How does enrollment at DCI work?

New students are accepted in Grades 6–9 only, through the My School DC common lottery. All applicants must apply at MySchoolDC.org.

Students currently enrolled in Grade 5 at one of DCI’s member elementary schools who apply through the My School DC lottery by the application deadline receive priority in the language track they are currently studying (for example, a 5th grader at Yu Ying will receive priority for the Chinese language track at DCI).

If additional seats remain after all eligible member school students have enrolled, these spaces may be offered to general lottery applicants.

To view historical lottery data, click here. To learn more about DCI admissions, click here.

How many students attend DCI?

Approximately 1,650 students are currently enrolled at DCI in Grades 6–12. Future incoming 6th grade classes are projected to include 270–280 students.

Does DCI have sibling preference?

DCI provides sibling preference for current DCI families, and the following member schools offer reciprocal sibling preference: Washington Yu Ying PCS, Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS, and Mundo Verde PCS. Sibling preference applies only when both siblings are enrolled in the same language track (for example, a 5th grader at Stokes studying French will receive sibling preference only if their sibling at DCI is also enrolled in the French language track).

Which five elementary schools are DCI’s member schools?

The DCI member schools are: DC Bilingual PCS, E.W. Stokes Community Freedom PCS, Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS, Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS, and Washington Yu Ying PCS.

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 to allow students to continue their language immersion journey toward bilingualism and biliteracy. Students entering DCI without a prior language immersion background must also commit to one language track—Chinese, French, or Spanish—which they will pursue throughout their time at DCI.

What education program/models are featured at DCI?

DCI is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) for all students in Grades 6–10 and both the IB Diploma Program (DP) and IB Career Program (CP) for students in Grades 11–12. Students graduate from DCI having earned one or more of the following: a DCI Diploma, an IB Diploma, an IB Career-related Certificate, course-specific IB certificates, and/or an 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 who qualify for free school breakfast may enter the building beginning at 7:45 a.m. All other students may enter starting at 8:10 a.m., and classes begin promptly at 8:20 a.m.

• Dismissal: Monday–Thursday at 3:25 p.m. for middle school and 3:35 p.m. for high school.

• Friday early dismissal: 1:00 p.m. (MS) and 1:05 p.m. (HS). Clubs and sports generally run until 5:15 p.m., and aftercare is available until 6:00 p.m.

What does the school day look like?

School starts at 8:20 a.m. each day. Dismissal is at 3:25 p.m. for middle school and 3:35 p.m. for high school Monday through Thursday, and at 1:00 p.m. (MS) and 1:05 p.m. (HS) on Fridays.

The middle school follows an A/B rotation schedule, while the high school uses an A/B block schedule.

Lunch times vary by grade level, and students can participate in a variety of clubs, sports, and activities throughout the day. On Fridays, students may pick up a grab-and-go lunch at dismissal or eat lunch at home.

Does DCI have athletic sports programs or teams?

Yes! DCI offers a wide range of athletic opportunities for both middle and high school students through intramurals and the DC Public Charter School Athletic Association. We proudly offer 14 sports across JV, varsity, girls, boys, and co-ed teams.

I would like more information about DCI in general.

We host monthly Info Sessions for prospective families from January through April, featuring a presentation about DCI’s programs and a student-led tour. Families can visit this page for more information and recordings from previous sessions, and explore DCI’s My School DC profile to learn more about our school.

I am interested in employment. What positions are open?

Thank you for your interest in joining the DCI community! Visit our Careers page to explore current openings and learn more about what it’s like to work at DCI.

What else is housed on the former Walter Reed campus?

The Walter Reed campus is home to a vibrant and growing community with parks, shops, housing, and organizations that partner with DCI. Visit The Parks at Walter Reed website to explore all that’s happening around our school!