Military Road Early Learning Center focuses exclusively on early childhood education for preschool-age students. The school's mission highlights creative exploration, nurturing relationships, and adventurous play as key elements of its approach, recognizing that young children learn best through hands-on experiences and supportive interactions. The goal is to foster a love of learning while helping children develop the academic, social, and emotional skills they'll need for kindergarten and beyond.

As a DCPS school, MRELC follows district-wide early childhood frameworks and standards while benefiting from being a specialized facility dedicated entirely to preschool education. This standalone model allows the school to tailor everything—from classroom design to daily routines to staff expertise—specifically to the developmental needs of three- and four-year-olds.

Families apply through the My School DC lottery system, which opens once annually. The platform allows parents to rank multiple school preferences, and the lottery algorithm works to match students with available seats. As a public school, there is no tuition charged, making it an accessible option for DC families seeking quality early childhood education.

Visiting and Contact

Military Road Early Learning Center is located at 1375 Missouri Avenue NW in the 16th Street Heights neighborhood of Ward 4. For information about tours, the application process, and current programming, families should visit the school's website at https://militaryroadelc.org/ or call 202-671-6410.