Shepherd Elementary School

At a Glance

Shepherd Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in the Shepherd Park neighborhood of Ward 4. As a DC Public Schools institution, Shepherd operates as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, focusing on inquiry-based learning that encourages students to think globally while developing compassion and cultural awareness. The school offers dual language pathways in both French and Spanish, giving young learners early exposure to world languages alongside their core academic instruction.

With an average teacher tenure of 12.5 years, Shepherd maintains an experienced and committed faculty that provides continuity for families throughout their elementary years. The school's IB framework shapes daily instruction, emphasizing critical thinking, international-mindedness, and student-driven inquiry from the earliest grades through fifth grade.

What Parents Should Know

Shepherd Elementary enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the unified enrollment platform used by all DC public and participating charter schools. Families can list Shepherd as a choice during the annual lottery window, with in-boundary Ward 4 students receiving priority for available seats. The school's language programs mean parents should consider which pathway—French or Spanish—best fits their family's goals when applying.

As a PK3-5 school, Shepherd students will transition to middle school after fifth grade, following DCPS feeder patterns for the neighborhood. Parents should plan ahead for this transition and research middle school options well before their child's fifth-grade year, as the application timeline begins early in the school year.

The school's location in Shepherd Park places it in a residential area of upper Northwest DC, accessible via the 14th Street corridor. Families should consider transportation logistics, whether that means school bus eligibility for in-boundary students or commute planning for those coming from other parts of the city.

The International Baccalaureate framework isn't just a credential—it fundamentally shapes how teaching and learning happen at Shepherd. This means students engage in more project-based and inquiry-driven work than traditional lecture-based instruction, with an emphasis on asking questions, researching, and making connections across subjects.

Programs and Approach

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme guides instruction across all grade levels at Shepherd, emphasizing transdisciplinary learning where students make connections between subjects rather than studying them in isolation. This approach encourages children to become active, compassionate lifelong learners who understand their role in local and global communities.

Language instruction forms a core part of the Shepherd experience, with French and Spanish programs allowing students to develop bilingual skills from an early age. This commitment to multilingualism aligns with the school's international focus and prepares students for an increasingly connected world.

Inquiry-based instruction means students spend significant time exploring questions, conducting research, and presenting findings rather than simply absorbing information. Teachers guide students through investigations that connect to real-world issues and encourage critical thinking from the earliest grades.

The school's experienced teaching staff—with an average tenure of 12.5 years—provides stability and deep institutional knowledge. This longevity means teachers understand the IB framework thoroughly and have built strong collaborative practices over time, benefiting both new and returning students.

As a DCPS school, Shepherd participates in the My School DC enrollment process. Families can learn about the school through open houses and tours, typically offered during the enrollment season. The school's website provides current information about programs, the application calendar, and how to connect with staff.

Visiting and Contact

Shepherd Elementary School is located at 7800 14th Street NW in the Shepherd Park neighborhood of Ward 4. Visit http://www.shepherd-elementary.org/ for tour schedules, enrollment information, and details about the school's IB programs, or call 202-576-6140 to speak with the main office.