On a bright September day, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School students rolled up their sleeves for an exciting project—Beautification Day, a hands-on initiative to create a community garden on their school grounds. Thanks to a generous grant from the Scott’s GroMoreGood Grassroots Program, the students are not only helping to beautify their school but are also planting the seeds for a healthier, greener future.

TCGDC is proud to have received the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant, a national program aimed at bringing the joy and benefits of gardening to communities across the United States. The partnership between The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening provides garden grants, kits, educational curriculum, and training for youth gardens and Head Start programs. This support aligns perfectly with TCGDC’s vision of creating a safe, green space where students can thrive.

The new garden, part of the school’s Project Sunflower, is the brainchild of Molly Fleder, LMSW, Elementary Social Worker, and Horticultural Therapist at TCGDC. “We are excited to receive this grant from Scott’s GroMoreGood Program to create a new garden at our DC school,” said Fleder. “The youth in our community face many challenges due to the social and economic hardships of Washington, D.C.’s 7th and 8th wards. This grant will help provide safe, accessible green spaces, offering students opportunities for outdoor recreation, physical activity, and connecting with nature.”

The mission of Project Sunflower is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can achieve their individualized educational goals while fostering social, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and imaginative growth. The garden will serve as more than just a place for plants to grow—it will become an outdoor classroom, therapy space, and hands-on learning lab for the students.

Principal Frank Medley of TCGDC expressed his pride in the students’ enthusiasm during Beautification Day. “It warms my heart that students are giving 110% and showing they really love their school,” said Medley. “In our district, a lot of students do not have any green space, so this garden represents a huge opportunity for them. After planting, students will manage the garden, water the plants, measure how high they grow, and integrate the program into their science lessons.”

The involvement of the students extends beyond planting. They will actively engage with the garden throughout the year, working with their social worker or teacher to learn about plant life cycles, pollination, and how ecosystems function. The school received donations of seedlings from the local Arboretum, including a variety of vegetables like broccoli, kale, and collard greens, as well as herbs and flowers such as rosemary, thyme, echinacea, sunflowers, and catmint. These plants not only beautify the garden but will also attract pollinators, contributing to the local ecosystem.

Therapeutic and Educational Benefits for Students

The garden will offer numerous therapeutic benefits, especially for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). The program supports students in achieving social and emotional milestones, including enhanced mood, self-accomplishment, and decision-making skills. For students on the Autism Spectrum or with ADHD, the sensory aspects of gardening—touching soil, seeing colors, and smelling herbs—will help with focus, endurance, and occupational therapy goals.

Cognitively, the garden encourages focus and memory retention, while discovery and imagination are nurtured as students explore the changing seasons and the life cycles of plants and animals. From watching caterpillars transform into butterflies to planting and harvesting crops, students will connect what they learn in the garden to their classroom studies.

A Holistic Approach to Education

Throughout the year, the garden will be a central part of TCGDC’s educational approach, providing a space where students can apply lessons from science, math, and even special education in real-world, hands-on activities. Weekly visits to the garden will include group therapy sessions, classroom projects, and individual therapy tailored to each student’s IEP.

As the garden grows, so will the students’ knowledge, confidence, and sense of accomplishment. The project represents a holistic approach to education—one that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit while connecting students to the natural world.

To learn more about The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School go to www.tcgdc.org

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School (TCGDC), founded by The Children’s Guild, opened its doors in Washington, D.C. in 2015 with a mission to provide a unique and personalized educational experience for every student. As we gear up for the new school year, we’re excited to reintroduce our school and highlight what makes TCGDC a standout choice for families in the District of Columbia.

A Student-Centered Approach

At TCGDC, Every Student Matters, and Every Moment Counts. Our approach is centered around the belief that education should be about more than just academics; it should be about developing caring, committed, and contributing young people who are prepared to engage in a cause bigger than themselves.

Our curriculum is designed to celebrate the unique talents of every child, offering a personalized learning environment that adapts to each student’s needs. By focusing on each student’s strengths and interests, we foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Admissions Made Easy

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School is a tuition-free, publicly funded charter school open to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our admissions process is fully online, making it convenient for families to apply and join our community. We welcome all students, without the need for testing or screening, ensuring that every child can benefit from our innovative educational programs.

Apply Now for the 2024–2025 School Year!

For more information, connect with our Admissions Team:

• Phone: 202.774.5442
• Email: [email protected]
• Contacts: [email protected], [email protected]

Meal Programs and Free Transportation

TCGDC is committed to supporting our students’ well-being in and out of the classroom. We offer three different types of transportation options to ensure all students can attend school without barriers:

• School Bus Transportation: Convenient and reliable for students in all grades
• Special OSSE Bus Transportation: Tailored for children with special needs to ensure safe and comfortable travel
• Bus Cards for Metro Public Transportation: Free Metro bus cards for students who prefer using public transportation

We are also proud participants in the National School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, and the After-School Snack Program. Our school is part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means all meals are free of charge for every student.

Meal Programs Include:

• Breakfast: Offered in the classroom during in-person learning
• Lunch: Served in the cafeteria
• After-School Snacks: Provided as part of our extended day program

Additionally, TCGDC participates in the Fresh Food and Vegetable Program (FFVP), providing students with access to fresh produce and nutritious meals daily.

A Family-Oriented School

TCGDC stands out as a family-oriented school that serves students in grades K-8. We provide rigorous and supportive settings for all students, from general education to self-contained special education. Our broad-spectrum approach allows families to educate all K-8 students in one school, making us a truly unique educational option in the District.

