How to apply
Join the Haynes Community
We are a public charter school serving 1,100 students across grades PK3 – 12 at two campuses in Northwest DC. Learn more about our STEAM+ academic model, warm and welcoming community, and the steps for applying to bring your family to Haynes!
Learn about E.L. Haynes
E.L. Haynes invites you to explore our STEAM+ curriculum and award-winning program, from our philosophy of teaching and learning through the logistics of the school day.
What is a STEAM+ academic model?
STEAM+ stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, math and language study. This model has been part of the Haynes approach since the school was founded by Jennie Niles more than 20 years ago and it is still evolving today.
Haynes offers students an educational experience in which each stage of learning builds on the last, from early exploration and foundational skills to advanced academics, specialized pathways, and postsecondary opportunities.
Learn more about STEAM+ at each level of our school:
When are your open houses?
We offer a range of events for you to learn more, including virtual information sessions, in-person open houses, and small group campus tours. We provide language interpretation for every event (please request this on the form). All virtual events will be recorded and posted on this page.
See the list below, then register for any of our events!
All-E.L. Haynes (grades PK3-12)
- VIRTUAL Tuesday, November 17, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Elementary School (Grades PK3-5)
We invite families to join a virtual open house to learn more about our Elementary School program, approach, and logistics. Then families may sign up for small group tours of the campus on weekday mornings beginning in December. Open house dates are listed below.
- VIRTUAL Tuesday, December 1, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- VIRTUAL Thursday, January 14, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- IN PERSON Saturday, February 6, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- VIRTUAL Thursday, February 16, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
We invite families to join a virtual or on-campus open house to learn more about our school’s program and logistics. Families may sign up for small group tours of the campus on weekday mornings beginning in December. Open house dates are listed below.
- VIRTUAL Wednesday, December 9, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- IN PERSON Thursday, January 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- VIRTUAL Tuesday, February 23, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Spanish)
- IN PERSON Wednesday, February 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
High School (Grades 9-12)
We invite families to join a virtual or on-campus open house to learn more about our school’s program and logistics. Families may sign up for small group tours of the campus on weekday mornings beginning in January. Open house dates are listed below.
- VIRTUAL Wednesday, December 9, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- IN PERSON Wednesday, January 27, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- VIRTUAL Thursday, January 28, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Spanish)
Register for an open house
How do I apply for my child to attend E.L. Haynes?
E.L. Haynes participate in the MySchoolDC common lottery for all DC public charter schools, as well as DCPS.
For the 2027-28 School Year, the lottery application opens in mid-December. You may submit the application any time before the deadline – there is no advantage to applying early. If you apply after the deadline, your child can still be waitlisted at the schools on the application list. The date you submit the post-lottery application is used instead of a lottery number, so apply as early as possible.
- The 9th-12th grade application deadline is February 1, 2027.
- The PK3 – 8 lottery deadline is March 1, 2027.
Visit MySchoolDC to create an account and submit an application for your child.
Need assistance?
Email us at admissions@elhaynes.org or call (202) 667-4446 to get our help with the lottery application!