Washington School for Girls - THEARC Campus

“Inspiring Lives of Purpose, Leadership, and Service”

At a Glance

Washington School for Girls - THEARC Campus is a private middle school serving girls in grades 6-8 in Ward 8 of Southeast DC. Located within the THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) community center on Mississippi Avenue, the school provides a single-gender educational environment during the pivotal middle school years. The THEARC campus setting places students within a larger community hub that houses multiple arts, education, and youth development organizations, creating opportunities for partnerships and integrated programming that extend beyond traditional classroom walls.

As a private institution focused exclusively on middle school girls, Washington School for Girls offers families an alternative to the public school lottery system with a mission centered on developing leadership, purpose, and service in young women during these formative years.

What Parents Should Know

Private school enrollment means families apply directly to Washington School for Girls rather than through the My School DC lottery system used by DC Public Schools and public charter schools. Parents interested in the school should contact the admissions office directly through the school's website or by phone to learn about application timelines, requirements, and financial aid options that may be available.

The school's grade configuration—serving only grades 6 through 8—means families will need to plan for a high school transition after eighth grade. This focused middle school model allows the school to concentrate entirely on the developmental needs and academic requirements specific to this age group, but it also requires parents to research and apply to high schools during their daughter's eighth grade year.

The THEARC Campus location in Ward 8 offers a unique community-embedded setting. THEARC itself is a well-known Southeast DC institution that brings together multiple nonprofit organizations under one roof, including arts programs, athletic facilities, and youth development services. This shared campus model means students may have access to partnerships and programming from THEARC tenant organizations, enriching the overall educational experience beyond what a standalone school building might offer.

Transportation logistics should be considered carefully, as families from across DC may be drawn to the school's mission and approach. Parents should investigate whether the school provides transportation assistance or if they'll need to arrange their own commute to the Mississippi Avenue SE location.

Programs and Approach

As a private middle school for girls, Washington School for Girls operates independently from DC's public school system with its own admissions process, academic calendar, and program structure. Private schools typically require families to submit applications that may include student records, recommendations, family interviews, and information about the student's interests and goals. Many private schools in DC offer financial aid or scholarship programs to support families who might not otherwise afford tuition, and prospective families should inquire about these opportunities early in the application process.

The single-gender educational model reflects a specific philosophy about how girls learn and develop during the middle school years. Schools focused on educating girls often emphasize leadership development, confidence-building, and creating classroom environments where students feel empowered to take academic risks and speak up without the social dynamics that can sometimes emerge in co-educational settings.

The school's location within THEARC provides a distinctive community context. The campus houses numerous partner organizations in the arts, education, and youth development fields, potentially offering students exposure to dance, music, theater, athletics, and other enrichment activities as part of their school experience or through after-school programming. This integrated community model distinguishes the school from traditional standalone private school campuses.

Visiting and Contact

Washington School for Girls - THEARC Campus is located at 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE in Ward 8. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling tours, or beginning the application process should visit https://washingtonschoolforgirls.org or call (202) 678-1113 for current information about admissions and programs.