At Capitol Hill Day School, we are committed to the prekindergarten through grade 8 experience, and we believe that students benefit in a number of significant ways.

A Longer Childhood

In an "elemiddle" school, children stay "younger" longer.  At Capitol Hill Day School, our students are immersed in developmentally appropriate activities, curriculum, and events.  Being physically separate from the daily pressures and distractions of a high school setting allows our middle school students to tackle the challenges all teens face in a safe, nurturing environment.

Every Child is Known, Valued, and Respected

Our "elemiddle" school allows children to stay in a small class size environment through their early teen years.   Adolescence is a time of change and growth, and the small scale of our community allows teachers and staff to know children personally, nurture their individual interests, and support their needs.

Creative and Dynamic Learning

Our students are engaged by the enthusiasm and creativity of their teachers, who work together to relate themes and concepts among different subjects over the years. Students in all grades explore topics in depth, and are encouraged to take risks and see mistakes or disagreement as stepping stones to increased understanding.

Exceptional Teachers

CHDS teachers are experts in their particular grade level and are trained in the social, academic, and developmental aspects of the age groups they teach.  In addition, our elementary and middle school teachers work collaboratively to offer an enriching and integrated curriculum as students advance through the grades.

Role Models and Leaders

In 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade, students assume increasing responsibility and take on leadership roles in community service, serve as admission tour guides, compete in team sports, design and publish the yearbook, plan social events, manage the School's "Pizza Thursdays," and are "buddies" to younger students.  (It is a delightful and frequent occurrence to see a kindergarten child greet his or her 8th grade buddy with a hug.)  These opportunities help our students gain self-confidence, leadership skills, and most importantly, they learn how to become responsible and caring members of their community.

Lifelong Learning and Enduring Relationships

CHDS students develop individually, but also come to understand that being part of a class, of a school, and eventually of a wider community requires compromise, self-examination, empathy, humor, and even struggle.  They understand that learning is a process, not limited to the classroom or a particular time of life while they build and maintain positive relationships with all teachers by working with them in varying contexts.

 Confident Graduates

By 8^th grade, students have gained a strong sense of self.  Searching for a high school serves as an opportunity to reflect on who they are and which school best fits their strengths and individual interests.  CHDS graduates are academically, socially, and emotionally prepared to begin their next chapter, and they continue their education in excellent independent, public, and boarding schools in the Washington, DC area and beyond.