Old Capitol Preschool is a licensed early childhood education program in Washington, D.C., serving children aged 3 to 5 through a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum rooted in social-emotional growth and foundational academic skills.
Located in the historic Old Capitol Building near the U.S. Capitol, the preschool operates within a restored 19th-century federal structure originally designed for the U.S. House of Representatives. The building's preserved architectural details-high ceilings, original woodwork, and large windows-create a calm, inspiring environment for young learners. Classes are small, typically capped at 12 students per teacher, ensuring individualized attention and consistent adult support throughout the day.
The program follows a daily routine centered around exploration, structured play, and guided discovery. Morning circle time includes songs, storytelling, and calendar activities. Children engage in hands-on science experiments, art projects using natural materials, and outdoor play in a fenced courtyard. Teachers use developmental milestones from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to assess progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
Old Capitol Preschool uses a thematic, inquiry-driven model aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. Each month, teachers select a central theme-such as "Weather," "Transportation," or "Community Helpers"-to anchor classroom activities. For example, during a "Plants" unit, children planted beans in recycled cups, observed growth daily, recorded changes in journals, and discussed how sunlight and water affect plant life.
Curriculum components include:
Children spend approximately 60 minutes outdoors each day, weather permitting. The school maintains a policy of minimizing screen time, with no digital devices used in classrooms. Instead, educators rely on tactile materials such as sand trays, magnetic letters, and sensory bins filled with rice or dried beans.
Admission is competitive. The school accepts applications for the fall semester only, with a deadline in March. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a signed consent for background checks, proof of residency in Washington, D.C., and a health history record. A family interview is required for all applicants.
Priority is given to families living within the city's Ward 2 and Ward 3 areas. Sibling preference is granted, and financial aid is available based on household income. Tuition ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on enrollment hours and family size. The school participates in the D.C. Early Learning Scholarship Program, which covers up to 80% of tuition for qualifying families.
| Program Type | Hours/Week | Tuition Range (Monthly) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Day (9 AM - 3 PM) | 30 | $1,600 - $1,800 | Resident families, siblings, scholarship recipients |
| Half-Day (9 AM - 12 PM) | 15 | $1,200 - $1,400 | Same criteria |
| Extended Care (3 PM - 6 PM) | 15 | $300 - $400 | Available to full-day families only |
Waitlists average 18 months. Families accepted into the program are notified via email in May. The school does not offer rolling admissions or summer sessions.
Old Capitol Preschool is often mistaken for a private school or religious institution. It is neither. The program is publicly funded through D.C. government grants and private donations, and it serves children regardless of faith or cultural background. All staff hold current Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials or equivalent state certification.
A common error is assuming that the school offers kindergarten readiness testing. It does not. Instead, teachers document developmental progress using OSSE's Early Learning Standards structure. Formal assessments are conducted only at the request of parents or guardians and are not part of regular programming.
Another misconception is that the school provides full-day care for infants. It does not. The youngest children served are 3 years old. Infants and toddlers are referred to nearby centers such as the D.C. Department of Health's Early Childhood Family Services program.
I visited Old Capitol Preschool in October 2023 during a parent observation day. I watched a group of four-year-olds construct a cardboard city using rulers, tape, and recycled boxes. One child asked, "Can we make a bridge?" Another responded, "Only if it doesn't fall." They debated angles and stability, then tested their design by walking toy cars across. The teacher stepped in only to ask, "What happens if the bridge bends too much?" This moment illustrated how the school integrates STEM concepts through unstructured play.
According to a 2022 report by the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education, 87% of children who attended Old Capitol Preschool scored in the "proficient" range on the D.C. Pre-K Assessment in literacy and math upon entry to kindergarten. That rate exceeds the citywide average of 74%.
Old Capitol Preschool is not affiliated with the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center or the Library of Congress. Its name derives from the building's historical designation, not its proximity to federal institutions. The school shares no administrative ties with public charter schools, though it collaborates with local libraries on storytime events.
Old Capitol Preschool remains a rare example of a high-quality early learning center operating within a federally protected historic structure. Its success lies in blending rigorous pedagogy with intentional design, creating spaces where curiosity is nurtured and every child feels seen.