Plummer Elementary School

At a Glance

Plummer Elementary School is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood elementary serving students from pre-kindergarten (age 3) through fifth grade in Ward 7's Benning Ridge community. Located on Texas Avenue SE, Plummer operates with a mission centered on welcoming every student and family with care while building positive relationships and maintaining a focus on academic achievement.

The school emphasizes creating an environment rooted in positivity and productivity, aiming to ensure success for all students through strong community connections. As a DCPS neighborhood school, Plummer primarily serves families living in its designated boundary area, though DC families citywide may apply through the My School DC lottery system.

What Parents Should Know

Plummer Elementary enrolls students starting at age three in its pre-kindergarten program and continues through fifth grade, meaning families will need to transition to a middle school after completing elementary years here. The grade configuration allows younger siblings to potentially attend the same school for several years, which can simplify logistics for families with multiple children.

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Plummer guarantees enrollment to families living within its attendance boundary. Families residing in the boundary receive priority placement, while out-of-boundary DC residents may apply through the My School DC common lottery system, typically held each winter for the following school year. Understanding whether your home address falls within Plummer's boundary is an important first step in the enrollment process.

The school is located in the Benning Ridge neighborhood of Ward 7 in Southeast DC, positioned along Texas Avenue SE. Families considering Plummer should factor in commute times and transportation options, particularly if they live outside the immediate neighborhood. DCPS provides transportation for eligible students based on grade level and distance from school.

Plummer's stated mission emphasizes welcoming families "with open arms" and embracing each family "with love and care." This community-focused approach suggests a school culture prioritizing relationships alongside academics, which may appeal to families seeking a nurturing elementary environment where their child will be known as an individual.

Programs and Approach

As part of the DC Public Schools system, Plummer Elementary follows DCPS curriculum frameworks and standards aligned with District-wide educational goals. The school's mission statement highlights three core pillars: facilitating positive relationships, focusing on academics, and creating an environment of positivity and productivity. These priorities suggest an approach that balances social-emotional development with academic rigor.

Enrollment for in-boundary families happens directly through DCPS, while out-of-boundary families must participate in the My School DC lottery, the common application system used across DC for both DCPS and public charter schools. The lottery typically opens in late fall, with results released in spring for the upcoming school year. Families interested in Plummer should check the My School DC website for specific deadlines and application procedures.

The school serves students beginning at age three through its pre-K program, providing an early entry point for families seeking public education options before kindergarten. This early start can help with school readiness and allows children to build familiarity with their elementary community over potentially seven years.

Visiting and Contact

Plummer Elementary School is located at 4601 Texas Avenue SE in the Benning Ridge neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling tours, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's profile page at https://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Plummer+Elementary+School or call 202-939-4360 to speak with the main office.