Enrollment FAQs

New Families: Enrollment & School Information

  • Who can attend KIPP DC schools? Are there admission requirements?

    KIPP DC schools are free, open-enrollment, public schools open to District of Columbia residents and who meet KIPP DC’s age requirements.

  • What is the age criterion for students enrolling at KIPP DC?

    Age Requirements for the 2026-27 School Year:

    • PreK3: No older than three on September 30, 2026
    • PreK4: No older than four on September 30, 2026
    • K: No older than five on June 1, 2026
    • 1st: Seven years old or younger on September 30, 2026
    • 2nd: Eight years old or younger on September 30, 2026
    • 3rd: Nine years old or younger on September 30, 2026
    • 4th: Ten years old or younger on September 30, 2026

    Students applying for PreK3 must be 3 years old by September 30, 2026, and students applying for PreK4 must be 4 years old by September 30, 2026.

  • Where can I find more information about KIPP DC’s policies and rules for students?

    If you would like access to our student handbooks for all grade levels, as well as our outlined policies regarding attendance, bullying, and other issues, you can find these documents on our Forms & Policies website. 

  • Do KIPP DC schools require uniforms?

    Yes, there are uniform requirements for KIPP DC students at all of our schools. Learn more about uniforms for the 2025-26 school year. 

  • Does KIPP DC offer before- or after-care for students?

    Yes. All PreK3-8 campuses offer onsite before and after school care for students through the YMCA. For more details, including registration, please visit our Before & Aftercare website.

  • What are school hours?

    The typical school hours for KIPP DC schools are 8:00 AM-3:30 PM. Arrival for students begins at 7:45 AM every morning. If there are any changes to this schedule, they will be posted to the KIPP DC calendar.

  • Does KIPP DC have a virtual learning option?

    Yes, KIPP DC offers a Virtual Learning Program for students in grades 5 to 12. To express interest in the program, please complete the interest form on the program’s website.

  • What meals are provided for students?

    KIPP DC participates in the District of Columbia’s National School Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack Program, which means free breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided to all students at no cost. For details such as the daily menu, as well as additional food resources available to families, please visit our school meals page.

New Families: Enrollment Process

  • How do I enroll my child?

    Families can start the enrollment process by applying to KIPP DC through the My School DC’s website. My School DC is the common application for all DC public schools and most public charter schools.

    Once your child is accepted through the lottery or moved off the waitlist, you’ll be able to complete KIPP DC’s enrollment process.

  • What happens if there's not enough space or availability at my preferred KIPP DC school?

    If there isn’t enough space at your preferred KIPP DC school, your child will be placed on a waitlist and offered a seat when one becomes available. Siblings of currently enrolled KIPP DC students receive preference during the lottery process. Students who apply after the lottery deadline are also added to the waitlist and offered seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

    To increase your child’s chances of attending a KIPP DC school, we recommend adding multiple KIPP DC schools to your application and ranking us high on your list.

  • I submitted my application on MySchoolDC, what's next?

    Once a family submits an application, they will receive a confirmation from My School DC via email or phone (depending how you created your account).

    Reminder: Families may create one (1) account per household, but applications need to be submitted for each child seeking a new school placement for the 2026-27 school year.

    Families can log back into their accounts to edit their school ranking until the application deadline date:

      • February 2, 2026 (Grades 9-12)
      • March 2, 2026 (Grades PK3 – 8)

    After the lottery is conducted, families will be notified of the results of their application by My School DC.  

     

  • If my child is offered a spot at a KIPP DC school, what documentation must I provide to be fully enrolled?

    All students enrolled in public schools in Washington, DC are required to provide proof of DC residency. Information on when to complete the Residency Verification process will be communicated by KIPP DC’s enrollment team. Please refer to the list of acceptable documents to prepare for this process. 

  • Where can I submit my required documents and complete my child's enrollment?

    When you are ready to submit the required documentation to KIPP DC, you will use the Snap Code sent to your email to access KIPP DC’s Enrollment Portal. 

    If you need other options to submit the required documents, your child’s school will provide a method of contact to schedule submission.

Returning Families: Re-Enrollment Information

  • If my student is returning to KIPP DC, do they need to resubmit a MySchoolDC application?

    Students returning to their current KIPP DC campus do not need to complete a My School DC application. These students will automatically continue at their school and will simply need to submit enrollment documentation in the spring.

  • What documents are required for returning students?

    KIPP DC families still need to submit forms verifying DC residency as well as students’ health information. A full list of the required documentation can be found at on KIPP DC’s Enrollment Process website. 

  • Where can I submit my students' documents?

    When you are ready to submit the required documentation to KIPP DC, you will use the Snap Code sent to your email to access KIPP DC’s Enrollment Portal. 

    If you need other options to submit the required documents, your child’s school will provide a method of contact to schedule submission.

  • Is my student able to transfer to another KIPP DC campus?

    If you’d like to switch KIPP DC campuses for the upcoming school year, you will need to submit a new My School DC lottery application for your child and select the KIPP DC school you’re interested in. Returning students transferring campuses will receive transfer preference, as long as they apply before the lottery deadline.