2023 Fall Education Issue - A Resource for District Parents

FAMILIES STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO PROVIDE INPUT

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

The process of changing school boundaries for DC Public Schools (DCPS) is underway. The 2023 Boundary and Student Assignment Study, or Boundary Study, reviews boundaries and feeder patterns and District-wide public school student assignment policies and makes recommendations to the mayor for changes. Recommendations are due to be submitted to Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) no later than February 2024.

The study was launched in March through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME). It is the first update to school by-right attendance boundaries since 2013-2014, when DC undertook its first comprehensive review of boundaries in 40 years.

DME is running a Master Facilities Plan (MFP) study at the same time and the two have some overlap in the review of building condition, resources and utilization. Any potential boundary modifications and feeder recommendations would take effect no sooner than the 2025-26 school year, i.e., August of 2025.

“We are embarking on a city-wide planning process that will provide strategic, data-informed recommendations to ensure more students have access to great schools and facilities that meet their needs,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn.

The process will be essential to the ongoing work needed to not only recover from the negative reper-

cussions of the COVID pandemic, but to continue efforts to close the opportunity gap, Kihn added. “We know that residents will have strong thoughts and feedback, and we look forward to engaging directly with families, educators, and stakeholders over the coming weeks and months,” he said.

What This Means

DC law requires each child to be assigned to a school, determined by lines drawn around the area in which they live. That school is called the “boundary” school or “by-right” school. Students have the right to attend the boundary school if they live within the area designated. Feeder patterns determine which middle school and then which high school students have the right to attend based on what by-right school they are coming from.

DC Law requires a boundary study to be conducted in 2023 and every ten years afterward, reexamining the area boundaries, feeder patterns, the capacity of schools and whether all students have equitable access to high-quality DCPS schools. Studies are supposed to recommend ways to even out overcrowded and underutilized schools, balance unequal or problematic feeder programs, look at early childhood learning opportunities and address equity and diversity in the schools.

Who is Making Decisions?

DME has contracted with a team led by Perkins Eastman, a global design/architecture firm, including WXY Studio, LINK Strategic Partners and The DC Policy Center to support both the

Image: Widely differing school utilization rates are just one challenge the Boundary and Student Assignment Study aims to address. Image: DME

boundary and facilities studies. As of the beginning of August, they have completed the first of three rounds of District-wide town halls for both the Boundary Study and MFP 2023.

The public had their first opportunity to weigh-in on changes at open town halls held May 16 and 17. A second round originally scheduled for July will now take place in September. While DME initially announced that a third set of meetings is planned, those are not yet scheduled. (See updated town hall dates at https://dme.dc.gov/ boundaries2023)

That is partly at the request of the Advisory Committee on Student Assignment. The Advisory Committee (AC) is composed of education stakeholders from all eight wards. Members of the AC were recommended by education stakeholders and selected by the DME to reflect the District’s public school education system, including ward of residence and enrollment preferences.

The AC has met monthly since March to examine data and information and discuss their findings. Eventually, they will create recommendations for attendance zones, feeder patterns, and school assignment policies.

In June, the AC finalized a set of principles to guide their work. These include: a strong system of by-right neighborhood schools; equitable access to high-quality schools; predictable and continuous access to schools; and racially and socio-economically diverse schools.

Next, they will begin to formulate recommendations to address these and other concerns. DME will engage with school communities that may be significantly affected by any boundary or feeder pattern revision scenario. These will be determined as the scenarios are developed and information becomes available from the Master Facilities Plan 2023 (https://dme.dc.gov/node/1649826)

Factors Committee is Considering

AC recommendations for changes in boundary or feeder policy will try to satisfy the requirements of law and to address challenges within the system.

At meetings, members have looked at issues such as the widely differing utilization of schools, which is higher in Northwest than in Southeast, and the correlation between utilization and program offerings. They have examined the racial, ethnic, and at-risk segregation of individual schools, which differs even within schools in the same feeder pattern. And they have looked at how well access to schools meets family needs by examin-

ing lottery waitlists and the distances travelled by families to the schools their child is enrolled in.

While redrawing boundaries for individual schools or feeder patterns seems like the most basic tool to address these, the AC could also recommend a host of policy changes. They could consider offering a “choice set,” or multiple in-bounds schools within a geographic area. Recommendations could employ various weighted lottery preferences, for instance giving additional preference to at-risk students. Members could recommend changes in programming, adding offerings to schools or providing shared access at one site to students from, for example, more than one high school. Grades could be reconfigured at various schools, or programming expanded in terms of early childhood or secondary opportunities. Lottery preferences could be added, and some schools could see changes to the number of out-of-boundary seats offered.

The committee has not yet begun formulating those ideas. In the three initial meetings, members have said they want to understand the reasons behind each priority challenge before they make recommendations to address it. For example, they asked why families choose not to enroll in their by-right schools? Is it a matter of what is or is not actually offered, or of perception?

That is, in part, why the July town hall meeting was delayed. At that meeting, DME was scheduled to share and solicit feedback on drafted student assignment policies, DCPS boundaries and feeder scenarios. But committee members requested time to ask for more information and data from DME prior to formulating these policies and scenarios. Members also were assigned by the DME team to speak with families in the public and public charter system to better understand the motivations behind various decisions they made for their students.

What Happens to My Student?

That is the question on the minds of most families: how will the recommendations affect the students? First, it is important to understand that change is still a long way in the future. The process of reconsidering school boundaries lasts a full twelve months. After the Mayor receives recommendations in February 2024, she is expected to consider and give final approval by August of that year. This provides time for families and schools to learn about the changes prior to the lottery for the 20252026 school year. Changes will first take effect in fall 2025. Students will have completed two full school years between now and then.

But the process will also have some transition time. DME has indicated that this process is likely to follow the same phase-in processes used in 2013 (see https://dcps.dc.gov/publication/boundariesand-feeder-pattern-changes-faq). According to those rules, if your school boundaries change but your child was attending their old in-boundary school prior to the changes, they could continue there or choose the new in-boundary school. If they ever opt out of their old school, they cannot go back. If the 2013 rules are followed, this choice will also apply to incoming students with a sibling at the old in-boundary school, but only for the first year the new boundaries are in effect.

The same rule would apply to feeder patterns. If a student were to enter middle or high school in fall 2025 and their feeder pattern had changed, they could choose between either the old or new by-right upper school —but the choice is available only for that year.

This will change things for those who bought a home thinking it was in-bounds for a particular school or who have an eldest or only child that will not yet be school-aged or is not in DCPS before fall 2025. In these circumstances, if the school boundaries change, the child’s presumed school will change. The old in-boundary school could then only be entered by DC School Lottery.

