St. Peter School

At a Glance

St. Peter School is a Catholic parochial elementary school located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Ward 6, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Founded in 1868, it stands as one of Washington DC's oldest Catholic elementary schools, with a history spanning more than 150 years of continuous service to the community. The school has earned national recognition as a two-time Blue Ribbon award winner, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence grounded in Catholic faith formation.

St. Peter School serves families seeking a faith-based education within a close-knit school community on Capitol Hill. The full pre-K through eighth grade configuration allows students to remain in one school community throughout their elementary and middle school years, building lasting relationships with classmates and teachers while developing within a consistent educational framework centered on Catholic values and academic rigor.

What Parents Should Know

As a Catholic parochial school, St. Peter School operates independently from DC Public Schools and does not participate in the My School DC lottery system. Families interested in enrollment work directly with the school through its own admissions process, which typically prioritizes registered parishioners of St. Peter Church, followed by other Catholic families and then families of other faiths who support the school's mission and values.

The pre-K through eighth grade structure means families can keep their children in one school community for up to ten years, avoiding the common elementary-to-middle school transition that occurs in many school systems. Students graduate from St. Peter School ready to move on to high school, with eighth grade serving as the culminating year of their elementary and middle school education. This extended timeline allows the school to develop deep relationships with students and families while providing continuity in academic expectations and social-emotional support.

The Capitol Hill location places the school within walking distance for many neighborhood families and near multiple Metro stations and bus lines for those commuting from other parts of the District. The Southeast address on 3rd Street puts the school in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood, close to both the Capitol complex and Eastern Market.

Catholic school tuition typically applies, though many parochial schools offer need-based financial aid, multi-child discounts, and parish member rates. Parents should contact the school directly for current tuition information and financial assistance options.

Programs and Approach

Catholic parochial schools like St. Peter School integrate religious education and faith formation throughout the school day, combining traditional academic subjects with religious instruction, regular Mass attendance, service learning, and moral development grounded in Catholic teaching. Students typically participate in sacramental preparation, prayer services, and community service projects as core components of their education.

The school's two Blue Ribbon awards indicate recognition from the U.S. Department of Education for overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps. This designation reflects sustained high performance and places St. Peter School among an elite group of schools nationwide that have demonstrated exceptional educational quality.

The pre-K program provides an entry point for young learners, allowing families to establish roots in the school community early. The full elementary and middle school program through eighth grade means the school addresses the developmental needs of students from early childhood through early adolescence, adapting curriculum and support structures as students mature.

As a parochial school, St. Peter School serves its parish community first while also welcoming families from across the District who seek a Catholic education. The school maintains its own academic calendar, dress code, and disciplinary policies independent of the DC public school system.

Visiting and Contact

St. Peter School is located at 422 3rd Street SE in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the admissions process should visit the school's website at https://www.stpeterschooldc.org or call (202) 544-1618 for current information about enrollment and visiting opportunities.