Capitol Hill Day School was founded in 1968-69.  It was created out of a merger between a preschool program at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation and an elementary school at Christ Church, Washington Parish.  The fledgling Capitol Hill Day School encompassed prekindergarten through fourth grade.  A founding parent, Bob Garske, recalls, "We wanted to provide a quality education for a diverse student body in the face of turmoil in the public schools."  

In the early 1970's, as its students grew up, Capitol Hill Day School expanded to include fifth grade and then sixth.  In 1980, the School moved to its current location - the former Dent School building at 210 South Carolina Avenue, SE.  The Dent Building served as a Washington, D.C. public school from 1902-1947, and then as a maintenance shop for the D.C. public school system after 1965. 

When Capitol Hill Day School leased the Dent Building in 1980, parent volunteers worked tirelessly to make the School fit for its new occupants.  The move to a larger building made it possible to open a seventh grade program in 1980.  The first eighth grade class was graduated from Capitol Hill Day School in June 1981.   Parent involvement has remained a hallmark of the School to this day.

In 1991, the Board of Trustees created a building fund which later provided the down payment for the School's purchase of the Dent Building.  In 1997, facing the expiration of its lease, Capitol Hill Day School purchased the building from the District of Columbia and embarked on a major capital campaign to raise funds to defray the costs of buying and renovating the building.  Renovations ensued for three summers, resulting in construction of the new Rose Window classroom, installing air conditioning and improving the School's heating and ventilating systems, replacing windows, and otherwise updating and improving the century-old building.

The School worked in collaboration with city and neighborhood leaders to purchase new playground equipment for Garfield Park in 2000-2001.  The historic park, located across South Carolina Avenue from the School, is enjoyed by Capitol Hill Day School students as well as neighborhood families.   

The Board of Trustees completed a second strategic plan in 2003, which reaffirmed the School's strengths and mapped a plan for the future.  The strategic plan provides direction for the School's long-term health and stability, and ensures that the School remains true to its founding mission. 

To view the School's Mission and Guideposts, click here.