The DMV is a vibrant enclave with a seemingly endless array of options to choose from across every sphere  — and its schools are no exception. From public and charter schools to private institutions and specialized programs, today we’re breaking down the various types of schools in and around DC so you can be armed with the knowledge you need to make the right decision for your family.

#1 Traditional Public Schools

Publicly funded schools run by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), these institutions are tuition-free and serve students based on geographic boundaries, known as “in-boundary” zones.

Features:

– Neighborhood-based enrollment (though students can apply to attend schools outside their boundary through a lottery system).
– Standardized curriculum aligned with Common Core standards.
– Serve pre-K through 12th grade.

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Moving to DC with kids? Check out these blogs for more helpful advice.

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#2 Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are publicly funded but independently run schools that operate under a charter, allowing them to have more flexibility in their curriculum and teaching methods. These schools are free and open to all DC residents, with enrollment often determined by a lottery system.

Features:

– No geographic boundaries for enrollment.
– Offer diverse educational approaches, such as Montessori, bilingual immersion, or arts integration.
– Subject to periodic review and renewal based on performance.

#3 Private Schools

Independent schools that charge tuition and are not funded by the government, these schools can be secular or affiliated with religious organizations. They tend to offer varied curriculums, often with a focus on college preparation or specialized subjects.

Features:

– Smaller class sizes and more individualized attention.
– Often offer advanced programs, extracurriculars, and facilities.
– Typically have selective admissions processes.

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#4 Religious/Parochial Schools

These are private schools affiliated with religious organizations (most commonly Catholic, but other denominations exist). Fittingly, they provide religious instruction alongside traditional academics.

Features:

– May have lower tuition than secular private schools.
– Strong emphasis on moral and religious education.
– Open to students from all faiths but may prioritize members of their religious community.

#5 Magnet Schools

Aptly named, magnet schools are public institutions that focus on specific areas of study, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), arts, or languages. They are part of the DCPS system and usually require an application for admission.

Features:

– Offer specialized curricula to students with particular academic or artistic interests.
– Open to students across the district, but space is limited, and admission is competitive.

#6 Montessori Schools

A type of school offering a Montessori-based curriculum, focusing on self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative play. Both public charter and private Montessori schools exist in the DC area.

Features:

– Emphasizes independence, mixed-age classrooms, and individualized learning.
– Often used for early childhood education but available at elementary and middle school levels in some schools.

#7 Bilingual/Immersion Schools

This educational classification offers instruction in two languages, with the goal of developing bilingualism and biliteracy. These schools may be public, charter, or private.

Features:

– Instruction in core subjects is split between two languages (often English and Spanish, but other languages may be offered).
– Focus on cultural competency and language acquisition from an early age.

Looking for information on the DC School System Lottery? Click here to read to our blog about it.

#8 Special Education Schools

Encompassing public, charter, or private options, these schools or programs are specifically designed to support students with special needs, learning disabilities, or developmental delays.

Features:

– Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and specialized staff.
– Small class sizes and personalized learning plans.
– May focus on specific disabilities such as autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.

#9 Alternative Schools

These schools cater to students who need a different approach to learning, including those with behavioral issues or who have fallen behind academically. Alternative schools may focus on non-traditional teaching methods and flexible schedules.

Features:

– Provide supportive environments for students facing challenges in traditional settings.
– Smaller student-teacher ratios.
– Focus on personal growth, vocational training, or restorative justice.

Want to find a home to suits the whole family? Get in touch with our team directly by calling us at 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com.