Students who are already at a DCPS school, including those who have entered a school through the DC School Lottery, will not be reassigned because of boundary changes. If your child is at a charter or private school, their by-right school is now the new boundary school; the change does not affect them unless they withdraw from the current, non-DCPS school. If their by-right school changes, it will only affect them if they withdraw from that institution and need another place to learn. Their by-right/in-bounds school is supposed to take them.

Find your current boundary school and feeder pattern online at enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/41

Information regarding the Advisory Committee members, meetings, and materials are posted to https://dme. dc.gov/boundaries2023.

For more information, visit https://dme.dc.gov/ boundaries2023 See the full list of advisory Committee Members at https://dme.dc.gov/node/1649621 u

“WE ARE EMBARKING ON A CITY-WIDE PLANNING PROCESS THAT WILL PROVIDE STRATEGIC, DATA-INFORMED RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENSURE MORE STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO GREAT SCHOOLS AND FACILITIES THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS.”

PUBLIC PROGRAMS WIDEN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL LITERACY

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Daphane Womack does not speak Spanish fluently, but her children do. Every day, Gloria (8) and Gabriel (5) attend school at Tyler ES (1001 G St. SE, soon to be renamed Shirley Chisholm Elementary). They have been at Tyler since 2018, when Gloria entered prek3.

Womack said the family chose Tyler because it was their neighborhood school, but also because it offered a bilingual program. She and her husband have put in the effort to help their children succeed.

“I want them to know that if we don’t know, we’re going to look it up, find the answer, and that we’re learning together,” Womack said.

When Gloria started the bilingual program five years ago at Tyler,

Outdoor gardening at Mundo Verde’s Cook Campus (30 P St. NW). The school emphasizes expeditionary learning, biliteracy and sustainability. Courtesy: Mundo Verde PCS.

Mundo Verde Fosters high levels of academic achievement among a diverse group of students by preparing them to be successful and compassionate global stewards of their communities.

HIGH QUALITY MEALS, WELLNESS AND OTHER SCHOOL SERVICES!

• Highly nutritious school meals made by local chefs that feature fruits and vegetables and local ingredients

• Daily outdoor/indoor free play and exercise as well as free field trips

• Fun Specials: Music, Cooking & Gardening, Art, Movement/Dance, and PE Before and after care program

• Sliding discounts and waivers available for all services

• Tier 1 school

LEARNING

• Hands-on instruction where students learn in Spanish and English

• In addition to academic growth, our school emphasizes on social emotional development, character and mutual respect, and focuses on developing a caring, supportive school community in which students participate fully in solving problems together

more information, visit: www.myschooldc.org/node/116

Both Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS campuses implement the Equitable Access Preference. Mundo Verde sets aside a number of seats per grade level for students who qualify for the At-Risk designation according to the city. For

it was a “strand” program—a cohort of bilingual students in an English-dominant school. But starting in 2023-24, the school will begin its transition to a whole school BilingualArts program.

“My sense is that now there is more openness and excitement about the bilingual arts program,” Tyler Principal Jasmine Brann says, “but I will also say that people want to see that it is going to work. It is kind of like, “Show me. Prove to us that it is going to be successful for all kids.”

The proof is out there. Experts say that bilingual education improves executive function, increases academic achievement, and increases mental flexibility. The American Councils for International Education (ACIE) says that recent evidence points to a renewed interest in dual language immersion.

But some parents are concerned that learning in a new language will affect their child’s

academic performance. They worry that their children will be overwhelmed by immersion. They wonder if a second language will impact fluency in English, or if academic performance will suffer. And many wonder, how will they, the parents, understand what is going on?

Public Access in the District

Many District residents have access to free dual-language (DL) education. 22 of the District’s public or public charter schools offer dual-language or immersion programs. According to Elizabeth Ross, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, those schools serve about 9,000 students, or about ten percent of the public school population. 17 are elementary schools; 10 of those are public charters.

That may seem like a small portion of students served overall, but those numbers are expected to grow rapidly. Enrollment in dual language programs nearly doubled between the 2015-16 and 2019-2020 school years. OSSE estimates that 4,600 more students will enroll in DL programs by the 2024-25 school year, so a 600-seat expansion is planned for

DL programs. The programs are concentrated near where they originated in the 1970s, when DC organized the first language programming as a tool to help native Hispanic speakers newly-arrived in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan and Mount Pleasant.

That history has resulted in a concentration of schools offering DL programming in the District’s traditionally Hispanic neighborhoods, in near Northwest in Wards 1, 4 and 5. But in the past twenty years, interest in language learning has grown throughout the District, especially among White native English-speakers.

Multiculturalism, Multilingualism

The goals of dual language learning are to develop literacy in more than one language, proficiency in academic subjects, and cross-cultural awareness. Multiculturalism and multilingualism are the ideal starting points for a DL school community, according to Berenice Pernalete, Director of Innovation for Mundo Verde’s Instituto, a professional development program open to any teacher interested in developing DL program teaching skills.

Pernalete said the ideal for bilingual schools is to have an even number English learners (ELs) and learners of the other language integrated in the school. That way, students help one another improve skills in a first language as well as in learning a second language.

There are generally three types of language learning programs: immersion, bilingual and strand programs. Immersion is 90 percent learning in a target language, while bilingual is a 50-50 split between learning in the target and native language. Strand programs are DL programs offered to a select cohort in a school offering more traditional programming to other students.

Berenice Pernalete, Director of Innovation for Mundo Verde’s Instituto, speaks with teachers. Courtesy: Mundo Verde PCS

Performance at the 2022 Tyler Winter Showcase. In 2023-24, Tyler will transition to a whole school integrated bilingual arts program.

Photo: Tyler PTA

The 2023 Tyler Spelling Bee contestants. Courtesy: Tyler PTA

Most District DL programs begin with immersion in the preschool years. Students transition to bilingual learning in both English and a target language, usually in grade 1 or 2.

That system is in place at Mundo Verde Public Charter School, which offers DL Spanish to students from PreK3 to Grade 5 at two campuses. “Younger kids just learn second languages a lot quicker,” said Interim Chief School Officer Joseph Rodriguez. “By immersing the student in that first language, it allows them to transpose those languages.”

Starting in grade 1, a cohort of students switches languages daily, one day learning in Spanish, the next in English. Different teachers teach in each language, but teach the same subjects, continuing lessons in math or language arts from the day prior. By grade 5, students rotate through three different teachers and with them, languages, throughout their day, moving as a cohort from room to room.

Learning A Language “Magic” When Young

Many parents are nervous about their three and four-year olds beginning school in a whole new language environment, acknowledges Washington Yu Ying Early Years Coordinator Fellow Aini Fang. Washington Yu Ying (220 Taylor St NE) is a public charter school offering a whole school bilin-

gual program in Mandarin Chinese to students in PreK through grade 5.

Like Mundo Verde, PreK classes at Yu Ying are full immersion. But their transition to 50-50 bilingual is more gradual. Students in Kindergarten and grade 1 are learning 75 percent in Chinese; only in grade 2 do they move to a 50-50 alternating day model.

