Truesdell Elementary School

At a Glance

Truesdell Elementary School is a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) neighborhood school located in Brightwood Park in Ward 4. Serving students from pre-kindergarten (PK3) through fifth grade, Truesdell welcomes young learners at the very beginning of their educational journey and supports them through their elementary years. The school's mission centers on transforming children into scholars, citizens, and leaders while working to disrupt systemic racism and help students achieve their full potential.

Located on Ingraham Street NW, Truesdell serves families throughout the Brightwood Park neighborhood and surrounding areas of Ward 4. As a DCPS neighborhood school, it provides a foundational education for the community's youngest residents during critical developmental years.

What Parents Should Know

Truesdell Elementary operates as a DCPS neighborhood school, which means families living within the school's designated boundary area have guaranteed access without needing to enter a lottery. The school also participates in the Early Action process for pre-kindergarten enrollment, offering guaranteed PK3 and PK4 seats to eligible families—an important option for parents seeking early childhood education opportunities in Ward 4.

The grade configuration spans from PK3 through fifth grade, meaning families can keep their children at Truesdell for up to seven years if they begin in pre-kindergarten. After fifth grade, students will transition to a middle school, so parents should plan ahead for that educational milestone. Understanding this timeline helps families think about the continuity of their child's elementary experience.

Students at Truesdell are required to wear uniforms, which is standard practice at many DCPS schools. Parents should plan for this requirement when budgeting for school expenses and preparing their children for the school year.

The school is located in Brightwood Park, a primarily residential neighborhood in Ward 4 with access to public transportation options. Families considering Truesdell should visit the area to understand commute logistics and determine whether the location works for their daily routine, particularly if they live outside the immediate boundary area but are considering the school through the out-of-boundary lottery process.

Programs and Approach

Truesdell Elementary offers several distinctive programs that shape its educational environment. The school implements a blended learning approach, combining traditional classroom instruction with digital tools and online learning components. This model allows students to engage with curriculum in varied ways and can support different learning styles and paces.

The school provides interscholastic sports opportunities, giving elementary students a chance to participate in organized athletics and develop teamwork skills. Physical activity and competitive experiences can be valuable components of a well-rounded elementary education, and having these opportunities at the elementary level helps students develop healthy habits early.

Truesdell has adopted a Restorative Justice Program as part of its approach to school culture and discipline. This framework focuses on building community, repairing harm through dialogue and understanding, and addressing behavior issues through relationship-building rather than purely punitive measures. This approach aligns with the school's mission of developing not just scholars but also citizens and leaders.

As a DCPS school, enrollment at Truesdell follows the My School DC process for families living outside the school's boundary. In-boundary families have guaranteed admission to their neighborhood school, while out-of-boundary families can list Truesdell as a choice during the lottery application period. Families new to DC or navigating school enrollment should visit the My School DC website to understand deadlines and procedures.

Visiting and Contact

Truesdell Elementary School is located at 800 Ingraham Street NW in the Brightwood Park neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or getting current information about enrollment and programs should visit the school's website at truesdelltrojans.org or call 202-576-6202.