Sousa Middle School

At a Glance

Sousa Middle School is a public District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) institution serving students in grades 6 through 8 in Ward 7's Fort Dupont neighborhood. The school operates with a clear mission centered on developing students as change agents and leaders who think critically about their role in their communities and the broader world. As a DCPS middle school, Sousa provides three years of middle-grades education to families in Southeast Washington, preparing scholars for the transition to high school with an emphasis on academic excellence, creativity, and social responsibility.

What Parents Should Know

Sousa Middle School admits students through the My School DC universal lottery system, which is how all DC families apply to DCPS and public charter schools. Families can rank Sousa among their choices during the annual application window, typically in the winter for the following school year. Students living within Sousa's boundary area receive priority in admissions, though families from across the city may also apply.

The school's three-grade configuration means students typically enter in sixth grade and move through all three middle school years in one building, which can provide consistency and community during these critical developmental years. Parents should consider how this fits with their child's elementary school experience and which high schools are accessible options after eighth grade.

Located in Fort Dupont in Southeast DC, Sousa serves a Ward 7 community, and families should consider transportation logistics when evaluating whether the school is a good fit. The school is accessible by public transportation and street parking, though parents will want to visit the area to understand daily commute realities.

As with all DCPS schools, Sousa follows the district's academic calendar, policies, and standards, which means families can expect alignment with district-wide initiatives, professional development approaches, and administrative systems. Parents already familiar with DCPS from elementary school will find similar structures in place.

Programs and Approach

Sousa Middle School's mission emphasizes several key themes that shape its educational approach. The school promotes arts integration across core academic classes, meaning students experience connections between creative expression and traditional subjects like math, science, English, and social studies. Technology utilization is also woven into the learning experience, reflecting the school's commitment to preparing students for a modern world.

The school sets forth a clear expectation that "excellence is the standard," with explicit goals around developing productive citizens and leaders committed to social justice. Critical thinking and creativity are named as central tools for helping students connect to themselves, their peers, diverse cultures, and the world around them. This mission suggests a school culture focused on building both academic skills and broader leadership capacities.

As a DCPS school, Sousa operates within the district's framework for curriculum, assessment, and teacher professional development. Parents interested in learning more about specific programs, extracurricular activities, staff, or current academic performance should consult the school's profile on the DCPS website and reach out directly to the administration. All DCPS schools participate in DC's standardized testing and accountability systems, and that data is publicly available through OSSE and DCPS channels.

Enrollment happens through My School DC at myschooldc.org, where families can review their options, understand lottery preferences, and submit applications during the designated window each year.

Visiting and Contact

Sousa Middle School is located at 3650 Ely Place SE in the Fort Dupont neighborhood of Southeast Washington. Families interested in learning more about the school, arranging a tour, or speaking with staff should call 202-729-3260 or visit the school's profile at profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Sousa+Middle+School for current information and contact options.