Frequently Asked Questions

  • Chisholm participates in the school-wide lottery. Learn more here: Apply & Enroll at Chisholm.

  • Learn more about our Bilingual-Arts program here.

  • Your child must turn 3 years old by September 30th of that school year to enter Preschool. Per DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR), families may enroll children in PK3 if they are 3 years old and in PK4 if they are 4 years old, respectively, by September 30. To apply for a PK3 or PK4 seat, families must submit an application through the My School DC lottery.

  • Yes. Learn more about before & aftercare options here.

  • Visit our Early Childhood Resources page.

  • BEFORE CARE for students is available through Wise Little Owls beginning at 7 AM.  Registration is required.  Please do not leave your child at the school unattended on school grounds or in front of the building.  Doors open for all students at 8:15 AM.  

    • Limited Visitor Policy:  Parents/guardians are not permitted into the building. 

    • ARRIVAL, 8:15 AM – 8:44 AM:  

    • PK3/PK4/Kindergarten Students: Use the Playground Gate Entrance (located on 11th Street near the big slide) 

    • 1st – 5th Grade Students: Use the Main Entrance (located at the corner of G & 10th Streets) 

    • TARDY ARRIVAL, 8:45 AM - Until 10:30 AM

    • ALL students arriving late will enter and sign in at the Main Entrance 

    • Tardy passes will be issued. Please come to school on time – we have a lot of learning to do! 

  • EARLY DISMISSAL: If you need to pick up your child early, please do so before 2:45 PM

    • PK3/PK4 EXTENDED DISMISSAL, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM:

    • PK3/PK4 students will be picked up from the Playground Gate Entrance (located on 11th Street near the big slide) 

    • Kindergarten – 5th Grade , DISMISSAL, 3:15 – 3:30 PM: 

    • If your child is not in After-Care, please ensure to pick-up your child on time. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    • The playground is reserved for After-Care students’ use and is unavailable after dismissal.  The playground is available to the public from 6 PM – Sunset (Monday – Friday) and Weekends.

  • We value family-school lines of communication. We communicate in a variety of ways, including via a weekly school-wide newsletter, individual class communication from teachers, social media, and more!

    • Yellow Shirts 

    • Navy Blue Bottoms 

    • Closed toe shoes 

    • Dress down & spirit days will be announced 

  • Students’ schedules vary greatly by grade and program. Your child’s teacher will share your child’s class schedule with you as the new school year begins, including when students have lunch, recess, specials (Art, PE, Health, Performing Arts, Music, and Library) and nap, if applicable.

  • We have a wonderful team of specialist teachers. Our specials classes include: Art, PE, Health, Performing Arts, Music, and Media/Library.

  • There are many opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom! We have a variety of student clubs, arts-integrated activities, and sports.

  • Chisholm follows the same curriculum used in all DC Public Schools including the Common Core Standards for English and Math (Eureka Math Squared) with thematic project-based learning (Cornerstone). Preschool and Pre-kindergarten classes implement the Creative Curriculum, Building Blocks, and Strong Start.

  • Please notify your child’s classroom teacher as well as Chisholm’s nurse and appropriate actions will be taken.

  • Yes. Chisholm offers breakfast all students free of charge. Breakfast is served during morning arrival (8:15-8:45). Learn more about meal schedules here: https://dcps.dc.gov/node/1705306

  • Aramark provides breakfast and lunch to Chisholm students. Menus can be found through the school or at https://dcps.dc.gov/node/1705306

  • Call our main office (202) 939 4810 or send us an email shirleychisholmes@k12.dc.gov