St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School

“Be Infinitely You”

At a Glance

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School is an independent parochial school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Northwest Washington, DC. Located in Ward 3 on Whitehaven Parkway, the school operates under Episcopal values while welcoming families from diverse faith backgrounds and traditions.

As a pre-K through eighth grade institution, St. Patrick's provides continuity of education throughout the elementary and middle school years within a single school community. The parochial structure means the school maintains independence in its curriculum and admissions while grounding its educational philosophy in faith-based values of inclusivity and service.

What Parents Should Know

As an independent parochial school, St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School does not participate in the My School DC lottery system used by public and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment work directly with the school through a private admissions process that typically includes an application, family visit, and individual consideration. Parents should reach out well in advance of their desired enrollment year, as independent schools often have specific application timelines and may maintain waitlists for popular grade levels.

The pre-K through eighth grade configuration means families can potentially keep their children in one school community from early childhood through middle school graduation. This extended timeline allows students to build long-term relationships with teachers and peers while eliminating the typical transition point between elementary and middle school. However, families should consider that students will need to transition to a different school for high school, which requires planning and applications during the seventh and eighth grade years.

The school's Episcopal identity shapes its values and community culture, though parochial schools generally welcome families from various faith backgrounds. Parents seeking a faith-informed educational environment with an emphasis on service, community, and ethical development may find this approach appealing. It's worth discussing how religious instruction and observances are integrated into daily school life during the admissions process.

Ward 3 location on Whitehaven Parkway places the school in Northwest DC, an area that may require transportation planning depending on where families live. Independent school tuition is a significant financial consideration, and families should inquire early about costs, payment plans, and financial aid availability to determine affordability for their household.

Programs and Approach

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School emphasizes student-centered learning, which typically means instruction tailored to individual learning styles and developmental needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The school highlights its commitment to exceptional literacy instruction, recognizing that strong reading and writing skills form the foundation for success across all academic subjects and future educational pursuits.

As a faith-based school, St. Patrick's integrates Episcopal values throughout its program while working to build an inclusive community that respects and welcomes diversity. The school's mission explicitly states that every child is valued as a child of God, suggesting a community culture focused on dignity, respect, and belonging for all students regardless of background.

The grade span through eighth grade means the school provides a middle school program in addition to its elementary years, with age-appropriate curriculum and social-emotional support for adolescents. Parents considering the school should ask about how the program adapts to meet the needs of older students, including preparation for high school transitions and opportunities for leadership and independence in the upper grades.

Independent schools maintain control over their curriculum, teaching methods, and school calendar, which can mean different approaches to instruction, more flexibility in programming, and potentially different vacation schedules than DC public schools.

Visiting and Contact

St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School is located at 4700 Whitehaven Parkway NW in Washington, DC. Families can reach the school at (202) 342-2805 or visit https://www.stpatsdc.org for current information about admissions, school tours, and the application process.