The School for Ethics and Global Leadership

“Change Yourself. Change the World.”

At a Glance

The School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) is a highly selective private residential program designed exclusively for high school juniors. Located in the Dupont Circle area of Ward 2 at 1528 18th Street NW, this unique semester-long program draws students from across the country for an intensive academic and leadership experience in the nation's capital. Unlike traditional schools that students attend for multiple years, SEGL operates as a single-semester immersion program that students attend during their junior year before returning to their home high schools.

The program combines rigorous honors and Advanced Placement coursework with focused ethics and leadership training, taking full advantage of its Washington, DC location to provide students access to policymakers, thought leaders, and real-world applications of ethical decision-making. Students live on-site during their semester at SEGL, creating a residential college-like experience during the high school years.

What Parents Should Know

This is not a four-year high school but rather a semester-long program that students attend during their junior year, meaning families need to coordinate with their student's home school to ensure credits transfer appropriately and graduation requirements remain on track. Students apply from schools nationwide, making this a highly competitive admissions process that requires advance planning, typically during sophomore year.

The residential nature of the program means students live away from home for an entire semester, which represents a significant commitment for both students and families. Parents should consider whether their rising junior is ready for this level of independence and whether the separation aligns with family needs and student maturity levels.

Located in Dupont Circle, one of DC's most walkable and transit-accessible neighborhoods, the school sits in an urban setting with easy access to Metro, museums, government buildings, and cultural institutions. This location is integral to the program's mission, as students engage directly with DC's unique resources as part of their coursework.

Because SEGL serves only 11th graders for a single semester, families should understand this is a supplement to, not a replacement for, their student's regular high school education. Students must maintain enrollment at their home school and work closely with guidance counselors to integrate the SEGL semester into their overall high school plan.

As a private program, families should expect tuition costs, though many programs of this nature offer financial aid. Contact the school directly to discuss costs and available support.

Programs and Approach

As a private residential program, SEGL follows its own application and admissions process separate from the My School DC lottery system used by DC public and charter schools. Interested families should visit the school's website well in advance—ideally during a student's sophomore year—to understand application requirements, deadlines, and selection criteria.

The curriculum centers on ethics and global leadership development while maintaining academic rigor through honors and AP-level courses that should transfer back to students' home schools. The semester-long format allows for deep immersion in coursework and projects that might not be possible in a traditional school-year calendar structure.

Being based in Washington, DC is fundamental to the educational model, as the location provides unparalleled access to federal institutions, international organizations, policy experts, and global leaders. Students can engage with primary sources, witness government processes firsthand, and interact with professionals working on issues they're studying in the classroom.

The residential component means students develop independence, time management skills, and the ability to live in a structured community setting—all valuable preparation for college. Living and learning alongside peers who have been selected for their leadership potential and ethical commitment creates a distinctive peer environment.

Visiting and Contact

The School for Ethics and Global Leadership is located at 1528 18th Street NW in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Ward 2. Visit https://www.schoolforethics.org for detailed information about the application process, program structure, and opportunities to learn more about whether this semester program might be right for your family. The school can be reached at (202) 684-7044.