Washington Latin PCS - Cooper Campus Middle School

At a Glance

Washington Latin PCS - Cooper Campus Middle School is a public charter school serving grades 5–8 in the Brookland neighborhood of Ward 5. Located at 4301 Harewood Street NE, this campus is part of the Washington Latin network, which operates as a Tier One school system drawing students from all eight wards across the District. The school focuses on providing a classical, liberal arts education with an emphasis on developing strong academic habits and character formation.

As a public charter school, Washington Latin is tuition-free and open to all DC residents through a lottery enrollment process. The school requires uniforms and has built a reputation for serving a diverse student body within a close-knit community environment.

What Parents Should Know

Washington Latin enrolls students through the My School DC lottery system, the centralized application process used by DC charter schools and some DCPS schools. Because the school draws from all eight wards, families across the District can apply regardless of where they live. As with most popular charter schools, families should be aware that demand may exceed available seats, and the school maintains a waitlist when more students apply than can be accommodated.

The grade 5–8 configuration means this campus serves exclusively middle school students, which can be a significant factor for families considering school transitions. Students entering in fifth grade have the opportunity to spend four years at the Cooper Campus, while those entering later join an established community. Families will need to plan for a high school transition after eighth grade, though students in the Washington Latin network may have pathways to the network's upper school if one exists.

The school's location in Brookland places it in a Northeast DC neighborhood well-served by public transportation, including Metro access via the Brookland-CUA station. The required uniform policy is something families should factor into their planning and budget considerations.

Washington Latin describes itself as offering a classical education approach, which typically emphasizes foundational academic skills, structured learning, and the liberal arts tradition. The school's stated focus on "good habits of mind and character" and developing "lifelong learners" suggests an educational philosophy that extends beyond test preparation to broader character development and critical thinking.

Programs and Approach

Washington Latin's mission centers on providing a liberal arts, classical education model that is accessible to students throughout Washington, DC. This approach aims to build strong foundational skills and foster intellectual curiosity within a structured academic environment. The school emphasizes developing both academic abilities and character traits that prepare students for future learning and civic participation.

The school offers several enrichment opportunities including arts integration, which weaves creative and artistic elements into the broader curriculum. Students have access to interscholastic sports, allowing them to compete with other schools and develop teamwork and athletic skills. A school garden provides hands-on learning opportunities, while a STEM focus ensures students build competency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Washington Latin also implements a restorative justice program, an approach to discipline and conflict resolution that focuses on repairing harm, building community, and helping students understand the impact of their actions rather than relying solely on punitive measures. This aligns with the school's broader emphasis on character development and community building.

As a public charter school, Washington Latin serves as a free public education option for DC families. The school's commitment to serving students from all eight wards reflects a deliberate effort to create economic and geographic diversity within the student body, which the school identifies as a core strength of its community.

Visiting and Contact

Washington Latin PCS - Cooper Campus Middle School is located at 4301 Harewood Street NE in the Brookland neighborhood of Ward 5. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling tours, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's website at https://www.latinpcs.org or call 202-697-4430.