Most Yu Ying students do not speak Chinese at home, Fang said. Parents are often worried that being spoken to all day in Mandarin will be a shock for their children. “The first few days can be challenging for little kids,” Fang acknowledged.

Fang said teachers have immersion strategies to help pre-K students feel safe and comfortable in the classroom. They use visual cues to help children understand what is happening, focusing on social emotional learning, speaking, and listening. Chinese characters are introduced early in fun ways. Children form them in yarn or playdoh and act out the motion depicted.

While in the beginning, students may not be clear on how to ask to go to the bathroom, within a few months, students begin to understand instruction in Chinese and later in the year, begin responding in kind. As with the other public preschool programs, students are assessed at three-month intervals. Small group intervention is built into the class structure, but also into afterschool programming.

It does not take much time for children to pick up a new language, said Fang—PreK-3 language learning “is like magic”.

Academic Achievement

According to the American Councils for International Education, DL has cognitive advantages, leading to better executive functioning and several other skills that help kids become better learners. A 2016 study of DL programs in Utah found that fourth grade DL students outperformed their nonDLI peers in math achievement. In DC, a 2020 OSSE study found that 14 percent more DL students scored 4 or higher on standardized English Language Arts (ELA) tests than students who had never been in DL programs; 10 percent more DL students scored 4 or higher on PARCC math.

While many parents are concerned about their child’s ability to learn subjects in addition to a new language, research indicates that students in DL programs have higher levels of academic achievement, especially in language arts. “That is why bilingual languages are so effective,” Pernalete said. “They are by far the best way to support language learners, regardless of their first language.”

Even monolingual parents are key partners in learning a target language. Tyler PreK DL teacher Oneiz Mercado said that teachers communicate what is being discussed in the classroom parents

Students at a Chinese Music Class at Washington Yu Ying PCS. Courtesy: Washington Yu Ying

are encouraged to discuss topics at home to strengthen knowledge in their home language. Those concepts then become a bridge to the target language.

Language learning always works both ways, adds Noelia Gomez-Alvarez, the Spanish Language Arts (SLA) teacher for Tyler’s upper grades. “When we see a student running behind in Spanish, usually they are running behind in English.” In that case, SLA teachers do not focus on Spanish, but on language skills, working with the ELA teacher to do biliteracy work to bridge the gap.

Cultural Competence

Another benefit to DL programs is cultural competence. At Tyler, Gloria came to understand Dios de Muertos as different from Halloween, which led to good discussions of how other cultures celebrate death. Her familiarity with the language has led to probing questions, Womack said, such as asking in which countries people speak Spanish, and why it is the language for so many people working in construction.

Conversely, children coming from households that speak the target language at home do not see themselves as outliers, because there are students who have come to the school to learn it. That makes a Spanish speaker a leader in the classroom, said Insituto’s Pernalete.

“It’s not that we teach more, or that we do more; it’s how we do it that makes a difference,” she said. “Because you are sort of lifting the minoritized languages of the community to make sure that everyone is learning through them, so the language becomes an asset.”

When Is It Too Late to Start?

Rodriguez, who completed a PhD thesis on language education, says that it is easiest to learn a new language in the preschool and elementary years. Experts say that ability gradually diminishes as students enter puberty. Those who do get into a DCPS DL program in grade two and higher must take a test to demonstrate they can function in the program.

But few children enter DL programs

at the District’s public and public charter schools, because of the length of the wait list. For instance, about 650 students are on the waitlist for Yu Ying this upcoming year, so many that they are planning to build an “extension” campus near the current site.

At Mundo Verde, Rodriguez said it is never too late to start learning another language. He himself came to the United States in grade 2 and he says with sufficient supports, students can learn another language even if they begin in the later elementary years.

But many dual language programs hesitate to take new students from grade 2 and up. “We find that, from a system standpoint, it is very difficult to catch a student up if they are five years behind in Mandarin at Yu Ying,” Fang said. The school has support and intervention but wants to ensure the experience is positive, she said. After second grade it is hard to do that at the systemic level. For the one or two students accepted in kindergarten or grade 1 each year, the school provides extra support, such as Friday homework groups.

But families do need to recognize that it can take between five and ten years to become fluent, so a dedication to learning a different language is for the long haul.

“Participation in a bilingual program is beautiful, but it is also a commitment, so we ask families to understand that as they get started in the process,” said Tyler’s Brann. Families that begin in PreK3 could be part of the same school community for 7 years and should be prepared to embrace the journey to learn culture and language, she noted --with both the challenges as well as joys.

Womack and her two children are at Tyler for the long haul, not just for the entire seven years they will each be at the school, but for a lifetime of commitment to the language. “In a global economy, the ability to engage with others in Spanish will be an asset in communication throughout their lives,” she said, “fostering a lifelong love of learning in both of them.” u

• Career Academies in Child Development, Construction, Computer Science, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality & Tourism;

• Small class sizes and personalized attention from teachers and support staff;

• Work-based learning experiences, including paid apprenticeships;

• Dual enrollment courses and college prep support

IDEA offers a unique, hands-on learning experience, including:

As an independent educational consultant, follow-up calls usually make me happy, but when Sally reached out only three months into the middle school career of her son Joey, I was trepidatious. No sooner did we start to speak than she launched into a laundry list of things that were going badly for him. She was so convinced we had chosen a perfect fit for him, and now she was worried we had made a mistake.

“He’s just falling to pieces,” Sally began. “He was always a straight A student without having to study. Now he’s getting C’s and even failing tests, missing assignments, and not writing down assignments in his planner, but his teachers assure me that this is typical of a new middle schooler.” Sally went on to express concern that the teachers

by E.V.

know what the problem is. Hint, it’s not that Joey suddenly became dumb or lazy!

In elementary school, the executive functioning expectations are low and those that are required are highly supported. Executive functioning affects those basic administrative tasks -– managing materials, assignments, and planning their time. Changing classrooms and teachers and using lockers, coupled with hormonal surges and new interests in socializing, make these skills even harder to achieve. Academics are more abstract and move away from rote memorization to longer-term assignments and projects. A good middle school must absolutely be specifically focusing on teaching executive function skills.

Early adolescence is also a time when children naturally start pulling away from us. They

independence. “Even a straight-A student won’t be set up for success in high school if they’ve had their hand held every step of the way,” he states. However, “there’s also such a thing as being too hands off and middle schoolers need support and accountability from the adults in their lives.”

Listen To Their Concerns, Without Crowding Them

We rejoice in our middle schoolers’ abilities to get themselves to activities and school independently via walking, biking, and public transit. However, giving them rides can open up an opportunity for communication. Middle school teacher Alexandra Mirkowski, of the Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel, encourages car rides as a great time to have a valuable conversation

were dismissing her alarm because Joey is a wellbehaved kid who was still passing. This was not enough for Sally and she wanted to know what to do to find a school that would challenge Joey appropriately but reverse this downward spiral.

