How does enrollment at DCI work?

DCI accepts new students through the My School DC common lottery. All students must apply at myschooldc.org. Students who are attending any of the member charter schools at the time of transition to secondary school are given preference for enrollment at DCI in the language tracks in which they are enrolled. If there are any additional spaces once all eligible feeder school students have enrolled, these may be opened up to students outside of the member school preferences. It is not anticipated that there will be many available general lottery spots. Reciprocal sibling preference is also offered between DCI and DC Bilingual, LAMB, Mundo Verde, and Yu Ying. New students are only accepted in grades 6-9.

How many students attend DCI?

Approximately 1650 students are enrolled at DCI in grades 6 through 12. Each grade is between 200-270 students. Future incoming classes of 6th graders are expected to be 270-280 students.

Does DCI have sibling preference?

DCI has sibling preference within DCI, as well as with the following member schools: Washington Yu Ying PCS, Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS, Mundo Verde PCS, Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS, and DC Bilingual PCS. Sibling preference can only be approved for siblings in the same language track.

Which elementary charter schools receive preference to attend?

Washington Yu Ying PCS, Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS, Mundo Verde PCS, Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS, and DC Bilingual PCS all have preference to attend DCI in their respective language tracks.

Must students from the member schools continue in the same language from their elementary school?

Yes. The purpose of the member school feeder pattern is for students to continue their language immersion journey towards adult bilingualism and biliteracy. Students are encouraged to add additional languages through language specials. Students who come to DCI without a language study background will have to commit to a language track to pursue throughout their time at DCI.

What education program/models are featured at DCI?

DCI is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School and offers the IB Middle Years Program for grades 6-10. DCI offers the IB Diploma Program and Career Program for grades 11-12. Students will leave DCI having earned one or more of the following options: DCI Diploma, an IB Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Career Certification, course-specific IB certificates, and/or the IB Bilingual Diploma. DCI offers students the opportunity to continue their immersion experience by taking up to 50 percent of classes in their target immersion language (Chinese, French, or Spanish).

What is the start time?

Students wishing to eat free school breakfast are allowed into the building beginning at 7:45 a.m. All other students are allowed into the building at 8:10 a.m. Students are expected to be ready for classes, which start at 8:20 a.m. Monday through Thursday classes are over at 3:25 p.m. for middle school and 3:35 p.m. for high school. Friday classes end at 1:00 p.m. for middle school and 1:05 p.m. for high school. You can view the MS Bell Schedule here and the HS Bell Schedule here. Clubs and sports typically run until 5:15 p.m. After care is available until 6:00 p.m.

What does the school day look like?

School starts at 8:20 a.m. every day, ends at 3:25 p.m. (for MS) or 3:35 p.m. (for HS) Monday-Thursday, and ends at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays (for MS) and 1:05 p.m. (for HS). Check out the MS Bell Schedule here and the HS Bell Schedule here. The middle school has rotating A and B day classes. High school uses A/B block scheduling.

Lunch breaks vary depending on grade level and there are clubs, sports, and social spaces for students to enjoy. On Fridays, students can get a grab-and-go lunch at the end of the school day or eat lunch at home.

Does DCI have athletic sports programs or teams?

Yes, DCI offers athletics opportunities through intramurals and the charter school league for both middle and high school. Learn more here!

Is there transportation available from and to Member Elementary schools?

No. None of the Member schools have transportation to DCI. However, there are a number of buses. Please read our Location Page for more information.

I would like more information about DCI in general.

We host Info Sessions for prospective families at DCI monthly from October-April, which include a presentation about DCI’s programs and a student-led tour. Please visit this page for more information and recordings from previous sessions.

I am interested in employment. What positions are open?

Check out our careers page.

What else is housed on the former Walter Reed campus?

Check out The Parks at Walter Reed’s website here for details on the campus.