St. Augustine Catholic School

“The Home of the Saints”

At a Glance

St. Augustine Catholic School is a parochial elementary school located in Ward 1 at 1421 V Street NW, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the Archdiocese of Washington, the school provides a faith-based educational environment that integrates Catholic teachings and values throughout the academic program. The school's location in the U Street corridor places it in one of DC's historically significant neighborhoods, offering families a private Catholic education option in Northwest Washington.

The PK-8 structure means students can remain in one school community from their earliest educational years through middle school, providing continuity in both their academic development and faith formation during these formative years.

What Parents Should Know

As a Catholic parochial school, St. Augustine operates independently from the DC Public Schools system and does not participate in the My School DC lottery. Families interested in enrollment should contact the school directly to learn about their admissions process, which typically includes an application, family interview, and review of previous academic records for students entering grades beyond Pre-K. Like most Catholic schools, preference is often given to registered parishioners, though many Catholic schools welcome families of all faiths who support the school's mission and values.

The Pre-K through 8th grade configuration offers significant advantages for families seeking educational stability. Students can build long-term relationships with teachers and peers while progressing through a vertically aligned curriculum. However, families should plan ahead for the high school transition after 8th grade, as students will need to apply to secondary schools during their final year at St. Augustine.

The school's location in Ward 1 provides access to families throughout Northwest DC and beyond. The U Street corridor is well-connected by public transportation, including the U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines, which may be relevant for families considering their daily commute logistics.

As a private Catholic school, St. Augustine charges tuition, and families should inquire directly about current costs, payment plans, and any financial assistance programs that may be available. Many Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington offer tuition assistance to families who demonstrate financial need, though specific offerings vary by school.

Programs and Approach

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington emphasize both academic rigor and spiritual development, integrating religious education and Catholic values into daily school life. Students typically participate in regular Mass, prayer, and religious instruction alongside their core academic subjects. The faith-based environment creates a school culture grounded in Catholic social teaching, service to others, and moral development.

The elementary and middle school years covered by St. Augustine's grade span represent crucial developmental periods. Pre-K and kindergarten programs focus on early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills in a nurturing environment. Elementary grades build foundational knowledge across core subjects, while the middle school years in grades 6-8 typically involve more subject-specific instruction and increased academic rigor to prepare students for high school.

Parents considering St. Augustine should expect a structured environment where faith and academics work in tandem. Catholic schools generally maintain dress codes or uniform policies, incorporate service learning opportunities, and expect family participation in the school community. The relatively small size typical of parochial schools often allows for closer student-teacher relationships and more individualized attention than might be found in larger institutional settings.

Families from all backgrounds often choose Catholic schools for their emphasis on character development, discipline, and values-based education, even when they are not Catholic themselves. Those interested should reach out to discuss how their family's needs and values align with the school's mission.

Visiting and Contact

St. Augustine Catholic School is located at 1421 V Street NW in Washington, DC's U Street corridor area. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit https://www.staug-dc.org or call (202) 667-2608 for current information about enrollment and visiting opportunities.