National Child Research Center

“An Inclusive, Play-Based Preschool Since 1928”

At a Glance

National Child Research Center (NCRC) is a private preschool serving children ages 2 through 5 in Northwest DC's Cleveland Park neighborhood. Established in 1928, NCRC holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating preschool in Washington, DC, bringing nearly a century of early childhood education experience to families in Ward 3 and throughout the District.

The school operates as an independent private preschool with a play-based, child-centered philosophy that emphasizes nurturing the whole child across social, emotional, and intellectual domains. NCRC explicitly welcomes families seeking an inclusive early learning environment, including children who benefit from additional supports and classroom adaptations, making it a notable option for DC families with diverse learning needs.

What Parents Should Know

As a private preschool, NCRC operates outside the My School DC lottery system used by DC public and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment should contact the school directly to inquire about their application process, availability, and tuition information, as private school admissions typically involve separate applications, tours, and enrollment timelines that differ from the public school calendar.

The school serves only preschool-aged children from ages 2 to 5, which means families will need to plan for a transition to kindergarten at another school. This focused age range allows NCRC to specialize in early childhood development, but parents should begin exploring elementary school options—whether DCPS, charter, or private—well before their child's final year to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten.

NCRC's commitment to inclusion is a defining characteristic. The school explicitly serves children who may need additional supports and adaptations in the classroom, guided by faculty trained in current research practices. Families with children who have special needs or developmental considerations may want to discuss specific accommodations and the school's support model during the inquiry process.

The Cleveland Park location in Ward 3 places NCRC in an established Northwest DC neighborhood with relatively strong public transportation access via the Cleveland Park Metro station on the Red Line. Families should consider commute logistics, as private preschools typically do not provide transportation services, and early morning drop-off and afternoon pickup will be part of the daily routine.

Programs and Approach

NCRC employs a play-based, child-centered curriculum rooted in the understanding that young children learn best through exploration, social interaction, and hands-on experiences. This approach prioritizes children's natural curiosity and developmental readiness rather than pushing formal academic instruction, aligning with current early childhood education research about how preschool-aged children develop cognitive and social skills.

The school's emphasis on nurturing the whole child means attention extends beyond early academics to social-emotional development—helping young children learn to navigate relationships, manage feelings, regulate behavior, and develop confidence. For children ages 2 through 5, these foundational skills often prove as important as early literacy and numeracy in preparing for future school success.

As a private institution, NCRC operates independently with its own admissions process, tuition structure, and academic calendar. Private preschool tuition in DC varies widely by program, and families should inquire directly about costs, payment plans, and whether any financial assistance or sliding-scale options may be available. Private schools set their own policies regarding enrollment deposits, sibling preferences, and waitlist procedures.

The school describes itself as maintaining a diverse, family-focused community. For preschool families, strong school-family partnerships and open communication between teachers and parents play an essential role in supporting young children's development, particularly during these early years when children are navigating their first extended experiences in group settings outside the home.

Visiting and Contact

National Child Research Center is located at 3209 Highland Place NW in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Northwest DC. Families interested in learning more about the school's programs, touring the facility, or beginning the application process should visit https://www.ncrcpreschool.org or call (202) 363-8777 for current information about enrollment and availability.