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Based in NW Washington DC, Lowell School is an intentionally-designed, diverse educational community that embraces individuality, curiosity, and courage.
Lowell students thrive because we are committed to progressive pedagogy, where our multidisciplinary academic program and our social-emotional curriculum are inextricably linked. Guided by our innovative, expert, and thoughtful educators, our children become confident, resilient, and highly-motivated learners who can fully engage in an abundance of rich, integrated, and multifaceted learning experiences. Lowell empowers children to use their voices and strengths in pursuit of a more just world.
Our graduates are uniquely prepared to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities that lie ahead, and affect positive change in our communities.
We can't mask our joy at seeing the elaborate masks crafted by Pre-Primary students and 8th graders over the last several months. Each class came to the project independently, and ...morewe have been thrilled to see emergent and integrated curricula at their best, with the spark of inspiration manifesting in age-appropriate ways from our youngest learners to our student leaders. hide
Last fall, 6th graders set out into nearby Rock Creek Park with dual purposes: 1. Make scientific observations for their studies of rock cycles and formations; 2. Be present and ...moreallow nature to inspire their creative writing. Here's just one result. hide
"I can't wait to tell my parents I ate dirt today!" exclaimed a 3rd grader in science class. Don't worry. The "dirt" was part of a model tying together their ...moreexploration of the water cycle, from weather patterns to wells: an edible aquifer! hide
We suspect many of you out there remember tackling a math question involving two trains traveling in separate directions or racing to a station. Middle School teacher Peter recently turned ...morethis classic word problem into a hands-on lesson by bringing a model train set into the classroom. hide
Club or Organization: Climate Action Club, MS Rainbow Club, Students of Color
Arts and Music Programs: Pop/Rock Bands
School Notes
Founded in 1965, Lowell School is a progressive co-ed
pre-Kindergarten through 8th-grade school in Washington, DC.
Through an individualized approach in which learning is joyful,
Lowell equips children to think critically, engage purposefully,
and live authentically.
At Lowell, respect for children guides all we do. Our
multidisciplinary academic environment and social-emotional
curriculum are inextricably linked, leading to highly-motivated
learners with a strong sense of self-worth and efficacy who are
prepared, both academically and socially, to navigate challenges
and embrace future opportunities.
Our students engage in purposeful academic courses and
project-based learning experiences, with equal emphasis on building
conceptual understanding and developing creative, critical, and
analytical skills. Lowell's innovative, expert, and thoughtful
educators design lessons integrated across subjects and guided by
student interests and what's happening in the world around
them.
We teach our students to embrace the humanity, dignity, and
individuality of all, and partner with families to create a
successful, dynamic learning community prepared to change the
world.
Special programs include:
an innovative, integrated curriculum driven by essential
questions
a K8 social studies curriculum with a focus on social
justice
STEAM education from preschool through middle school
art, music, dance, and PE offerings at every grade level
swimming in rotation with PE beginning in 1st grade
athletics teams for Kindergarten8th grade
after-school activities, including minicourses and music
lessons
Lowell embraces students, families, and staff who reflect a broad
range of backgrounds and perspectives. Diversity is a central
component of our academically rigorous learning environment and a
vital asset for personal growth. Students learn to value all
dimensions of diversity, help create our inclusive community, and
pursue equity and social justice. Lowell is committed to making
sure the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity permeate
all aspects of the school, from curriculum and student life to
administrative decision making and event planning. We ensure
economic diversity with a robust financial assistance program.
Lowell School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Track and Field and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is Lowell School's ranking?
Lowell School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Lowell School?
The application deadline for Lowell School is Jan. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Lowell School located?
Lowell School is located in the Colonial Village neighborhood of Washington, DC.
Grades: PK-12 | 1,142 students3.7 miles 3825 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 (202) 537-8100
3.7
PK-12
1,142
School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(10 reviews)
54/6/2019
When my sons were young all I wanted was to let them be children. I also wanted the miracle of a school that provided an enriching environment, understood who each of them was, and encouraged them to be the best they could be. I never thought a school like that existed, especially after giving our local public elementary a try. Luckily, we found Lowell. Lowell is a school that knows each one of my very different sons and inspires him to push his own boundaries. After 8 years, now with two middle schoolers and one alum, I see what the foundation of a Lowell education can do for young men. My sons are empathetic, sincere, and thoughtful. Top that with the fact that they are also completely prepared for the academic rigors that high schools in the DMV area require, and you have the right school for every child. I consider my sons' Lowell education the greatest gift I have ever given them.
- Posted by Parent - 3BoyJoy!
53/2/2019
Lowell was an awesome place to learn! It allowed me to totally be myself while at the same time encouraged me to "lean into discomfort" and grow. I am thankful for the wonderful and caring teachers.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - Graduate
52/23/2019
Lowell has been been an amazing place for my three boys. It is the perfect mix of academic rigor and a caring, inclusive environment. We've seen the school evolve over the last eight years, as the middle school ramped up to full capacity and the school increased its focus on academic rigor and preparedness for high school. We've also seen a tremendous growth of the athletic and arts/music programs, another sign of enthusiasm, engagement, and balance across the student body. Our boys started out in DC Public Schools, but the switch to Lowell was life-changing for them and their development.
