Van Ness Elementary School

At a Glance

Van Ness Elementary is a DC Public Schools (DCPS) elementary serving students from Pre-K3 through 5th grade. The school sits at 1150 5th Street SE in the Near Southeast neighborhood of Ward 8, within walking distance of the Navy Yard, Capitol Riverfront, and the residential blocks just south of the Southeast Freeway.

As a neighborhood DCPS school, Van Ness serves families living in its in-boundary zone first, with additional seats filled through the citywide lottery. Its grade configuration — starting with three-year-old preschool and going through fifth grade — means families can settle in for the full early-childhood and elementary stretch before transitioning to middle school.

What Parents Should Know

A few practical things to know if you're considering Van Ness for your child:

• Enrollment is through My School DC. Like all DCPS schools, in-boundary students are guaranteed a seat, but Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 seats are competitive citywide and assigned through the lottery. Out-of-boundary applicants for any grade also enter the lottery.
• The grade span is PK3–5. That's nine grade levels under one roof, which gives younger children consistent exposure to the same school culture, staff, and building for years. Families should plan ahead for the middle school transition after 5th grade — DCPS publishes feeder patterns, and you can also apply to other middle schools through the lottery.
• Location is Near Southeast, Ward 8. The school is close to the Anacostia River and a short drive or bus ride from Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro (Green Line). Families coming from across the river or other parts of Ward 8 should plan their commute and look into DCPS transportation options where eligible.
• The campus has been modernized. Van Ness reopened in 2015 after being closed for years, and a newer wing added in 2021 includes a rooftop educational garden, a renovated historic field house used as flexible space, and an annex that houses 5th graders. It's a relatively small, updated campus compared to many older DCPS buildings.
• It's still a growing school community. Because Van Ness reopened relatively recently and added grades over time, parent involvement and community-building have been a visible part of the school's identity.

Programs and Approach

Van Ness describes itself as an inclusive community focused on engaging the whole child, cultivating critical thinkers, and developing students who are confident, curious, and compassionate. The school emphasizes authentic experiences and partnership among children, families, and educators.

As a DCPS school, Van Ness follows the district's core academic framework and uses DCPS-adopted curricula. Specific program offerings, specials (art, music, PE), and any partnerships are best confirmed directly with the school, as offerings can shift year to year.

Enrollment for Pre-K through 5th grade goes through My School DC (myschooldc.org), which runs a single common application and lottery each year for DC public and public charter schools. In-boundary families should still complete enrollment paperwork directly with DCPS once a seat is confirmed.

Visiting and Contact

Address: 1150 5th Street SE, Washington, DC (Near Southeast, Ward 8) Phone: 202-727-4314 Website: https://www.vannesselementary.org/

For tour schedules, open house dates, current staff, and the most up-to-date information on programs and enrollment, check the school's website directly or call the main office.