Sela PCS

At a Glance

Sela Public Charter School is a tuition-free public charter serving students from PreK3 through 5th grade in Northeast DC. It bills itself as the District's only Hebrew immersion school, meaning students learn core subjects in both English and Hebrew throughout the school day. The campus sits at 6015 Chillum Place NE in the Lamond Riggs neighborhood of Ward 4, near the DC–Maryland border.

While the school is physically located in Ward 4, it draws families from across all eight wards of Washington, DC. Because it is a public charter, there is no tuition and no neighborhood boundary — any DC resident is eligible to apply through the citywide lottery.

What Parents Should Know

• Language model: Hebrew immersion is the defining feature here. Families do not need to speak Hebrew at home, but should be comfortable with their child learning substantial portions of the day in a second language from the earliest grades.
• Grade span ends at 5: Sela serves PK3 through 5th grade only. Families will need to plan for a middle school transition after 5th grade, either through the My School DC lottery or another pathway.
• Stated pillars: The school identifies five focus areas — global citizenship, academic excellence, innovation, diversity, and trustworthiness — that it says guide instruction alongside the immersion model.
• Location and commuting: Lamond Riggs is a residential corner of Ward 4 close to Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue. Families coming from other wards should plan for a drive or bus commute; it is not immediately adjacent to a Metro station.
• Citywide draw: Because the school enrolls students from all eight wards, the parent community is geographically spread out, which is worth knowing for carpools, playdates, and after-school logistics.

Programs and Approach

As a DC public charter, Sela PCS enrolls students through My School DC, the city's common lottery. Families submit one application listing their preferred schools, and seats at Sela are assigned based on lottery results. There is no admissions test, no tuition, and no in-boundary preference, though siblings of current students typically receive priority. Applications generally open in the winter for the following school year, and parents should check the My School DC website for current deadlines.

The instructional model centers on Hebrew immersion paired with a standard DC elementary curriculum in English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Beyond core academics, the school has historically offered specials such as physical education, music, art, and library, along with tutoring support. Because programs and staffing can shift year to year, parents researching specific offerings — extended day, after-school clubs, or specials — should confirm directly with the school.

Sela accepts students at every grade it serves, so families are not limited to applying only at PK3. Open seats in K, 1st, 2nd, and upper elementary grades are filled through the same lottery and any subsequent waitlist movement.

Visiting and Contact

Sela PCS is located at 6015 Chillum Place NE, Washington, DC, in the Lamond Riggs neighborhood of Ward 4. To schedule a tour, confirm current programs, or get the latest enrollment information, call 202-670-7352 or visit the school's website at selapcs.org.