26 16th St SE
Washington, DC 20003

I'm glad we chose Eastern for our students. My one and only complaint is that they offer only 1 world language. Other than that, they are academically challenging and offer an amazing array of extras, like debate, a medical sci academy, all the sports, jrotc, on and on. And the full IB program! Unless you live a great distance from Capitol Hill, there's no reason to go elsewhere.

As a parent of both a current student and a 2022 graduate, I highly recommend EHMS as a place where your middle schooler can be challenged academically, grow emotionally, and be loved by supportive staff and teachers. My kids have most loved the phenomenal art teacher and engaging librarian—but the math, English and French teachers are also high on their list. EHMS is an International Baccalaureate Middle Years school which means all students benefit from additional IB-related programming—this includes a required community project for every 8th grader. School leadership is proactive and responsive to caregiver and staff needs and has worked hard to build a sense of community—not an easy feat three years into this pandemic. The connected school lead hosts frequent family engagement opportunities and supports a school-based community food pantry. As a small school, if a student wants to compete in sports there is a place for them on the team—including swimming, soccer, baseball/softball, track/cross country, basketball and archery. The building is stunning, the new athletic fields are expansive, and there is a strong community of neighbors and parents who want everyone at the school to succeed. Considering enrolling? Take a tour and talk to teachers and parents—you will be amazed at what a small school (fewer students per grade than Maury!) is doing to build a community of scholars who support and care for one another.

I am a parent of a PK3 student. My husband and I could not be more pleased with Payne Elementary. The teachers are warm, engaging and professional. We are so impressed with the curriculum - my son's class has specialized weekly instruction in science and Spanish. Even at the early childhood education level, the students have access to enrichment activities in the after school program - this fall, the activities were soccer and "Joy of Motion" (yoga and dance). We are excited for our younger son to start at this school in a few years if he is able to get a space through the lottery!