St. Benedict the Moor School

At a Glance

St. Benedict the Moor School is a Catholic elementary school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Northeast DC's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Located in Ward 6, the school provides faith-based education spanning early childhood through middle school years under one roof.

As a Catholic institution, St. Benedict the Moor integrates religious instruction and values into daily academic life, serving families seeking a Christ-centered educational environment. The PK–8 configuration means students can remain in the same school community from their earliest school years through eighth grade graduation.

What Parents Should Know

As a private Catholic school, St. Benedict the Moor operates independently from DC Public Schools and does not participate in the My School DC lottery system. Families interested in enrollment apply directly to the school, typically following an application process that includes an inquiry, family visit, and submission of records. Catholic schools in DC traditionally give enrollment preference to registered parishioners, followed by Catholic families from other parishes, and then families of other faiths, though specific admissions criteria vary by school.

The pre-K through eighth grade structure offers continuity that some families highly value—children can build long-term relationships with classmates and teachers without transitioning between separate elementary and middle schools. However, parents should plan ahead for the high school transition after eighth grade, as students will need to apply to DC area high schools during their child's middle school years.

The Capitol Hill location in Ward 6 places the school in one of DC's most established residential neighborhoods, with generally strong walkability and access to Metro via the nearby Stadium-Armory station. Families commuting from other parts of the District should consider transportation logistics, as private schools don't provide the same bus services available through DCPS.

Catholic school tuition varies considerably across DC, and families should inquire early about costs, sibling discounts, and financial aid availability. Many Catholic schools in the District offer tuition assistance based on need, and some families may qualify for DC's Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides federally funded vouchers for students from low-income families to attend private schools.

Programs and Approach

Catholic schools in Washington DC typically follow a curriculum that meets District standards while incorporating religious education as a core subject. Students generally participate in regular Mass attendance, prayer as part of the daily routine, and religion classes at each grade level. The faith formation component extends beyond academics into service learning and community building rooted in Catholic social teaching.

The pre-K program provides families an entry point for early childhood education within a faith-based setting, while the continuation through eighth grade allows the school to offer departmentalized instruction in the upper grades, where students may transition between teachers for different subjects as preparation for high school.

Being part of the Archdiocese of Washington connects the school to a larger network of Catholic educational institutions in the region. Teachers in Catholic schools typically include both religious and lay educators committed to the school's mission. Class sizes in DC Catholic schools generally trend smaller than traditional public schools, though specific student-teacher ratios vary by school and grade level.

Families considering St. Benedict the Moor should understand that attending a Catholic school means their child's education will be grounded in Catholic teachings and traditions, regardless of the family's own faith background. Most Catholic schools in DC welcome students of all faiths, but the religious character permeates school culture, celebrations, and daily activities.

Visiting and Contact

St. Benedict the Moor School is located at 320 21st Street NE in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Ward 6. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit the school's website for current contact information and application procedures.