Seaton Elementary School

At a Glance

Seaton Elementary School is a public PreK3–5th grade school located in the historic Shaw neighborhood of Northwest DC, serving families in Ward 2. Part of DC Public Schools, Seaton welcomes a notably diverse and multicultural student body, with children coming from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The school emphasizes creating strong bonds within its community despite—and because of—this diversity.

As a smaller neighborhood school, Seaton provides education from early childhood through elementary years, preparing students for the transition to middle school. The school's location in the Logan Circle/Shaw area places it in one of DC's most rapidly changing neighborhoods, blending historic character with contemporary urban family life.

What Parents Should Know

Seaton Elementary enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the common application process for all DC public and public charter schools. Families should apply during the annual enrollment window, typically in the winter for the following school year, and can list Seaton among their school choices. Students who live within the school's boundary area receive priority in the lottery.

The PreK3–5th grade configuration means families will need to plan for a middle school transition after fifth grade, which happens earlier than at K–8 schools. This structure allows Seaton to focus specifically on early childhood and elementary education, though it does require families to navigate the My School DC process again when their child prepares to leave fifth grade.

Seaton operates a strong English as a Second Language (ESL) program, serving students who speak Chinese, Spanish, and Amharic at home. This makes the school particularly well-suited for multilingual families and those seeking a diverse environment where language learners receive dedicated support. The school's multicultural staff reflects the diversity of its student population.

The Shaw location at 10th Street NW places Seaton in a walkable, transit-accessible neighborhood with nearby Metro stations and bus lines. Families considering Seaton should factor in the neighborhood's ongoing development and how location fits their commute and after-school needs.

Programs and Approach

As a DC Public Schools elementary, Seaton follows the DCPS curriculum framework and instructional standards. The school emphasizes creating what it describes as a "warm and loving learning environment" where students can discover their potential and embrace new experiences. According to its mission, Seaton's goal is to ensure students are prepared to excel when they move on to middle school and beyond.

The school's strong English as a Second Language programming is a defining feature, supporting multilingual learners across three major language groups represented in the student body. This commitment to language support reflects the broader diversity that characterizes the school community. The multicultural makeup of both staff and students creates an environment where children from different backgrounds learn together and form connections.

Seaton identifies as a community-based school, emphasizing its small size and neighborhood character. This approach typically means families may find more opportunities to be involved and students may benefit from closer relationships with teachers and staff. The school's stated commitment to high-quality academic instruction operates within this more intimate school setting.

Families interested in Seaton should visit the school's website for current information about specific programs, instructional approaches, and academic offerings, as these can evolve from year to year.

Visiting and Contact

Seaton Elementary School is located at 1503 10th Street NW in the Shaw neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, arranging a tour, or accessing current enrollment information should visit http://seatondc.org/ or call 202-673-7215.