The Episcopal Center for Children

At a Glance

The Episcopal Center for Children is an Episcopal school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Washington DC's Chevy Chase neighborhood. Located in Ward 3 at 5901 Utah Ave NW, the school provides an educational environment grounded in Episcopal values and traditions. With a grade span covering early childhood through high school graduation, the Center offers continuity of education across all developmental stages under one institutional umbrella.

The school's presence in the Chevy Chase area places it in one of Northwest DC's more established residential neighborhoods, with proximity to the Maryland border and good accessibility from other parts of the District.

What Parents Should Know

As a private Episcopal school, The Episcopal Center for Children operates independently from the DC Public Schools system and does not participate in the My School DC lottery. Families interested in enrollment will need to contact the school directly to learn about their application process, timeline, and admission requirements. Private school applications typically involve submitting records, scheduling tours, and meeting specific deadlines that vary by institution.

The PK–12 grade configuration is relatively uncommon in DC and offers potential advantages for families seeking educational continuity. Students can potentially remain in the same school community from their earliest years through high school graduation, eliminating the need to navigate multiple school transitions. However, families should inquire about whether students typically stay for the full span or if there are natural transition points, and what the student body looks like across different grade levels.

As an Episcopal school, the Center likely incorporates religious education and values into its programming. Families considering the school should understand what role faith formation plays in daily school life, whether chapel attendance or religious instruction is required, and how the school welcomes families from different faith backgrounds or levels of Episcopal Church involvement.

The Ward 3 location in Chevy Chase may affect transportation considerations. Families should explore whether the school provides bus service, what the carpool situation looks like, and how accessible the campus is via Metro or other public transportation options. The neighborhood's character and the school's specific campus setup will influence daily logistics.

Programs and Approach

Episcopal schools typically blend academic rigor with moral and spiritual development rooted in the Episcopal Church tradition. These schools often emphasize community service, critical thinking, and the development of the whole child—intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. The Episcopal educational philosophy generally welcomes students and families from diverse backgrounds while maintaining its religious identity and values.

The broad grade range from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade suggests the school has developed programming appropriate for vastly different developmental stages, from early childhood play-based learning through college-preparatory high school coursework. Parents should inquire about how the school structures its divisions, what transitions look like between lower, middle, and upper school levels, and how curriculum and teaching approaches evolve across grade levels.

As a private institution, The Episcopal Center for Children sets its own admission standards, curriculum, and policies independent of DC Public Schools regulations. Families should contact the school directly to learn about tuition and fees, financial aid availability, academic expectations, extracurricular offerings, and school culture. Private schools often require applications well in advance of the intended start date, so families should plan accordingly.

Visiting and Contact

The Episcopal Center for Children is located at 5901 Utah Ave NW in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Families interested in learning more about the school should visit the school's website for information about scheduling tours, obtaining detailed program information, and accessing current application materials and deadlines.