With a patient sigh, I explained that Sally’s concerns were understandable, but that Joey’s problems absolutely were typical of a new middle schooler. Middle school is a time when students who find easy success in elementary school often struggle to get on a smooth path. I assured her that the majority do succeed by the time high school rolls around, but that sometimes it could take months or even a few years to get there. In the meantime, there is a lot that parents can do to support their children, but first it is important to

want less time with us and want more privacy and less parental guidance. Their friends, rather than their parents, are their primary social influences. These friendships can be fraught with complications – unrequited crushes, “mean girls,” bullies, the dreaded middle school dance. A lot of literature and media about middle school portrays a negative message that can make it even scarier.

For help in assisting our kids in navigating this complicated time, we need to turn to the experts.

Teach Them Independence, But Be There To Catch Them If They Fall

James Leathers, Middle School Head at St. Anselm’s Abbey School, advises that the most important skill to be learned in middle school is

with your tween. “There’s something about the lack of eye contact and the ability to have more of a casual interaction that allows kids to open up,” she notes. “You might have a topic you want to raise, but more often than not, they are actually the ones who use the opportunity to broach difficult issues that have been worrying them.”

Alexandra adds that she encourages families to eat dinner together as many nights a week as possible. “Sports, extracurriculars, parent schedules, and tweens’ general seeming disinterest in family life may make this seem more difficult, but it’s worth the effort. Kids this age will share their concerns and their successes over the dinner table even if they wouldn’t naturally come seek you out to talk about them.”

Downey

Help Them Set Themselves Up For Success

James Leathers has practical advice that he shares with incoming middle school parents. He suggests that students and parents set up a weekly time to check grades, to monitor progress and allow the student to be accountable. Talk about time management and setting up a place to work where the student can concentrate. Set boundaries for phone use and talk about priorities such as sleep, exercise, and family time. Review their agendas with them and talk to them about using it to plan out longer term activities such as studying for a test or doing a project.

Keep Them Moving

Many middle schools have dropped recess from the schedule, but middle schoolers still need exercise. Je Basler, also of the Walworth Barbour School, encourages parents to allow plenty of time for this. “ ere’s a reason many 6th graders are still in elementary school,” he notes, “and many schools continue to have recess through middle school. Physical activity is just as important as academics at this age.” Sports are not only a good way to keep active, they are an excellent opportunity for socialization and leadership. Even if your child is not a natural athlete, a sport such as cross country can be a low skill way to participate and get exercise.

What If There Actually Is A Problem?

If you sense that something more is going on than just typical tween struggles and/ or if a teacher raises an alert, you should absolutely request

evaluation from your child’s school. is period can be a time when previously undiagnosed learning di culties cease to be conquered simply by hard work and intellect. Kids with attention issues can fall apart with the added challenges of middle school. Dyslexic students can no longer memorize every word –they need strong decoding skills to handle the greater complexities in science and social studies where they are now reading to learn rather than simply learning to read. Students with autism might have found comfort and friends in elementary school but are now lost with all of the new faces and social nuances of the bigger institution. If your child attends a non-public institution, you can request such assistance from the public school system. Make the request in writing and document each step of the process. You will never regret nding out there is nothing wrong.

You Can Do It!

Before you know it, your nervous 6th grader will morph into a con dent 8th grader ready to tackle the challenges of high school.

E.V. Downey is an educational consultant based on Capitol Hill. In addition to helping families navigate the school system, she is co-director of Busy Bees Camps. She also teaches ute at Music on the Hill and tutors elementary and middle school students. ◆

FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER DURING THE SCHOOL SEARCH PROCESS

by Caroline Johnson

The past few years have prompted many people to re-examine what’s most important to them, particularly in terms of careers, proximity to family, and general quality of life. Many families are also reconsidering what matters most when it comes to their child’s school experience. Families have more choice in K-12 education than ever before, from traditional public school to public charter school to religious school to independent school to virtual schooling to homeschooling.

Whether you are just beginning the school selection process for a future kindergartener, (re)considering your choice for elementary or middle grades, or seeking a good-match high school for your child, what you see and learn when exploring a school can be key to your decision. In-person events, virtual sessions or tours, student visits, and even a review of school websites can be eye-opening. Below are five things to consider when choosing a school for your child.

Your Goals for Your Child

Think about your goals for your child during their educational journey — who do you want them to be, and what do you want their school experience to be like along the way? If you haven’t done so already, write down three areas of growth for your child within the next few years. Do you want them to rediscover the wonder in learning? Perhaps a small school focused on hands-on learning would be best. Do you want them to develop leadership skills? A Pre-K or K through 8th Grade school will allow them to serve as “mentors” to students in younger grades. Do you want them to try a sport, even if they’ve never played before? Consider a school with an inclusive, no-cut athletic program.

Mission and Values

Find the school’s mission statement and do a quick gut check. Does it resonate with you? Do certain words stand out? The mission should excite you and give you confidence in the school’s ability to engage your child as a learner and as an individual. Do the school’s values align with your family’s? Schools often seek parents who will partner with teachers and administrators. In addition, mission and value alignment will ensure that important messages about learning and growing are reinforced both at home and at school.

Academic Program and Support

When considering the benefits of a school’s academic program, think about not just the product but the process of learning. Consider not just “what” children learn, but “how” they learn and how they feel about learning overall. Do you want your child to focus more on traditional lecture, discussion, and testing or to learn skills and content primarily through creative, in-depth projects? Do you want your child spending more of their day listening and complying or engaging, creating, and constructing? Whether visiting in-person or online, take advantage of any opportunities to see classes in action or hear from teach about their practice and pedagogy. Even better, see if you can talk with students about their academic experiences. Peruse the school’s website and social media. What do they choose to highlight when it comes to teaching and learning?

Consider, too, the level of support your child may need. Does the school have a dedicated learning specialist, and if not, how does the school handle differentiation for students with a variety of learning styles? Perhaps your student needs to be challenged in the classroom. If so, consider how teachers will respond to a student’s

desire to engage with learning even more deeply and critically, or whether there are opportunities for students to accelerate in certain subject areas.

Community

It’s not only your student who may be joining a new school community, but your family. When you visit a campus or attend an event, pay close attention to how you are treated as a prospective family, as well as how members of the community treat each other. If you’re able to observe a class or walk through the school hallways, do you notice a rapport between teachers and students? Do the students seem comfortable around adults? If your child is able to spend time in the classroom, do they feel a sense of belonging? In what ways does the school work to build and sustain relationships, enable new families to feel connected, and make people feel welcome? If you’re interested in volunteering, ensure that the school has a robust parent engagement program. Ask the school or admissions o ce if you can connect with current parents directly, as they are often willing to share their speci c experience and helpful anecdotes.

