St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy

At a Glance

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy is a parochial school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Ward 7 of Washington, DC. As a member of the Consortium of Catholic Academies, the school provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic values and traditions while delivering rigorous academic instruction. The school welcomes families seeking a structured environment where spiritual development and academic preparation go hand in hand.

Located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Southeast DC, St. Francis Xavier serves elementary and middle school students within a single campus community. The PK-8 configuration allows younger students to learn alongside older role models while keeping families together in one school building throughout their children's foundational education years.

What Parents Should Know

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy operates as a private parochial school, which means families apply directly to the school rather than through the My School DC lottery system used by public and public charter schools. While Catholic schools traditionally prioritized enrollment for parish members and Catholic families, many DC Catholic academies now welcome students of all faith backgrounds who are seeking the structure and values-based education these schools provide. Families interested in enrollment should contact the school directly at (202) 581-2010 to learn about application timelines, tuition rates, and any financial assistance programs that may be available.

The PK-8 grade configuration is a significant advantage for families looking for enrollment stability. Students can remain in the same school community from their earliest education years through middle school graduation, eliminating the typical transition point between elementary and middle school that occurs in many other school systems. This continuity allows the school to build long-term relationships with families and track student progress across multiple developmental stages.

Ward 7 families should know that this Southeast location provides a neighborhood school option for families living in the Hillcrest, Penn Branch, and surrounding communities. The O Street SE address puts the school in a primarily residential area, which can mean a more contained campus environment compared to schools on busier commercial corridors.

As a Catholic academy, the school integrates religious instruction and observance into the daily schedule and yearly calendar. This includes religion classes, prayer, Mass attendance, and celebration of Catholic holy days. Families considering the school should be comfortable with their children participating in these faith-based activities as part of the regular school experience.

Programs and Approach

Catholic academies in Washington, DC typically emphasize traditional academic fundamentals alongside character development and service to others. The faith-based approach means that moral and ethical education is woven throughout the curriculum, not treated as a separate subject. Students generally experience a structured environment with clear behavioral expectations rooted in Catholic social teaching.

The pre-kindergarten program allows the school to begin working with students at an early age, establishing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development within the context of a faith-based learning community. The middle school years through eighth grade provide preparation for high school, with many Catholic academies historically sending graduates on to both Catholic and independent high schools throughout the DC area.

Parents considering St. Francis Xavier should inquire directly with the school about current class sizes, extracurricular offerings, and any specialized programs in areas like technology, arts, or athletics. Catholic schools typically offer smaller class sizes than many public school options, though specific numbers vary by school and grade level.

Visiting and Contact

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Academy is located at 2700 O Street SE in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit the school's website at https://stfrancisxaviercadc.com or call (202) 581-2010 for current information and availability.