- Posted by Parent - Mike
52/23/2019
All three of my children started Lowell at age three; my oldest is now in 5th grade. In our eight years at Lowell we have gotten to know nearly every faculty and staff member at the school, and we Iook forward to getting to know the team in the upper grades soon. All the amazing people at Lowell are truly my favorite part. They make each day a positive experience for the students. The children are truly known, supported and celebrated by every adult on campus. Whether it is a member of the facilities and maintenance team cheering as third graders raise the flags out front every day, or a member of the finance office singing silly songs with preschoolers while he escorts them from the school bus to their classrooms. Lowell demonstrates in everything they do that each individual is to be valued and respected. My kids LOVE all of their teachers; classroom, specialty (art, PE, etc), coaches - everyone. I know there are many great teachers in the world, and other great schools in our area, but I truly believe that my dollars go to a very special day to day experience for my children, and there is no where else I want them to have their day to day experiences. I feel my kids are safe, loved, encouraged, and challenged. I also know that the adults at Lowell show them all day long how people should be treated. I know of no better role models than the ones at Lowell. It truly is a warm and exciting place to be.
- Posted by Parent - Kari
52/23/2019
My child is a better, more well-rounded person because of his many years at Lowell. The school teaches him that he is part of a global culture, where differences are welcomed and celebrated. This is incorporated into every aspect of the challenging curriculum. Neither is sacrificed for the other. Importantly, because of the low adult to child ratio, Lowell is able to meet every child where they are at any given point in time. When my son was having trouble learning to spell, he was given supplemental assistance with this skill until it was no longer an issue. At the same time, because he was advanced in math, he was given more challenging assignments and encouraged to work ahead, which he loved.
- Posted by Parent - Elaine Fitch
52/23/2019
Our family has been part of the Lowell community for thirteen years, and we continue to be amazed by the consistently high level of programming the school delivers year after year. Lowell`s curriculum is cutting-edge, thoughtfully intergrated, and offers hands-on experiential learning that resonates deeply with students and ignites a true love of learning. Couple this with the knowledgeable and deeply invested faculty, the warm and affirming parent community, the school`s deep commitment to seeking and maintaining a broadly diverse student body and staff, and the beautiful 8 acre campus and you have a winning formula.
- Posted by Parent - Tracy
52/23/2019
We chose Lowell in Kindergarten after sending my girls to PK at NCRC and ALG and it was a perfect fit. Each has become her own version of a strong and compassionate independent learners whose academic skills are honed by 2 full time instructors per class plus the specialized instructors for science, art, dance, PE and music. The campus is beautiful (former womens college) with a lot of light and room for kids to learn. Our 8th graders move on to be accepted by at least one of their top two choices for private and elite public high schools. Win-win.
- Posted by Parent - 2DaughterDaddy
51/5/2019
Our family has been a part of the Lowell Family since 1999. Lowell has certainly grown over the years but what has remained the same is that the campus is beautiful, the teachers are supportive, the programs are engaging and the "Lowell Way" still develops students who are life-long learners!Educational Excellence Redesigned, for sure!
- Posted by Parent - Kim
512/9/2018
We have had an amazing experience at Lowell. The environment they have created allows kids to take risks and be heard. 5 Stars is not enough to express how much my kid loves Lowell.We chose Lowell School for our African-American son several years ago for their stated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion...period. Over the years, Lowell has demonstrated that he and other children of Color matter in our community.We fell in love with the ideals of a progressive education model because they focused on the whole child. His teachers give him a safe place to express his thoughts and let him flourish as a student. The character building lessons Lowell employed when he was 3 years old have followed him to date at 3rd grade. He continues to use all of the strategies to helped him solve social and emotional issues, contribute during class discussions, chose to be a leader among his friends all while being a thoughtful person. My son loves to go to school...not always the school work, but absolutely loves being a student at Lowell and I hear the same sentiment from other parents about their kids too. Imagine a school where children loved to be and hated to leave....that`s my experience of Lowell School.
- Posted by Parent - Melody
511/19/2018
We love this place! Lowell offers a warm, supportive environment with a research-based approach to learning and teachers attuned to the needs of each individual child. The teachers truly care. One example: My daughter was sad to leave first grade at the end of the year because she would miss seeing her teacher over the summer. So the teacher exchanged letters with her all summer long! On top of that -- the campus has lots of tree-filled outdoor space for both learning and play. My child has loved the opportunities to play school-sponsored sports starting in K (plus there is a pool on campus). And we felt warmly welcomed into the parent community. Lowell is a real gem.
- Posted by Parent - Cynthia
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