Be sure to consider, as well, the school’s initiatives around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. is work should be part of the fabric of a school’s daily life, from the academic curriculum to images and language used in marketing materials to programming. Does the curriculum strive to represent marginalized voices and develop cultural competence amongst students? Does the community re ect a variety of types of diversity (racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, learning styles, gender identity, family structure, and more)? Are there structures in place (programs, committees, leadership positions, etc.) that demonstrate the school’s commitment to continued growth in this area?

Logistics, Details, and Cost of Attendance

While schools may work with you to make reasonable accommodations, they often can’t modify the foundation of their program, so it’s important to understand up front how your child’s new schedule will t with your own. Be sure to nd out not only about the school’s before- and after-care programs (will you need to make other care arrangements?), but also about its fees and policies (do you only pay for hours you use? Are drop-ins welcome?).

And nally, before committing to a new school, be sure you understand the bottom line. If pursuing admission at an independent school, what opportunities are there for nancial aid? Does the school’s tuition include all books, materials, and technology expenses? What about eld trips? Are there mandatory fundraising requirements (or opt-out charges) or capital improvement fees? e fee structures at independent and parochial schools (like the tuition itself) vary widely, and the cost of attendance can often extend beyond tuition rates.

e school search process can feel high-stress, but it’s also an opportunity for you to learn more about your child, your family, and your values. If your child is old enough, ask them to share their opinion with you—their voice is important. You might be surprised by how much knowledge you gain about your child from simply talking through school pros and cons and learning which school visits resonated most with them. Your search for a school should be informed by both your child’s immediate needs and your hopes for their future.

Caroline Johnson is the Director of Admissions at Friends Community School, a progressive Quaker school for Kindergarten through Grade 8 in College Park, MD, just twenty minutes from Capitol Hill. ◆

Discover Summer Museum Day at the National Children’s Museum

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the DC Public Library wants to Discover Summer with you at The National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, a hybrid institution combining learning elements found in a science center with children’s museum experiences. Enjoy the interactive exhibits and innovative learning opportunities alongside museum experts. In addition, the DC Public Library and The National Children’s Museum will host a special storytime for families. To ensure that families can enjoy the spaces and activities and limit crowds, the National Children’s Museum requests that you sign up for a visit time—11:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.--using the links on dclibrary.libnet. info/event/8643960. Free entry to Discover Summer Museum Day requires pre-registration.

Kids Run the Bases (last chances this season)

Kids ages four to twelve can run the bases after every Sunday Washington Nationals day-game. This season’s remaining dates are Aug. 13; and Sept. 3, 10 and 14. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the baseball game has ended, kids and parents/guardians can line-up at the end of the seventh inning, however fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will be able to line-up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington. nationals.mlb.com.

“Homecoming” Family Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage

President Lincoln’s Cottage’s Homecoming is a celebration of Lincoln’s decision to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation at the very home where he drafted it. This year, it is held on Saturday, Sept. 16. Celebrations include the Freedom 5k (registration, $40) starting at 9 a.m., followed, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., by free Family Day activities featuring pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, and other activities for kids and families. President Lincoln’s Cottage is at 140 Rock Creek Rd. NW. Read more at lincolncottage.org/event/homecoming-2023.

Photo: Jason Dixson Photography

Photo: Brian Rimm, courtesy of President Lincoln’s Cottage

Photo: Courtesy of the Washington Nationals

Kathleen Donner

“Teens Behind the Scenes” at National Theatre

Teens Behind the Scenes educates and inspires racially and socio-economically diverse high school students in the DC metro area by providing free access to touring Broadway shows, facilitating post-show discussions, and introducing students to performing arts careers. This program welcomes dedicated students with an interest in theatre to engage with shows in the Broadway at The National season and to participate in a post-show talkback with their dramaturg and special guests. Read more at nationaltheatre.org/ teens-behind-the-scenes.

Casual Mending Teen Programs at MLK Library

On Wednesdays, Aug. 9 and 23, 3 to 5 p.m., come by the Program Room on MLK’s 2nd floor to learn basic mends, have a quiet moment, and figure out what needs fixing. Have a favorite shirt missing a button and not sure where to start fixing it? Feeling worried about climate change but powerless to slow it down? Worrying about keeping bills down for college down the line? A staff member will be available for consultations on items in need of care, along with suggestions on ways to learn the skills to keep your gear going for as long as you need it for. You are also welcome to quietly study, read a book, or listen to music with headphones if you’re not in a mending mood—sometimes quiet time might mend yourself. For ages 13 to 19. MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. dclibrary.org.

Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair

The Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair is on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW. The Black Student Fund’s commitment to bringing independent schools and black families together led to the creation of the annual Fair in 1972. For over forty years, the BSF/LSF School Fair has provided a networking opportunity for thousands of families in the metropolitan area to meet with representatives from more than sixty independent schools. Parents and prospective students get first-hand knowledge about each school’s programs, community, admissions requirements and financial aid process. In addition, the fair features interactive seminars focused on the admissions process, the financial aid process and personal/family fi-

nancial management. Read more and register at blackstudentfund.org.

Air and Space Story Time: Mae Among the Stars

On Thursdays in August at 11 a.m., join the National Mall Air and Space Museum staff for a reading of Mae Among the Stars by Rhoda Ahmed and learn about a little girl who followed her dreams to become astronaut Mae Jemison. Share your dreams for the future and make a starry artwork to take home. Free but timed-entry passes required. airandspace.si.edu.

Dulles Day Kids Truck Pull

The 2023 Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull to benefit Special Olympics of Virginia is on Sat-

urday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Dulles International Airport cargo area. While adults have the opportunity to test their strength in the Plane Pull, kids have the chance to show their muscle against the 123Junk truck. Registration for the Truck Pull is $10. Online registration guarantees participant will take home a 2023 Truck Pull T-shirt. Read more at specialolympicsva.org/ plane-pull.

Culture Queen Kids Hour: Hispanic American Heritage Month Party

On Saturday, Sept. 2, noon to 1 p.m., Grammy-nominated teaching artist Culture Queen cordially invites your royal children to create cultural holidays celebrating the people, milestones, and things that matter most

MCM Kids Run Registration Still Open

The Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, in Arlington, VA at the North Pentagon Parking Lot. Children ages five to twelve can participate in the one-mile fun run. Pre- and post-event hospitality, activities, entertainment, games and mascots make this an unforgettable event. The Kids Run offers families eight start-time options between 9:20 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. $15. marinemarathon.com/event/marine-corps-marathon.

Cast members from the musical Jagged Little Pill address students following a performance. Photo: Courtesy of The National Theatre Foundation

Mount Vernon’s Colonial Market and Fair

On Sept. 16 and 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., step back in time at the Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Hear live music from the colonial era. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques. See General Washington in the General’s Tent. The Colonial Market & Fair is included with general admission; $28 for adults, $15 for ages six to eleven, free five and under. mountvernon.org.

