Military Road Early Learning Center (MRELC) opened in August 2021 as DCPS’ second stand-alone early childhood school, serving 3-to-5-year-old pre-kindergarten students exclusively. Our small, vibrant school community includes two (2) classrooms for PK3, two (2) classrooms for PK4, and two (2) self-contained special education classrooms for students whose developmental needs require a smaller classroom setting. All of our classroom teachers are fully certified and have at least a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. All of our instructional assistants have at least an associate’s degree or a minimum of 48 hours of college credit.
A Day in Pre-K
Military Road Early Learning Center offers full-day programming from 8:40am to 3:10pm. The daily schedule includes breakfast and lunch, whole group and small group lessons, recess, rest time, and opportunities for child-directed play. Students also participate in one special subject class (art, music, physical education, library, and Spanish) each day.
Curriculums
The Creative Curriculum is a project and play-based curriculum. Studies address broad topics that are familiar to all children. Classrooms are student-centered spaces that support whole group, small group, and independent learning experiences. Teachers assess student learning through observation and conversations during independent and small group work.
Building Blocks is a playful early childhood math curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. Instruction is delivered through brief whole group activities to introduce concepts and skills, and hands-on small group activities tailored to children’s developmental levels.
Heggerty is a literacy program used to teach phonemic awareness and early literacy skills.
Al’s Pals is a social-emotional curriculum designed to teach students to identify and manage feelings, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with others through the use of puppets, songs, interactive discussions, and problem-solving experiences.
The STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) is an evidence-based curriculum for students who require specialized instruction. The program teaches skills in the areas of receptive language, expressive language, spontaneous language, functional routines, academics, and play and social skills.
FAQ
What grades are available at Military Road Early Learning Center (MRELC)?
Our school serves PK3 and PK4 students only.
How old does my child have to be to enter PK3 or PK4 for the 2025-2026 school year?
For PK3, your child must be 3 years old by September 30, 2025, and for PK4, your child must be 4 years old by September 30, 2025.
What are the current school hours?
The school office hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm daily. Student hours are 8:40am to 3:10pm.
How does arrival and dismissal work?
Children and families enter through our Main Entrance on 13th Place NW. Parking is available on 13th Place NW and Missouri Avenue NW during drop-off and pick-up hours. Parents or guardians enter the building with their children at both arrival and dismissal and escort them to their classroom. Students who qualify for transportation services arrive by bus in front of the school and are escorted inside by MRELC staff.
Does MRELC have a uniform policy?
No, MRELC does not require a uniform. We ask that students wear comfortable, seasonally-appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes.
What are school meals at MRELC like?
SodexoMagic provides breakfast and lunch for MRELC students. Breakfast is free for all students and served daily in the classroom before school begins, starting at 8:40am. Lunch is also provided for free, is served “family style,” and includes a nutritious meal including protein, fruit, vegetables, and milk. Dietary accommodations can be made for medical, food allergies, and vegetarian options.
Does MRELC offer before care or aftercare?
MRELC offers both before care and aftercare through Flex Academies. Before care operates from 7:30am until school begins, and aftercare runs from dismissal through 6:00pm.
How many students are in each class?
Early childhood classes have a maximum of 16 students in PK3 and 20 in PK4, with one teacher and one instructional assistant. Our special education classrooms have fewer students enrolled. The capacity in those classrooms depends upon the type of program and the educational needs of the students.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Toilet training is a devleopmental skill that children acquire at different times. Therefore, DCPS does not require that children are toilet trained before they begin school. If you are working with your child on this skill, please talk with their teacher so that we can work together to support this process.
How long is nap/rest time?
Nap time is 90 minutes for PK3 and 60 minutes for PK4.
What if my child has allergies or needs medication throughout the school day?
Parents should submit medication plan forms and indicate so on their health forms to notify our school nurse. In addition, you can notify your child’s classroom teacher. MRELC is a peanut-free and tree nut-free building.
My child currently attends MRELC. What opportunities are there to get involved with the school?
Families are essential partners in their child’s education and a vital part of our school community. We encourage family involvement through open communication, attending or volunteering to support classroom and schoolwide events, participating in our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), and serving as a parent representative on our Local School Advisory Team (LSAT).