Best Practices in Education

The Children’s Guild combines the most effective educational and behavioral practices to create a unique hybrid model that defines our schools. Our educational model is built on five foundational practices:

1. TEACCH Structures: Developed at the University of North Carolina, these structures provide a framework for supporting students with autism and related disorders, ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
2. Project-Based Learning: We integrate strategies and tools that engage students in real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
3. Character Development: Our multi-dimensional approach emphasizes the development of strong character traits, helping students become responsible and ethical members of their communities.
4. Arts Integration: We believe in the power of the arts to enhance academic rigor. By integrating arts into our curriculum, we support students in expressing their creativity and understanding complex concepts.
5. Diagnostic and Evaluation Center: Our state-of-the-art center uses highly skilled professionals to identify the programs and services each student needs to reach their optimal academic potential.

Join Us at TCGDC

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. We invite new and returning families to join us for the 2024–2025 school year and become part of our vibrant school community.

Together, let’s inspire a love for learning and prepare our students to make a positive impact on the world.

Connect With Us Today!

Visit our website or contact our Admissions Team to learn more about how The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School can be the right fit for your family. Don’t forget to follow us on social media @TCGDC on Instagram, Facebook,  X, and  The Children’s Guild YouTube. We look forward to welcoming you!

The Children’s Guild District of Columbia Public Charter School

2146 24th Place NE
Washington, DC 20018

202.774.5442

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] 

Free preschool is an invaluable resource most find easy to support. Maryland is leading the way by instituting expanded free pre-K for many families who live in the state. Many other states have also launched free pre-K programs or are in the process of doing so. Through a variety of quality learning experiences in pre-K, kids develop skills, knowledge, and behaviors essential to being successful in school and life.

About Pre-K for Your Kids in Maryland

Maryland offers state-funded pre-K programs for three- and four-year-old children. Pre-K helps all children, but Maryland’s free programs are specifically designated for families who are economically disadvantaged or homeless. Programs offer experiences in language and literacy, math, social foundations, science, social studies, fine arts, physical well-being, and motor development.

Free pre-K for all the state’s three- and four-year-olds in need has been a major focus for Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Requirements in the Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act say that local school systems should enroll all income-eligible three- and four-year-olds whose parents or guardians seek to enroll them. Maryland’s programs are administered through the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant. In 2023, almost 28,000 students were enrolled in free pre-K in Maryland.

Kids Need a Strong Start

Expanding access to preschool and pre-K gives all kids a stronger start. The Children’s Guild knows that any preschool education can substantially increase a child’s chances of thriving in school and life. Programs teach social skills through interactions, mentoring, and direct teaching—and often can shrink racial and economic education gaps in children’s development.

“Early learning programs play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a child’s future success. These programs provide essential cognitive, social, and emotional development opportunities that are fundamental for a child’s overall growth and readiness for formal education. Investing in quality early learning programs not only benefits individual children but also contributes to building a strong foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society.  For many years, this has been an unmanageable expense for families. Now, there are widely available and affordable programs that enhance equity to access and opportunity for all young learners,” says Jenny Livelli, M.Ed., President and CEO, The Children’s Guild.

Parents have access to many preschool programs in Maryland, including two provided by The Children’s Guild in College Park and Annapolis. Last year TCG was proud to educate 170 preschoolers.

“What sets The Children’s Guild preschool programs apart is their unique blend of innovative educational approaches and a nurturing environment. The dedicated and passionate staff genuinely care about each child’s individual growth and development. Their focus on personalized learning ensures that every child’s needs and interests are met, fostering a love for learning from an early age. The integration of project-based activities and hands-on experiences has been particularly beneficial, allowing our children to develop critical thinking skills and a deep appreciation for the world around them,” says Krissie Taylor, Preschool Director, The Children’s Guild.

How Does Pre-K Work?

Some pre-K programs run a half day; some are full day. Many run on the same calendar as your local school system.

Each session can have about 20 kids, with a state-certified early childhood teacher and a full-time assistant. They use Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards and the Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating & Improvement System. If operated by qualified vendors, programs also meet the highest levels of quality and follow a curriculum recommended by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Are You Eligible?

Find out! Maryland cities and counties have different eligibility requirements, rules, and regulations. Kids should be three or four years old by September 1 of the current school year for which they are enrolling. There are other qualifications, too, and you need to be able to document their age. Check with your school district, or see this list of Pre-K programs, sorted by city and county.

After initial enrollment of economically disadvantaged kids, local school systems may fill any remaining vacancies by enrolling kids who exhibit a lack of readiness in foundational skills, knowledge, and behaviors.

Start by registering your child at your neighborhood or local school system’s Board of Education by completing a registration packet. Your local Board of Education will notify you before the start of the school year if your child will be enrolled.

Preschool Through The Children’s Guild

TCG offers two preschools in Maryland. Monarch Academy Annapolis is free for qualified families and Anne Arundel County residents and offers education programs from pre-K three- and four-year-olds through fifth grade. Monarch Preschool College Park offers project-based learning pre-K for children ages 3-5, along with financial aid and paid tuition options.

Application information for Annapolis is here. Application information for College Park is here.

Set Your Kids Up Now for the Future

When analyzing the long-term effects of Maryland’s public pre-K programs, results show a positive effect on the participants’ school performance through elementary and middle school.