Weekend Workshop at the NPG: Kinship

Calling all artists! On Saturday, Aug. 19, 1 to 3 p.m., in the National Portrait Gallery Education Center, get creative during a special drop-in workshop for all ages inspired by the “Kinship” exhibition. Engage in an interactive art-making activity exploring themes of comfort, family and community. No registration required. Free. NPG is at Eighth and G streets, NW. npg.si.edu.

Storytime at the National Building Museum

On Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., explore books and the built world in everyday life. These free Storytimes, for children six and younger, are packed full of reading, songs, and activities designed to promote language and literacy skills. Children and caregivers are encouraged to actively engage and participate during the program. Storytime themes change weekly and relate to the museum’s exhibitions. Meet in the Great Hall or check at the Information Desk for the Storytime location. This event does not require an RSVP. The National Building is at 401 F St. NW. The stroller accessible entrance is on G St NW. nbm.org.

to them through fun, interactive, and engaging music, movement, storytelling, and craft activities. On the first Saturday of every month, Culture Queen appears for a substantial kids’ program, noon to 1 p.m., at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

Hill Center Family Happy Hour with King Bullfrog

On Friday, Sept. 8, 5 to 7 p.m., bring the family out to enjoy an evening filled with live music perfect for all ages. This concert will be outdoors (weather permitting), perfect for little ones to run, dance, laugh, and play to the beat of their favorite songs. Featuring Mr. Jeremiah and Mr. Steve— both Capitol Hill-based dads and music teachers. The duo’s roots-and-blues tunes are carefully tailored to get children dancing. With their musical stories,

amusing wordplay, and close attention to all their audience, King Bullfrog is the hottest sensation in family music in the DC area. Beer, wine, and cheese & pepperoni pizza will be for sale. $10 for kids: $5 for adults. Hill Center is at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

Little Critters Nature Play at the Zoo

On Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., explore animals and the natural world through creative, free-choice activity stations and story times in the Bird House classroom. Little Critters Nature Play is for kids up to age eight and

Ladybug Release at the American Indian Museum

How do we protect the museum’s croplands from natural pests? Convergent lady beetles, better known as ladybugs, are a natural pesticide used by the Museum groundskeepers to maintain the health of their gardens. On Fridays, Aug. 11 and 25, 10 to 10:30 a.m., join experts from Smithsonian Gardens outside their museum on the National Mall to learn how to identify a ladybug and other fun insect and garden facts. Then place a few ladybugs on plants yourself. This program is for visitors of all ages. Children should be accompanied by adult caregivers. American Indian Museum is at Fourth Street and Independence Avenue, SW. americanindian.si.edu.

“The Sky Tonight” Live Planetarium Show

Are you curious about the night sky? On the first and third Saturday of every month, 10:30 to 11 a.m., come to the planetarium at the Air and Space Museum in DC for a live, guided tour of what you can see after sunset. The facilitator will answer questions and customize the program based on audience interests. This planetarium show is free and runs 25 minutes. airandspace.si.edu.

caregivers/guardians, who must remain with the kids. nationalzoo.si.edu.

Kids’ Movies on the Big Screen

Disney’s “Frozen” is shown on The Miracle Theatre’s big screen on Friday, Aug. 11, 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is shown on Sundays, Aug. 27 and Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6. The Miracle Theatre is at 535 Eighth St. SE. There is a public parking lot on Eighth Street, SE between I Street and Virginia Avenue. themiracletheatre.com.

The First Tee

The First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after school and in school programs, they help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. The First Tee’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices. The First Tee programs in DC are at Langston, East Potomac and Rock Creek golf courses. Read more at thefirsttee.org.

It’s Go Kart Time!

At Bladensburg’s Go Kart Track, 4300 Kenilworth Avenue, you’ll experience the rush of speed, adrenaline and friendly competition on a top-of-theline go kart racing track where $9 gets you eight laps. At Go Kart Track, there are two karts to choose from: A single cart for people who want to

race by themselves and a double cart, which features an extra seat. Double carts are great for passengers who are under the age of eight and cannot drive by themselves or older passengers who just want to come along for the ride. Open on Monday to Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting). gokarttrack.com.

Imagination Stage’s Season of “Greatest Hits”

Imagination Stage, the DC region’s largest professional theatre dedicated to young audiences, has announced their six shows for 2023-2024–a

The Prince George’s County Fair

The Prince George’s County Fair, the oldest in Maryland, began in 1842 as a friendly gathering for local farmers to showcase their produce and livestock and have a little fun. Today it has 4H competitions, rides, games, live entertainment, fun food and much more. This year the Prince George’s County Fair is on Sept. 7 to 10 at the Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD. Hours of operation are Thursday and Friday, 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fair entrance is $5 for age six to twelve and 55+; and $6 for 13+. countyfair.org.

“greatest hits” season celebrating 20 years in their theatre arts center in downtown Bethesda. The international hit, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show on Sept. 22 to Oct. 22, kicks it off, with one-quarter of its performances in Spanish and threequarters in English. That show is best for ages three to eight. The next three are for elementaryage kids: A Year with Frog and Toad, Nov. 15 to Jan. 7; Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale, Feb. 14 to April 7; and Miss Nelson is Missing!, June 20 to Aug. 10. For audiences, ages one to four, the two beloved returning shows are Mouse on the Move, Jan. 13 to Feb. 11; and Inside Out, March 3 to 30. Imagination stage is at 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org.

Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival Tethered Rides

The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival is on Aug. 19 and 20. Tethered hot air balloon rides which rise to about 50 feet are $15 for adults and $10 for children (cash only). Additionally, they will have a partially inflated balloon available to walk through and take pictures from the inside. There are also hot air balloon launches in the early morning, 6 to 9 a.m. and late afternoon, 6 to 8 p.m. Gates open at 6 a.m. You’re invited to take a ride or just come out to see the balloons close-up.

Downey School Consulting

Helping families find the right fit schools for their kids!

Tutoring & Educational Consulting

Online Tutoring:

3Orton-Gillingham sessions

3Elementary school academics, skill development, enrichment, reading remediation

3High school entrance exam prep

3Middle school ELA and social studies

3Executive functioning coaching/homework assistance

3HSPT/SSAT prep

3English as a Second Language private and group sessions

Educational Consulting:

3DCPS/DCPCS Common Lottery for PK3-12th grades

3 Private schools throughout the DMV

3Special Education schools throughout the DMV

3 Relocation assistance throughout the DMV

3 Special education/IEP advocacy in D.C. public and charter schools

EV. Downey has over 20 years of experience working with children of all ages. She is a certified Orton Gillingham tutor, Registered Behavior Technician, and music teacher. E.V. brings her extensive knowledge of approaches to helping kids with such challenges as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia to her tutoring. As an educational consultant, E.V. has worked with hundreds of families to navigate Washington area schools. She listens to what families need and want and helps them determine what schools best serve them. As a graduate of D.C. public schools and the parent of a child with autism and another with ADHD, E.V. brings personal experience to her practice.

