Stoddert Elementary School

At a Glance

Stoddert Elementary School is a public District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) institution serving approximately 470 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Ward 3's Glover Park neighborhood. The school community reflects remarkable diversity, with students representing more than 30 different countries and languages. Stoddert has earned significant recognition for both academic excellence and environmental leadership, including the distinction of being the first school to receive the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon School award, recognition as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School for Exemplary High Performance, and being voted Best Elementary School in DC in 2019.

What Parents Should Know

Stoddert Elementary enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, which is the common application process for all DCPS and participating public charter schools in Washington, DC. Families living within Stoddert's boundary zone have priority for enrollment, and the school offers Equitable Access designated seats specifically for in-boundary PK4 applicants during the lottery process. Understanding these geographic preferences is essential for families considering Stoddert, as in-boundary status significantly impacts admission chances.

The school's grade configuration spanning pre-kindergarten through fifth grade means families will experience one elementary transition when students move on to middle school after completing fifth grade. This traditional elementary structure allows children to remain in one school community throughout their early educational years, building relationships with teachers and peers across multiple grade levels. The pre-kindergarten starting point also provides early childhood education opportunities for four-year-olds, which can be valuable for working families seeking continuity in their child's educational experience.

Stoddert's location at 4001 Calvert Street NW places it in the residential Glover Park neighborhood of Northwest DC, an area known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community connections. The Ward 3 location means families should consider transportation logistics, whether walking from the immediate neighborhood or arranging travel from other parts of the district if applying from out of boundary.

The school's international character, with more than 30 countries and languages represented, creates a notably diverse learning environment within a Ward 3 school. This multicultural community can offer students exposure to different perspectives and backgrounds as part of their daily elementary experience, which some families prioritize when selecting a school.

Programs and Approach

As a DCPS school, Stoddert follows the district's academic standards and curriculum frameworks while serving its diverse elementary student population. The school's environmental leadership, recognized through its historic Green Ribbon School award, suggests an institutional commitment to sustainability and environmental education as values within the school community. This recognition from the U.S. Department of Education acknowledges schools that reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education.

Enrollment at Stoddert, like all DCPS schools, is managed through the My School DC unified lottery system. Families submit a single application ranking their school preferences, and the lottery algorithm matches students to schools based on preferences, sibling priority, geographic boundaries, and available seats. The application timeline typically opens in winter for the following school year, and families should pay close attention to deadlines and lottery dates published by My School DC.

Parents interested in Stoddert should research the school's current programs, teaching approaches, and community culture through the official website and by connecting directly with the school administration. School tours, when available, provide opportunities to see classrooms in action and meet staff members who can answer specific questions about daily life at Stoddert.

Visiting and Contact

Stoddert Elementary School is located at 4001 Calvert Street NW in the Glover Park neighborhood. Families can visit http://www.stoddert.org/ for current information about tours, enrollment, and school programs, or call 202-671-6030 to speak with the school office directly.