Why DC Prep

DC Prep’s network of schools currently serves 1,100 students in preschool through 8th grade on three campuses. In the 2013-14 school year, DC Prep will open its fourth school - Benning Middle Campus - with 4th grade (the campus will "grow up" a grade each year through 8th grade). DC Prep is free and open to any student in Washington, DC.

DC Prep is the highest-performing network of charter schools in Washington, based on results from the 2012 DC CAS. It’s clear: DC Prep is delivering on its goal to prepare students for competitive high schools and colleges from their earliest years.

Are you interested in learning more about how to enroll your child, or children, at DC Prep? If so, please read on to learn more about the high expectations that DC Prep has for all members of the community – including students, families, and staff. We hope you will join us.

• Student learning is at the heart of all we do. We have an unapologetic focus on academics with an intense learning environment including a longer school day, frequent homework, and focused academic intervention.
   
• We believe in the power and joy of learning and that all students can excel.
   
• We emphasize healthy social development and foster a positive learning environment where students are supported to develop strong study habits and to demonstrate the personal qualities of successful students and good citizens.
   
• DC Prep effectively teaches social skill development grounded in a focus on challenging academics. DC Prep builds a strong school culture – social skills are consistently taught and reinforced across all grade levels and an unapologetic focus on academics balances joy in learning with urgency and rigor.
   
• DC Prep fosters shared expectations and aspirations between home and school. Frequent informal and formal communication with families, including regular phone contact, quarterly conferences, etc., build trust and parent/teacher teamwork to achieve the best outcome for every student.

Families give DC Prep the strongest endorsement — ranking us a "great school" year in and year out. You will, too!
 

 
By all measures, DC Prep is making a positive difference in the lives of its students. Our Preppies’ academic performance far outpaces their peers in other public schools and they are growing as responsible young people in the community.