Washington, DC

DC public school enrollment rules for movers

See the exact DCPS K-12 in-boundary guarantee and My School DC lottery rules for 2026-27.

Quick answer

See the exact DCPS K-12 in-boundary guarantee and My School DC lottery rules for 2026-27.

Source-first Reviewed Jul 2026
Exact district rule

District of Columbia Public Schools: what the rule actually says

A compulsory-age DC resident has at least one right-to-attend DCPS school for each grade band. In grades K-12, the student can enroll at the in-boundary or geographic feeder school without the My School DC lottery. The lottery is required for PK3 and PK4, a K-12 school outside the boundary or feeder pattern, a selective high school, or a participating public charter school.

Answer type: exact enrollment ruleDistrict: District of Columbia Public SchoolsPolicy basis: 2026-27Reviewed July 28, 2026

Assignment rules at a glance

These are the district-specific fields that determine what happens after an address or school request is submitted.

K-12 in-boundary schoolThe student has a right to attend based on the home address.
K-12 feeder schoolA student with feeder rights can enroll without the lottery.
PK3 and PK4A My School DC lottery application is required.
Out-of-boundary or selectiveA My School DC lottery application is required.
Participating charter schoolA My School DC lottery application is required.

Moving checklist

  1. Enter the new address to identify the K-12 in-boundary schools.
  2. Enroll directly when using the in-boundary or valid feeder right.
  3. Use My School DC for PK3, PK4, out-of-boundary, selective, or participating charter options.

Official policy sources

The answer above is stated on-page; these links document the district rules and policy year.

Other exact moving rules

Compare how address assignment, school choice, and enrollment work in other districts.