THE BASICS

PreK - 8^th grade progressive day school serving 215 boys and girls.
Small classes: 16 to 24 per grade; student-teacher ratio of 7:1.
Diversity:  Over 35% of the student body represents racial, ethnic, and international diversity.
Location:   Historic brick schoolhouse built in 1899 in the heart of Capitol Hill.
Founded by parents in 1968:  A strong, nurturing community of families from DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Our Mission is to provide an education that engages students in the process of learning, with the aim of helping them become thoughtful, caring young people.
Parents support students, teachers, and community by sharing interests and expertise in classroom, fundraising, community, and social events.

 

ACADEMICS AND MORE

Integrated Curriculum: Thematic, interdisciplinary studies connecting the classroom with the real world.
Unparalleled Field Education Program:  Over 300 field trips annually in DC and beyond, all relating directly to classroom studies.
Special Classes:  Art, Drama, Music , Technology , Library , and Physical Education , integrated into weekly schedule.
Modern Language Study PreK through 8^th grade (French and Spanish).
Learning Specialist and School Counselor support variety of learning styles.
Leadership Opportunities for students in grades 6 through 8.
Family Conferences:  Twice yearly; teacher-led in PreK - 5^th grade; student-led in 6^th - 8^th grades.
Community Service:  School-wide and class-specific activities and projects; parent-led Community Service Committee.
High School Advisor assists families with the 9^th grade application process.  Our graduates attend a variety of independent and public high schools. 

 

FACULTY AND STAFF

51 total faculty and staff ; 32 have graduate degrees; 10 have worked at CHDS for more than 10 years, and 5 for more than 20 years
11 faculty and staff are parents of current CHDS students or alumni
16 faculty and staff are people of color or represent international diversity.

 

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Interscholastic Sports (ABC League):  Emphasis on participation, physical well-being, and sportsmanship.
After School Program:    Available daily, on teacher work days, and during Spring Break.
After School Enrichment and Music Programs:   Yoga, Tae kwon do, "Mad Science," jazz and concert band, and individual music instruction.
Summer Camp:   Seven one-week sessions, mid-June through mid-August, for ages 4 to 14.

 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Commitment to economic diversity.
20% of students receive financial assistance .

 

TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation available for some locations.
Metro:  Capitol South, Eastern Market, and Union Station

 

GOVERNANCE

One of the few area independent schools with a parent-elected governing body.
15 voting Trustees, including current and alumni parents, and community members; and 3 ex officio staff members.

 

ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Accredited by and member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS)
Member of Independent Education (formerly AISGW) , National Association of Independent Schools , Black Student Fund , Education Research Bureau