301 A Street, S.E. Washington, DC 20003

Located on Capitol Hill inside St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. (Near Capitol South Metro Blue/Orange)

Teaching classical ballet, jazz, Pilates and chair exercise classes for students of all ages, children starting at age 3 and adults.

Registration and the schedule will be posted in mid-August. Classes will begin in September 2023.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert

A superhero classic for a new generation, Brooklyn teen Miles Morales is an AfroLatinx teen who is bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway and gains mysterious powers. Joined by spider-heroes from parallel universes, Miles must master his new powers to save his city from a villain who could destroy it all. Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into e Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Awardwinning animated lm with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. e hip-hop based score supports themes of resilience and universal heroism. Joining the tour is e Broadway Sinfonietta, an all-women and majority women-of-color orchestra. Tickets are $25 to $134. Spider-Man: Into e SpiderVerse Live in Concert is at the National eater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m. thenationaldc.com.

Rides are $300 for the approximately one-hour ride. e regular Flying Circus air show is at 1:30 p.m. Festival admission is $20 for adults; $10 for kids. e Flying Circus Aerodrome is 14 miles SE of Warrenton and 22 miles NW of Fredericksburg, just o Route 17, at 5114 Ritchie Road (Route 644) in Bealeton, VA. (about 60 miles from DC). yingcircusairshow.com.

Adventure Theatre Announces 2023-2024 Season

Adventure eatre’s 72nd season will be one of incredible artistry, literature, nostalgia, and audience favorites beginning with two past adventures, “You’re

A Good Man, Charlie Brown” (Sept. 22 to Oct. 29) and the magical twoactor version of “ e Lion, e Witch and the Wardrobe” (Nov. 17 to Jan. 7). e season will also feature two new shows, “Junie B. Jones, e Musical” (Feb. 2 to March 30) and “Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales” (April 26 to May 26). e season will conclude with fan favorite, “Knu e Bunny: A Cautionary Musical” (June 21 to Aug. 19), based on the beloved book by Mo Willems. All performances take place at Adventure eatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. adventuretheatre-mtc.org. ◆

Photo: Adela Loconte

SCHOOLS PRIVATE/PAROCHIAL

Burgundy Farm Country Day burgundyfarm.org

An inclusive, creative, and nurturing environment that engages the whole child. Burgundy enjoys a wooded 26-acre Alexandria campus. Outdoor learning spaces, exterior decking on academic buildings, two outdoor stages, a barn with farm animals, natural play spaces, and playgrounds expand our students’ learning space. Discover Burgundy today!

Capitol Hill Learning Group (CHLG) capitolhilllearninggroup.com

CHLG’s K-8 University-Model® program is located at 9th & Maryland Ave. NE. Established in 2006, CHLG is a Christ-centered micro-school that boasts professional teachers, small class sizes, a tight-knit learning community, and a reduced in-school schedule. Bringing the Christian worldview to bear in all learning is the hallmark of what we do, and our students grow to be responsible, independent, and self-driven learners.

DeMatha Catholic High School

Dematha.org

DeMatha Catholic High School provides a rigorous curriculum to the young men of the Washington area by o ering over 70 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, 15 dual-enrollment college credit courses, and individualized academic support. Students are committed to servant leadership while participating in numerous co-curricular activities, including nationally recognized athletic and music programs.

Edmund Burke School burkeschool.org/learn

Founded in 1968 in Washington, DC, Edmund Burke School consciously brings together students who are di erent from one another in many ways. An independent, progressive school for grades 6-12, Burke supports students’ growth into ethical, active citizens who are prepared for any future.

Elizabeth Seton High School setonhs.org

Rooted in Catholic values and the charism of the Daughters of Charity, Elizabeth Seton High School’s mission is to cultivate confidence in young women to excel in college, careers, and life through an innovative and rigorous academic experience.

Friends Community School friendscommunityschool.org

Now in our fourth decade, FCS is a purposeful and joyful school that engages and inspires young children through adolescence. Located just 15 minutes from Capitol Hill on 17 acres in College Park, MD, FCS o ers small class sizes, a diverse and inclusive community, a commitment to educating the whole child, and a curriculum emphasizing

inquiry-based and hands-on learning. FCS students are lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers who matriculate to rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet schools in the greater Washington DC area. See our website for updates and details regarding our open houses and application process.

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

Achievement Prep PCS achievementprep.org

Our mission is to prepare students to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders in high school, college, and beyond. Our fully renovated campus serves PK3 – 5th and will grow one grade per year through 8th grade. In addition, our scholars receive 1:1 technology, daily enrichment programming for every scholar, two times the amount of language arts and math instruction compared to other schools, and a college prep curriculum starting in pre-kindergarten.

Bridges PCS bridgespcs.org

Bridges Public Charter School opened in 2005 and serves a culturally and linguistically diverse student population in Pre-K3 through 5th. e school’s developmentally appropriate, studentand family-centered approach includes small classroom sizes, well-trained sta , and individual student planning. Bridges PCS incorporates hands-on learning into classroom instruction across grades. e school has both general education classrooms and high-level special education classrooms. e school’s specials are Spanish, art, music, physical education, and gardening. In Fall 2022, Bridges PCS was honored by EmpowerK12 with the Bold School’s Award for academic growth and student educational outcomes.

DC Prep PCS dcprep.org

DC Prep is a network of public charter schools serving over 2,100 preschoolers through 8th-grade students across six campuses in Wards 5, 7, and 8. e school prepares every child for an academically and socially prosperous future by ensuring more class time, targeted interventions, standards-based instruction, and frequent assessments.

District of Columbia International PCS dcinternationalschool.org

DC International Public Charter School inspires inquiring, engaged, knowledgeable, and caring secondary students who are multilingual, culturally competent, and committed to proactively creating a socially just and sustainable world. Applications are open for grades 6-9. DCI is an authorized IB World School o ering Spanish, Chinese, and French.

Eagle Academy PCS

eagleacademypcs.org

Eagle Academy Public Charter School, DC’s first

early childhood charter school, employs a variety of educational, technological, physical, and sociological tools to transform its students into active learners. O ering pre-K to third-grade instruction, the school has myriad programs, including STEM, arts, music, foreign language, and adventure activities that encourage student curiosity, which is the key to successful learning.

Idea Public Charter School

ideapcs.org

IDEA prepares scholars with academic, social, leadership, and occupational skills for postsecondary opportunities. Our students choose pathways from five Career Academies: Child Development, Construction, Computer Science, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality & Tourism. Students also have access to work-based learning opportunities, including paid apprenticeships.

