← Back to schools

Peabody Elementary School

publicWard 6

Capitol Hill · Grades PK3–K

What the data shows

Peabody Elementary School · Open enrollment · 6 photos.

2026–27 enrollment openGet lottery alerts:

About Peabody Elementary School

Peabody Elementary School is the PK3 to Kindergarten early-childhood campus of the Capitol Hill Cluster, DCPS's only multi-campus elementary cluster. The school sits at 425 C Street NE in Capitol Hill, Ward 6 and serves only the earliest grades — students move to Watkins Elementary for grades 1 to 5.

How the Capitol Hill Cluster works

  • Peabody (PK3 to K): early childhood building
  • Watkins (1 to 5): elementary continuation
  • Stuart-Hobson Middle (6 to 8): cluster middle school

A single in-boundary enrollment covers all three campuses — Capitol Hill families enrolled at Peabody move automatically to Watkins and then Stuart-Hobson without re-entering the lottery.

Creative Curriculum

Peabody is a model Creative Curriculum school — DCPS designates it as a training site for early-childhood educators using the Creative Curriculum framework. Faculty integrate hands-on, inquiry-based learning with arts and real-world content. The PK3-K focus means dedicated early-childhood specialists rather than K-5 generalists.

Enrichment

  • Power Tots (early movement)
  • Tippi Toes (dance for young children)
  • Labyrinth Games partnership
  • La Academia Espanola de Washington (after-school Spanish)
  • Flex Academies (various enrichment programs)

Admissions and lottery

In-boundary Capitol Hill families guaranteed seats. Out-of-boundary applicants apply via My School DC before the late-January deadline; Peabody is one of the most-applied-to out-of-boundary PK3 / PK4 seats in DCPS because of the Capitol Hill Cluster continuity. School hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Contact and resources

Compare other early-childhood DCPS options on our elementary schools in DC directory.

Peabody ES is an ECE campus, serving PK3-K. As a model Creative Curriculum school, our faculty is trained and passionate about integrating learning with real life, using the arts and a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. We assess each child to learn their strengths and areas for development and support their unique and individual growth. We use our edible and ornamental gardens, the Capitol Hill neighborhood and Washington, DC as an extension of the classroom, preparing o

Enrichment

Power Tots · Tippi Toes · Labyrinth Games · La Academia Espanola de Washington · Flex Academies (Various Program Options)

🕐 9:00 a.m.-3:15 p.m.👔 Uniform not required

Address

425 C STREET NE

Enrollment Lottery

Not required

🚌

Free transit for students

All DC residents enrolled at Peabody Elementary School (ages 5–21) qualify for Kids Ride Free — a SmarTrip card that grants free Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator rides on school days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grades does Peabody Elementary School serve?+

Peabody Elementary School serves grades PK3–K in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC.

What ward is Peabody Elementary School in?+

Peabody Elementary School is located in Ward 6, Capitol Hill, Washington DC.

How do I apply to Peabody Elementary School?+

Peabody Elementary School is DCPS (DC Public Schools). Contact the school directly for enrollment and seat availability.

Is Peabody Elementary School tuition-free?+

Yes. As a DC public school, Peabody Elementary School is tuition-free and open to all DC residents regardless of ward or neighborhood.

More schools in Ward 6

All Ward 6 schools →

Other public schools in DC