One of the biggest perks of living in Logan Circle is that you are quite literally in the center of it all. Beyond the restaurants and historic rowhomes, this location offers a surprising amount of flexibility when it comes to education. Residents here aren’t locked into a single path; instead, you generally have three distinct tracks to choose from: the traditional public school system (DCPS), the public charter system (which runs on a lottery), and private independent schools.
While this area is known as a historic district, the school landscape has modernized significantly in recent years. Facilities that were once aging have been fully renovated, and curriculum options have expanded. However, navigating the system can be a bit of a project. Between by-right boundaries and the “My School DC” lottery, it pays to understand your options early. Whether you are browsing Logan Circle real estate or have already signed a contract, knowing how these three tracks interact is the first step to getting settled.
Public Elementary Schools Serving Logan Circle
For most residents, your address determines your “by-right” school—the one where your child is guaranteed a seat from Kindergarten through 12th grade. In this neighborhood, the options are robust and often just a short walk away.
Garrison Elementary serves as the primary in-boundary school for the majority of Logan Circle addresses. Located right on S Street NW, it is an easy walk for most residents. The school underwent a major modernization recently, transforming the facility into a bright, contemporary learning space. It is well-regarded locally for its focus on arts and science integration, making it a strong community hub.
Just to the west in neighboring Dupont Circle, Ross Elementary is another major player in the local landscape. While its boundary is specific, it is consistently one of the highest-rated DCPS elementary schools. Depending on exactly where you live, you might be in the boundary or eligible to apply for an out-of-boundary seat if space allows.
For those on the fringe of downtown and Logan, Thomson Elementary is another excellent option. It is known for its incredible diversity and strong community ratings.
It is also worth noting that DCPS offers universal Pre-K3 and Pre-K4. These programs are often housed directly within these elementary schools. While K-5 is guaranteed for in-boundary residents, Pre-K spots can be competitive, so it’s smart to apply as soon as you are eligible.
Middle and High School Pathways (DCPS)
As students get older, the feeder patterns in DC guide them toward specific middle and high schools. This is where the central location of Logan Circle really opens up opportunities, both by right and by application.
Students graduating from Garrison typically feed into Cardozo Education Campus for their middle grades. Cardozo has seen significant investment and modernization, offering a seamless path for students staying within the neighborhood system.
For high school, Cardozo Education Campus remains the by-right neighborhood option. It sits just up the hill and has developed specialized programs, such as the TransSTEM academy, which appeals to students interested in engineering and technology.
However, many families in Logan Circle choose to step outside the by-right path for high school. The District has several selective, citywide application high schools that are free to attend but competitive to enter. School Without Walls, located on the George Washington University campus, is frequently ranked as one of the top public high schools in the city. Benjamin Banneker and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts are also popular choices for students seeking rigorous academics or specialized arts training. Entrance to these schools is separate from the standard lottery and usually involves an application process with essays or auditions.
Charter Schools Near Logan Circle
If the neighborhood schools don’t feel like the right fit, the next option is the public charter system. These schools are tuition-free and open to any DC resident, but they do not have attendance boundaries. Admission is determined purely by the “My School DC” lottery.
Washington Yu Ying is a frequent topic of conversation among local parents. It is a Chinese immersion school that is incredibly popular. While it involves a slightly longer commute than the neighborhood schools, many residents feel the bilingual curriculum is worth the travel.
For a rigorous classical curriculum, Washington Latin is in very high demand for grades 5-12. It consistently sees more applicants than available seats, so placing it high on your lottery list is essential if it’s a priority.
Closer to home, BASIS DC is located in the Penn Quarter area, making it a very short commute from Logan Circle. It is known for an accelerated STEM-focused curriculum and is often ranked highly among charters. Similarly, Center City PCS has nearby campuses offering Pre-K through 8th grade, providing another solid alternative to the traditional public system.
Private and Independent Schools
For those considering private education, Logan Circle’s location is strategic. You have immediate access to several independent schools right in the neighborhood, plus easy avenues to the “commute-worthy” elite schools further northwest.
Edmund Burke School is a progressive college prep school for grades 6-12 located nearby on Connecticut Avenue. It offers a distinct educational philosophy that appeals to many families living in Logan Circle.
For international flair, the British International School of Washington in Georgetown is a popular choice. It draws many expatriate families and those looking for a global curriculum. Emerson Preparatory School is another local option, a small university-prep school situated near the Dupont/Logan border, offering a more personalized environment.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, many residents utilize the central location to commute to major institutions like Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day School (GDS), or Maret. Because Logan Circle is centrally located, traveling northwest to these campuses is relatively straightforward against the flow of downtown traffic. It is important to budget accordingly, however; private school tuition in DC typically ranges from $40,000 to over $50,000 annually for upper grades.
Preschools and Early Childhood Education
For the youngest residents—from infants up to age 4—the search for care often begins before you even finish moving to Logan Circle.
The Edlavitch DCJCC, located right at 16th & Q, is a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Their preschool program is highly regarded and sits right in the heart of the community, making drop-offs incredibly convenient.
CommuniKids is another strong option with nearby locations, specializing in language immersion for young children. If you prefer smaller settings, there are numerous local daycares, such as Logan-Shaw Child Care, along with various licensed home-based options tucked into the rowhomes throughout the area.
One reality check for new residents: high-demand preschools often have waitlists that can start as early as pregnancy. If you know you are relocating to the neighborhood, getting your name on a few lists immediately is a smart move.
Commuting to School from Logan Circle
No matter which school track you choose, the logistics of getting there from Logan Circle are generally easier than in many other parts of the capital.
The area boasts incredibly high walk scores. If you choose Garrison or the DCJCC, your “commute” is likely a pleasant five-to-ten-minute stroll past coffee shops and brownstones.
For schools further afield, public transit is a major asset. You have access to the Green and Yellow Lines at the Shaw-Howard or Mt Vernon Sq stations, and the Red Line is accessible via Dupont or Farragut North. This connects older students independently to schools like BASIS, School Without Walls, or GDS.
The bus network is also robust here. The 52/54 lines run up and down 14th Street, and the S-lines run along 16th Street, serving as major arteries for getting students north and south. Additionally, the Kids Ride Free program allows students to ride the Metro and bus systems at no cost, which is a huge benefit for families managing daily logistics.
