Washington Latin PCS - 2nd Street Upper School

At a Glance

Washington Latin PCS - 2nd Street Upper School is a public charter high school serving grades 9–12 in the Brightwood Park neighborhood of Ward 4. Part of the Washington Latin network, this upper school campus provides a classical liberal arts education to students from across all eight wards of the District. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, diverse student body, and strong sense of community. As a public charter school, admission is tuition-free and based on a lottery system, making this academically focused education accessible to DC families regardless of neighborhood or income level.

What Parents Should Know

Washington Latin requires uniforms and enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the common application used by DC public charter schools and DCPS. Families should be aware that the school's classical liberal arts approach emphasizes developing "good habits of mind and character" with the goal of preparing lifelong learners who can contribute to the public good. Because this campus serves only grades 9–12, students typically transition here after completing middle school, either from Washington Latin's own middle school campus or from other DC schools. The school draws students from every ward in the city, creating an unusually diverse student body for a DC high school.

The Brightwood Park location on 2nd Street NW places the school in an established residential neighborhood in upper Northwest DC. Families should consider transportation logistics, particularly if traveling from other wards, though the school's citywide draw suggests accessibility is manageable for many families. As a Tier One charter network, Washington Latin has established a track record in DC's charter school landscape, which may be a factor for families researching school quality and stability.

Programs and Approach

The school offers a classical liberal arts education framework, which typically emphasizes traditional academic disciplines, critical thinking, and engagement with foundational texts and ideas. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses, allowing them to pursue college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit while still in high school. The school also participates in dual college enrollment, giving students additional opportunities to take actual college courses.

Beyond academics, Washington Latin provides interscholastic sports, allowing students to compete athletically against other schools in the region. The school incorporates arts integration into its curriculum and maintains a school garden, both of which offer hands-on learning experiences. A STEM focus complements the liberal arts foundation, ensuring students develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school also implements a restorative justice program, an approach to discipline and conflict resolution that emphasizes repairing harm and building community rather than purely punitive measures.

Enrollment happens through the My School DC common lottery system, which opens each fall for the following school year. Families rank their school preferences, and a computer algorithm matches students to schools based on availability and any preference criteria. Because Washington Latin often has more applicants than seats, interested families should apply during the lottery window rather than waiting for in-year enrollment. The school maintains waitlists when oversubscribed, and historical waitlist data is publicly available to help families understand demand.

Visiting and Contact

Washington Latin PCS - 2nd Street Upper School is located at 5200 2nd Street NW in the Brightwood Park neighborhood of Ward 4. Families interested in learning more about the school's classical education approach, touring the campus, or understanding the application timeline should visit the school's website at https://latinpcs.org/ or call 202-223-1111 for current information about open houses and enrollment.