On Saturday, Dec. 9, families with students entering Grades 9–12 can attend EdFEST at Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol St. NE) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At EdFEST, families can meet with the schools that participate in the My School DC lottery system at the events, helping them to make choices about their students education. The goal of EdFEST is to families in making the best school choice for their child and family.
“EdFEST is a celebration of the incredible public and public charter school options in the District,” said State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant. “We encourage families to take full advantage of these opportunities to access school information, immunizations and much more.”
This year’s EdFEST is on track to be the largest event since before COVID. On Saturday, Dec. 2, about 5,600 people visiting with schools serving Pre K3 to Grade 8 attended EdFEST at the DC Armory.
It is the highest attendance at EdFEST since before the pandemic, when the event served all grades. Between the two events, EdFEST 2023 is expected to top attendance in 2018, when 7,300 people came to learn about their school choices.
More than 800 people are already ed to attend Saturday’s event for the upper grads at Eastern High School. State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant said that two EdFEST dates allows for increased engagement along grade bands. “High school students come out and they have different questions, and it gives the older students an opportunity to engage with other students.”
More than 38 DC Public High Schools and public charter schools will be represented at the event as well as 21 education partners, including discussions about the new DC report card. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions in person about academics, extracurricular activities, and other services provided at each school. “It’s an opportunity to serve a different portion of our system,” Grant said.
The increasing interest in EdFEST comes as data indicates enrollment in DC schools continues to rise. Preliminary numbers released in October show enrollment in District public schools increased to 98,663 students in 2023-24. Overall, public and public charter school enrollment in the District has increased by 18.9 percent in the last decade.
Grant said that increase reflects the robust offerings across the diverse schools offered through the lottery. “I think families are excited to come out and make these critical choices —and they have good choices.”
Families can also learn more about the My School DC lottery which opens on Monday, Dec. 11. My School DC will have staff and Parent Advisory Council available to answer questions about the school lottery process.
ission to EdFEST is free and interpretation services are available. For more information and to , visit myschooldc.org/events/edfest.
Families who need ing for EdFEST or navigating the lottery process are encouraged to call the My School DC hotline at (202) 888-6336, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
