Grades 1-8 

Welcome to Grades 1-8

The elementary school years are a crucial time for students to develop solid academic skills and a strong foundation of knowledge that will serve them for years to come. 

We consider it our mission to make your child’s experience in grades 1-8 challenging, fulfilling, academically successful, and fun.

What does DCPS offer my child?

Basic Facts About Grades 1-8 at DCPS

• All schools use an Effective Schools Framework and a Teaching and Learning Framework to ensure that every child has access to engaging instruction.
• Art, music, and PE are provided for every child.
• Special Education services are available for students with special needs.
• Services are available for students who are English Language Learners.
• Learn about more academic offerings in DCPS.

What will my child be learning in grades 1-8?

In July 2010, DCPS joined more than 40 states in adopting new and more rigorous academic standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics for grades K-12. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) set clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.

The CCSS start by establishing what high school graduates need to truly be ready for success in college, careers and life. Then those goals are back-mapped down through the grades to kindergarten, so that students, parents and teachers all know what skills and knowledge are necessary at each step along the way.

In 2011, we have crafted an Academic Plan for the next four years that is the road map to implementing these game-changing new standards and to advancing student progress even further than we have over the past four years.

Because the CCSS apply to almost the entire country and have been created to match the highest expectations around the globe, we can now be sure we are preparing our students in each grade level and subject area to be competitive not just in our city, but also our region, our country and the world.

Here are the standards used for each grade level.

• For kindergarten through Grade 2 students: DCPS has implemented the CCSS in English/language arts and mathematics. All other subjects will follow the DC Learning Standards.
• For grades 3-5 students: DCPS has implemented the CCSS in English/language arts. All other subjects will follow the DC Learning Standards.
• For grades 6-12 students: DCPS has implemented the CCSS in English/language arts. Science, social studies and technical arts teachers will use the CCSS in literacy along with the DC Learning Standards for their content area.
• Starting in the School Year 2012-2013, DCPS will implement the remaining mathematics standards for grades 3-12.

Learn more about the DCPS Academic Plan, including downloading the specific standards for your child's grade level.

How do I enroll my child in a DC Public School?

Download all enrollment forms »