Rocketship PCS - Rise Academy

At a Glance

Rocketship PCS - Rise Academy is a public charter elementary school in Southeast DC, serving students from preschool (PK3) through 5th grade. The school sits in the Woodland neighborhood of Ward 8, at 2335 Raynolds Place SE, and is part of the Rocketship network of public charter schools.

As a charter, Rise Academy is tuition-free and open to any DC resident family that applies and receives a seat through the citywide lottery. The school's stated focus is on building confidence in its students — whom it calls "Rocketeers" — so they can rise to their potential and give back to families in Ward 8.

What Parents Should Know

A few practical points for families considering Rise Academy:

• Admissions: Like all DC public charters, Rise Academy enrolls students through the My School DC common lottery. There is no boundary or attendance zone, so families across the District can apply, though Ward 8 families are often the primary community served.
• Grade configuration: The PK3 through 5th grade span means a child can stay at the school from age 3 through the end of elementary. After 5th grade, families will need to plan a separate middle school transition — either through the lottery again or through a DCPS by-right middle school.
• Early childhood seats: PK3 and PK4 seats at DC charters are in high demand and typically have their own lottery rankings. Applying during the main lottery window (usually winter through early spring) gives families the best chance.
• Uniforms and structure: Rise Academy requires uniforms and follows the Rocketship model, which generally includes an extended school day. Before- and after-care options are referenced by the school; families should contact the front office directly for current costs and availability.
• Location: The Woodland neighborhood is in the southern part of Ward 8. Families coming from elsewhere in the District should plan for the commute, and prospective families may want to ask about transportation routes when they tour.

Programs and Approach

Enrollment at Rise Academy is handled through My School DC, the District's unified lottery for public and public charter schools. Families create one application, rank their school choices, and receive a single match result. There is no test or interview to enter the lottery, and siblings of currently enrolled students generally receive preference.

Rise Academy is part of the Rocketship public charter network, which uses a blended-learning model combining classroom teaching with technology-supported small-group and independent work. The school's mission emphasizes student confidence, goal-setting, and community impact in Ward 8 — what staff describe as helping Rocketeers "rise" and then "pay it forward."

Specific curriculum details, schedules, assessment results, and special education supports are best confirmed directly with the school, since these can change year to year. Parents touring should ask about literacy and math instruction, how the blended-learning rotation works in practice, and what wraparound supports are available for younger learners.

Visiting and Contact

Rocketship PCS - Rise Academy is located at 2335 Raynolds Place SE, Washington, DC, in the Woodland neighborhood of Ward 8. The main office can be reached at 202-750-7177.

For tour dates, open houses, the current school calendar, and enrollment information, visit the school's website at rocketshipschools.org/schools/rise-academy.