Out of boundary lottery open until Feb. 28

Shaw students can apply to attend any DC Public School — even those not in the neighborhood. In light of the planned closure of Scott Montgomery ES, current SME students get priority in this process. The DCPS Out-of-Boundary Lottery allows you to apply to send your K-12 child to any DCPS school in any ward. All DCPS schools are hosting open houses during the out-of-boundary application period, which runs from Thursday, Jan. 28 until Sunday, Feb. 28.

Contact individual schools for open house information, and then submit your application online before Feb. 28. If you need information about where to access computers to register, or have other questions about the out-of-boundary lottery, call (202) 478-5738.

Free early education for 3- and 4-year-olds

Ninety percent of all brain development happens before the age of 5. That’s why pre-kindergarten (for 4-year-olds) and pre-school (for 3-year-olds) gives children such a big advantage when they start school. If your child is 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30, you can apply for free preschool, pre-K or HeadStart. DC Public Schools now offers early education at 85 schools.

For the greatest opportunity to get into the program of your choice, applications should be submitted online before Feb. 28. After this initial enrollment period, applications will be accepted until all slots are full. For more information, call (202) 698-1033.