St. Anthony Catholic School

At a Glance

St. Anthony Catholic School is a parochial elementary and middle school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade in Northeast DC's Ward 5. As a Catholic school, it combines faith-based education with traditional academics, integrating religious instruction and values throughout the school day. The school operates under the framework of the Archdiocese of Washington, offering families in the Brookland area and surrounding neighborhoods an independent alternative to the DC public and charter school systems.

The Pre-K through 8th grade configuration means families can keep children in one school community for up to nine years, from early childhood through middle school graduation. This extended span allows the school to build long-term relationships with families and provides continuity in both academic instruction and spiritual formation.

What Parents Should Know

As a private Catholic school, St. Anthony does not participate in the My School DC lottery system used by DC public and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment apply directly to the school, and admission processes typically include application forms, student records, and conversations with school leadership. While Catholic schools traditionally prioritize families who are parish members or practicing Catholics, many welcome students from other faith backgrounds who are interested in a values-based education.

Tuition is a significant consideration for families exploring parochial schools. Catholic schools in DC generally charge annual tuition, though many offer financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance programs to make education more accessible to families across income levels. It's worth contacting the school directly to understand current costs and what financial support may be available.

The Pre-K through 8th grade model has particular implications for DC families. While students benefit from years of stability in one community, families will need to plan for high school transitions after 8th grade. Many Catholic elementary schools have established relationships with area Catholic high schools, and school counselors typically support families through the high school application process. Understanding the pathway from 8th grade to high school is an important conversation to have early.

Location in Ward 5 places St. Anthony in Northeast DC, an area served by Metro's Red Line with the Brookland-CUA station nearby. Families considering the school should think through transportation logistics, as private schools don't provide the yellow bus service available to some public school students. Many families coordinate carpools or use a combination of Metro and walking for school commutes.

Programs and Approach

Catholic schools like St. Anthony typically structure their programs around both academic subjects and religious education. Students generally attend Mass regularly, participate in sacramental preparation if they're Catholic, and incorporate prayer and religious study into daily routines. Religion class is part of the standard curriculum, and Catholic values and teachings inform the school's approach to character development and community life.

The elementary and middle school years at schools like this usually follow a traditional grade-level structure, with self-contained classrooms common in the younger grades and increasing departmentalization as students move into middle school. The Pre-K program introduces young learners to school routines and early academic concepts in a faith-based environment.

As an independent school, St. Anthony sets its own curriculum, calendar, and policies within the guidelines established by the Archdiocese of Washington. This means families should review the school's specific academic approach, discipline policies, and family involvement expectations directly with school administrators. The school community often emphasizes service, encouraging students to participate in service projects and develop a sense of responsibility to others as part of their faith formation.

Visiting and Contact

St. Anthony Catholic School is located at 3400 12th Street NE in Ward 5. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit https://stanthonyschooldc.org or call (202) 526-4657 for current information and to arrange a visit.