Ross Elementary School

At a Glance

Ross Elementary is a DC Public School (DCPS) serving students from PK4 through 5th grade in the heart of Dupont Circle. Located at 1730 R Street NW in Ward 2, the school sits in a historic building tucked into one of the District's most walkable, transit-rich neighborhoods. It is known for being a small, neighborhood-oriented elementary school with a notably diverse student body.

As a by-right DCPS school, Ross serves families living within its designated boundary, while also accepting out-of-boundary students through the citywide lottery when seats are available. Its size and central location make it a recognizable option for families living in or around Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, and the surrounding Ward 2 neighborhoods.

What Parents Should Know

A few practical points DC families typically want to understand before adding Ross to their list:

• Grade span (PK4–5): Ross does not offer PK3, so the youngest entry point is PK4 (age 4 by September 30). After 5th grade, families transition to a middle school — either their in-boundary DCPS option or a school secured through the lottery. It's worth mapping out the middle school pathway early.
• In-boundary vs. lottery: If you live within the Ross boundary, your child has a guaranteed seat in PK4 only if assigned through the lottery (PK seats are not by-right in DCPS), but K–5 seats are guaranteed for in-boundary students. Out-of-boundary families must apply through My School DC.
• Small school feel: Ross has historically operated as a small elementary, which often means one or two classes per grade, closer staff-family relationships, and a tight-knit parent community — but also fewer sections if a class doesn't fit your child's needs.
• Location and commute: The Dupont Circle location is convenient for families who use the Red Line or commute through downtown, but parking and morning drop-off logistics on R Street NW are tight. Many Ross families walk or use transit.
• Building and outdoor space: The school occupies a historic building with a playground and playing field on site — useful context for families weighing urban schools that sometimes lack outdoor space.

Programs and Approach

Ross is a neighborhood DCPS elementary, which means it follows DCPS curriculum and standards across literacy, math, science, and social studies, and offers the specials (art, music, PE) typical of a DC public elementary. The school describes its culture as one of high academic expectations paired with a safe, respectful environment informed by the Responsive Classroom approach — a widely used framework that emphasizes social-emotional learning, classroom community, and structured routines alongside academics.

The school's stated mission highlights the diversity of its families — across countries, religions, and family structures — and a shared commitment to the school and broader community.

Enrollment: Like all DCPS schools, Ross enrolls in-boundary students directly through DCPS and accepts out-of-boundary applicants through the My School DC common lottery (myschooldc.org), which typically opens in early winter for the following school year. PK4 is a lottery seat for everyone, including in-boundary families.

Visiting and Contact

Address: 1730 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Dupont Circle, Ward 2) Phone: 202-673-7200 Website: http://rosselementary.org/

For tour schedules, open house dates, and the most current enrollment information, check the school's website directly — tour offerings and lottery timelines change year to year.