KIPP DC Public Schools

kippdc.org

KIPP DC is a community of high-performing public schools (PreK3 – 12th grade) committed to excellence, equity, and justice. For 20+ years, we have shaped tomorrow’s leaders through highly e ective teaching, an extended school day and year, a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and a positive and inclusive culture.

Mundo Verde PCS

mundoverdepcs.org

Mundo Verde is an EL Education School dedicated to education for sustainability and biliteracy. We believe that education for the 21st century should prepare children to reach their full potential and take on personal responsibility for our world’s sustainability. School culture emphasizes character, mutual respect, global stewardship, and health and wellness, focusing on developing rich cultural awareness, critical problem-solving, and fostering active members of a caring community. Mundo Verde is free and open to all Washington, DC students.

Richard Wright PCS

richardwrightpcs.org

Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts provides a strong, academically enriching, and rigorous program while providing hands-on learning of fundamental concepts and skills essential in Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Film, Graphic Design, Visual Art, and Music Production. In addition, the school’s innovative curriculum elevates the literacy levels of all its students.

Washington Yu Ying PCS

washingtonyuying.org

Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School combines Chinese language immersion with the inquiry-based curricula of the International Baccalaureate Organization. It serves students from PreK 3 through grade 5 and accepts applications through grade 2. Washington Yu Ying also o ers

a structured aftercare program. To learn more, please attend an open house and visit washingtonyuying.org/enroll. Families can apply to Washington Yu Ying through the DC Common Lottery at myschooldc.org.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

McKinley Middle School

mckinleymiddle.org

A high-quality educational experience in which students’ academic, physical, social, and emotional needs are met is key to creating lifelong learners and productive members of society. The staff of McKinley Middle School is committed to ensuring that all students, as they work towards positive and rewarding goals, will be provided the necessary support to succeed in this rigorous STEM-focused learning environment.

Johnson Middle School

johnsonms.org

Johnson Middle School has three career academies: Arts, STEM, and Sports Management. We are a joyful learning community that cultivates genius with programs that enrich the mind, body, and soul. As a connected school, we have partnerships with over 20 unique partnerships and universities. From field experience to the classroom, our students investigate real-world problems. When students graduate from Johnson, they are #future-ready and prepared for the demands of high school.

Sousa Middle School

sousacobras.org

Sousa Middle School, located in Ward 7, is a vibrant and diverse learning community committed to academic excellence and holistic growth. With a rich history of nurturing young minds, Sousa Middle School strives to provide its students with an inclusive and empowering environment. Academic achievement is a top priority at Sousa Middle School, and a rigorous curriculum is offered across various subjects. Highly qualified teachers foster a dynamic learning environment, encouraging critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

PRESCHOOL AppleTree Schools

appletreeschools.org

An exclusive Tier 1, FREE education for threeand four-year-old children to explore the uniqueness of a pre-k experience. Safe, convenient learning spaces near your home or job. The schools use Every Child Ready, their early learning instructional approach focusing on socialemotional learning, mathematics, language, literacy, and STEM.

Capitol Hill Learning Group (CHLG) capitolhilllearninggroup.com

CHLG’s Preschool program, located at 9th & Maryland Avenue, NE, is a Christ-centered, teacher-directed preschool program for children aged 2.5 - 5 years of age. Established in 2006, we are licensed by DC as a morning-only parent/

teacher cooperative with parents serving as the assistant in the classroom on a rotating basis. CHLG boasts small classes of no more than ten students and a tight-knit learning community.

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools (NES) nestars.net

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools are fully licensed preschools in Old Town Alexandria and Capitol Hill, DC. They provide individualized, personal, educational opportunities for the whole child. Their teachers deliver “Montessori and More!” through mixed-age (two to five years) classrooms, carefully planned lessons, and the incorporation of music and arts. NES schools offer before-care and extended day learning from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., space share, and part-time spaces.

ToTH Montessori tothmontessori.org

ToTH Montessori is an independent Montessori school for children ages 17 months to 6 years. ToTH is committed to offering our community high-quality early childhood programs that best meet children’s unique developmental needs. Our trained teachers provide kind and caring guidance that nurtures children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth.

THERAPY & SUPPORT

Capitol Kids Therapy LLC

capitolkidstherapy.com

Founded in 2000 on Capitol Hill, Capitol Kids Therapy provides pediatric speech and language therapy to children up to 12 years old. Located at 2nd and D St. NE, Capitol Kids Therapy offers virtual and in-person office visits. Their therapists address a variety of speech and language areas, including (but not limited to): speech therapy, language therapy, feeding therapy, oral motor, and articulation therapy. Capitol Kids Therapy offers screenings, parent consultation, parent/ teacher workshops, evaluations, and treatment. They look forward to helping your child achieve their potential!

Early Stages

earlystagesdc.org

Early Stages is an evaluation center for children aged 2 years 8 months to 5 years 10 months. We identify developmental delays and disabilities in children. We provide evaluations for DC children who are not in school or homeschooled. We evaluate children living outside of DC if they attend a private school or childcare center in DC. Early Stages is a program of DC Public Schools (DCPS). All our services are free.

TUTORING Downey School Consulting

DowneySchoolConsulting@gmail.com

We offer tutoring & educational consulting. We support you in navigating the DC Public and Charter School Common Lottery process, including explaining how it works and putting together a list to maximize your chances of getting a spot. We also help with unusual situations such as relocation, moving in the middle of the year, holding a child back, and dealing with problems in the current school. Downey School Consulting also helps families with children with special needs ranging from undiagnosed issues that need extra consideration in choosing a school to IEPs and 504 Plans. We can help determine the best public school options for your needs and can help determine if the offered services are sufficient for your child.

Total Tutor

mytotaltutor.com

Total Tutor employs techniques backed by cognitive science and neuroscience research to help students become critical thinkers, self-reliant, and successful. We tutor students of all ages, learning styles, and abilities through one-on-one tutoring and small-group courses. Total Tutor offers K-12 Subject Help, Test Prep, and College Admissions Guidance. Work with experienced tutors one-on-one or in small groups to achieve your learning goals.

AFTERCARE AND DANCE Polite Piggy’s Day Camp politepiggys.com

Serving the community since 2008 and with six locations in DC Public Schools, Polite Piggy’s Day Camp is the preferred choice for out-of-school time care for children in PK3-8th grade. We offer kids a fun and energetic environment where they can thrive socially, physically, and emotionally by providing age-appropriate learning opportunities, outdoor activities, and field trips (seasonal). From Before and After School Care to Day and Summer Camps, we want to be your child’s favorite place when they are away from family and school.

St. Mark’s Dance Studio stmarksdance.org

Since 1963, St. Mark’s Dance Studio has trained dancers of all ages in classical ballet, jazz, Pilates, and Chair exercise. Please visit our website - stmarksdance.org, or email us - at info@stmarksdance.org with questions, more information, and to register. We hope to see you in the studio this Fall! u