Tubman Elementary School

At a Glance

Tubman Elementary School is a public neighborhood school serving students in grades PK3 through 5th grade in Ward 1's Takoma neighborhood. Located on 13th Street NW, the school defines itself as a diverse community committed to equity and empowering scholars to question, challenge, and change the world.

The school offers a comprehensive academic program that includes the distinctive feature of teaching science in Spanish, reflecting a commitment to both STEM education and language development. Tubman uses Creative Curriculum for its youngest learners, an approach that allows pre-kindergarten students to learn through thematic play. Before and after care services are available through Champions, providing extended support for working families.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools neighborhood school, Tubman Elementary participates in the My School DC lottery system for enrollment. In-boundary families living within Tubman's attendance zone receive preference for admission, and the school offers Equitable Access as an additional lottery preference specifically for in-boundary PK3 and PK4 applicants. This preference aims to support families who may face barriers to early childhood education access.

The grade configuration of PK3–5 means families can potentially keep their children at Tubman for up to seven years, from age three through elementary school completion. However, families should plan for a transition to middle school after 5th grade, which typically means applying through the lottery system again or seeking placement at the boundary middle school for their address.

The Takoma location in Ward 1 places the school in a well-established residential neighborhood in upper Northwest DC. Families considering Tubman should reach out early to understand application timelines, particularly for pre-kindergarten entry, as the lottery typically runs in the winter and spring for the following school year.

The school emphasizes family engagement as a core component of its program, positioning itself as a place where families partner with educators in creating a supportive learning environment. This collaborative approach means parent involvement opportunities are likely available throughout the school year.

Programs and Approach

Tubman Elementary employs Creative Curriculum for its pre-kindergarten students, an evidence-based framework that supports early learners through exploration and play organized around themes. This developmentally appropriate approach allows young children to learn organically while building foundational skills across domains including literacy, math, social-emotional development, and physical growth.

The school's distinctive offering of science instruction in Spanish represents an integrated approach to content and language learning. This bilingual component in a core academic subject provides students exposure to Spanish while engaging with scientific concepts, potentially supporting both cognitive development and cultural awareness.

As a DCPS school, enrollment happens through the My School DC unified lottery system, which opens each fall for the following school year. In-boundary families have the strongest chance of placement, though out-of-boundary families can also apply. Families should create a My School DC account, verify their address for boundary determination, and submit their application ranking Tubman according to their preference. The lottery results are typically released in late March or early April.

The school's mission centers on equity and empowerment, suggesting an educational philosophy that goes beyond academic skills to include critical thinking and social awareness. The emphasis on students being prepared to "question, challenge and change the world" indicates a focus on developing engaged, thoughtful citizens.

Before and after care through Champions extends the school day for families who need coverage beyond standard hours, an important practical consideration for working parents managing schedules.

Visiting and Contact

Tubman Elementary School is located at 3101 13th Street NW in the Takoma neighborhood of Ward 1. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling tours, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's website at http://profiles.dcps.dc.gov or call 202-673-7285 to connect with the main office.