Thomas Elementary School

At a Glance

Neval Thomas Elementary School is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood school serving students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Ward 7's Kenilworth community. Located on Anacostia Avenue NE, Thomas Elementary provides early childhood education starting at age three and carries students through their elementary years until they transition to middle school.

The school's mission centers on fostering student curiosity and building confidence, aiming to create an environment where children develop both a love of learning and belief in their own potential for future success. As a DCPS neighborhood school, Thomas Elementary primarily serves families living in the surrounding Kenilworth area.

What Parents Should Know

Thomas Elementary serves students from pre-kindergarten age 3 (PK3) through fifth grade, meaning families can potentially keep their children in the same school community for up to seven years of early education. This extended elementary configuration allows younger siblings to follow older ones through the same building, which many families find valuable for carpooling, school familiarity, and building lasting relationships with teachers and staff.

As a DCPS neighborhood school, Thomas Elementary participates in the My School DC common lottery system. DC residents living within the school's boundary area receive priority for enrollment, while families from outside the boundary can add Thomas to their lottery application if space is available. The school's early childhood program starting at PK3 makes it particularly important for families to understand lottery timelines, as applying early can secure a spot that carries through elementary grades.

The Kenilworth location in Ward 7 places Thomas Elementary in the northeast quadrant of the city, accessible via Anacostia Avenue NE. Families considering this school should factor in their commute and whether they live within the in-boundary zone, as this significantly affects admission odds during the lottery process.

Parents should note that before and after care registration requires students to be fully enrolled at Thomas Elementary first—this is a separate process from school enrollment itself and requires advance planning, especially for working families who need extended-day coverage.

Programs and Approach

As a DCPS elementary school, Thomas Elementary follows the district's academic standards and curriculum frameworks while working to bring its specific mission to life in classrooms. The school's stated emphasis on curiosity and self-efficacy suggests an approach that values both academic learning and personal development, helping students build confidence alongside skills.

Enrollment at Thomas Elementary, like all DC public and public charter schools, occurs through the My School DC unified lottery system. Families create an account at enrolldcps.dc.gov, rank their school preferences, and submit their application during the enrollment window. In-boundary students receive the highest priority for their neighborhood school, followed by out-of-boundary applicants, sibling preferences, and other priority categories as defined by DCPS policy.

The PK3 through grade 5 structure means families should begin thinking about middle school transitions during their child's fourth and fifth grade years, as students will need to apply through My School DC again for sixth grade placement. Some families appreciate this natural checkpoint to reassess their child's needs and school options, while others prefer through-grade schools that reduce the number of transitions.

Like all DCPS schools, Thomas Elementary operates on the district's calendar, follows system-wide policies for attendance and discipline, and participates in district professional development and support structures. Families can expect regular communication about school events, academic progress, and opportunities to engage in their child's education.

Visiting and Contact

Neval Thomas Elementary School is located at 650 Anacostia Avenue NE in the Kenilworth neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, arranging a tour, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's profile at https://profiles.dcps.dc.gov/Thomas+Elementary+School or call 202-724-4593.