WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially cut the ribbon on the newly modernized Truesdell Elementary School in Ward 4, welcoming families and students to a state-of-the-art campus at the start of the new school year. The $82.9 million project not only revitalizes the school’s facilities but also launches expanded Pre-K programs for the District’s youngest learners.
A Modern Campus for Every Stage of Early Learning
The new Truesdell campus has been designed to support students from infancy through elementary school. Among its additions are innovative classrooms, a turf field, and a multipurpose timber field house that doubles as a gym and cafeteria.
“At Truesdell, families have access to every stage of early learning, starting with infants and toddlers, continuing through Pre-K, and into elementary school – all in a modern building with world-class educators,” said Mayor Bowser.
The design emphasizes sustainability and flexibility, aligning with the District’s goal of creating eco-friendly learning environments that can adapt to modern educational needs.
New Child Development Center
A highlight of the project is the child development center now housed within Truesdell. Once fully operational, it will serve infants and toddlers in collaboration with a community partner to be announced.
Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn emphasized its importance: “What makes Truesdell so special is that it brings the entire early learning journey together in one place.”
This initiative builds on a citywide effort. Since 2020, the District has expanded access to affordable childcare through similar centers at Stevens, Military Road, Randle Highlands, Miner, and Garfield Elementary Schools.
Expanding Access to Pre-K
The modernization of Truesdell is part of Mayor Bowser’s broader early childhood strategy, which focuses on ensuring every child in the District receives a strong educational foundation.
Enrollment data reflects the program’s reach: 82% of 3-year-olds and 95% of 4-year-olds in Washington, D.C., are currently enrolled in Pre-K.
“With the modernization of Truesdell Elementary School, we are making a powerful investment in our children’s future and in the vitality of our community,” said DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee.
Support for Families
To further assist families, DCPS has rolled out the “Ready for Pre-K!” initiative, providing resources and guidance for children transitioning into early education. Parents can access materials at readyforprek.org.
Mayor Bowser has also released the 2025 Back to School Guide, offering information on enrollment, academic support, and career preparation for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Families can find the guide online at backtoschool.dc.gov.
Building the Future of Education in DC
For city leaders, Truesdell’s reopening symbolizes more than a modernized building—it represents a commitment to equity and opportunity. By investing in both facilities and programs, the District aims to provide seamless access to quality education from infancy onward.
As Mayor Bowser noted, the new Truesdell Elementary is not just a school, but “a powerful investment in the future of our children and the strength of our community.”
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