Randle Highlands Elementary School

At a Glance

Randle Highlands Elementary School is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood elementary serving students from pre-kindergarten age three through fifth grade in Ward 7's Anacostia neighborhood. The school operates as a partnership among students, faculty, and administrators, all united in developing critical and global thinkers prepared for academic success.

With a mission focused on addressing each student's unique learning style, Randle Highlands emphasizes targeted instruction alongside community partnerships, school-based initiatives, and active parental involvement. The school utilizes a blended learning instructional model that combines traditional teaching methods with technology-enhanced learning opportunities.

What Parents Should Know

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Randle Highlands primarily serves families who live within its established boundary area, though DC residents outside the boundary can apply through the My School DC lottery system during the annual enrollment period. The school's grade configuration means families should plan for a transition to middle school after fifth grade, typically around age 10 or 11, which allows parents time to research and apply to middle school options well before their child completes elementary school.

The pre-K program begins with three-year-olds, giving families the opportunity to establish roots at Randle Highlands early in their child's educational journey and maintain consistency through the elementary years. Located in Southeast DC's Anacostia neighborhood, the school is accessible to families throughout Ward 7 and serves as a community anchor in the Randle Highlands area near the intersection of 30th Street and Alabama Avenue SE.

Parents considering Randle Highlands should know that DCPS schools follow district-wide academic standards and curriculum frameworks, with individual schools having some flexibility in how they deliver instruction and engage families. The school's emphasis on community partnerships suggests connections with local organizations that may provide additional resources, enrichment activities, or support services for students and families.

Programs and Approach

Randle Highlands Elementary employs a blended learning instructional model, an approach that integrates digital tools and online resources with face-to-face classroom instruction. This model allows teachers to differentiate instruction based on individual student needs while providing multiple pathways for students to demonstrate learning and engage with content.

The school's stated commitment to developing "critical and global thinkers" suggests an instructional approach that goes beyond rote memorization to encourage problem-solving, analysis, and understanding of broader contexts. Faculty work to identify and respond to each scholar's unique learning style, recognizing that students come to school with different strengths, challenges, and ways of processing information.

As a DCPS school, Randle Highlands follows the district's enrollment processes. DC residents can apply during the My School DC lottery period each year, typically running from late fall through early spring, with families ranking their school preferences and receiving placement offers in the spring. In-boundary students receive priority for placement at their neighborhood school, while out-of-boundary families can apply through the lottery for available seats. Families new to DC or seeking enrollment outside the standard lottery window should contact DCPS enrollment offices or the school directly to understand their options.

Community partnerships and parental involvement are highlighted as key components of the Randle Highlands approach, suggesting that families can expect opportunities to engage with their child's education and that the school works with external organizations to enhance what it offers students. School-based initiatives indicate that the faculty and administration develop programs and practices tailored to their specific student population rather than relying solely on district-level directives.

Visiting and Contact

Randle Highlands Elementary School is located at 1650 30th Street SE in the Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or finding current enrollment information should visit the school's website at https://www.randlehighlandselementary.org/ or call 202-729-3250.