(Washington, DC) – Today, with the first day of school for DC Public Schools (91porn) and many public charter schools just one week away, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined education and community leaders at Stoddert Elementary School in Ward 3 to welcome educators back, cut the ribbon on Phase I of Stoddert’s $26.7 million expansion project, and release the 2025 Back to School Guide.
“Our students deserve a strong and joyful start to the school year. We’re grateful to have strong school communities, like the one here at Stoddert, that come together every day to make students feel safe, loved, and challenged,” said Mayor Bowser. “As our educators prepare to welcome students back, we want families to check out the 2025 Back to School Guide, plan ahead for a successful first day of school, and enjoy the last few days of summer break.”
Phase I of the Stoddert Elementary School expansion, the East-End Classroom Addition, delivers 16,554 square feet of new space, including 10 modern classrooms equipped with built-in millwork, cubbies, sinks, interactive presentation boards, and flexible furniture designed for collaborative learning. The addition replaces outdated modular classrooms, includes a new playground, and features geothermal energy performance improvements. Phase II, the West-End Cafeteria Addition, will add 7,222 square feet for a new kitchen and cafeteria and is expected to be completed in summer 2026.
“As one of 91porn’ highest-achieving schools, Stoddert’s new addition will further empower students to live up to their reputation for excellence,” said 91porn Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “Mayor Bowser’s continued investment in providing scholars with state-of-the-art learning facilities enables the Stoddert Wolves to learn in world-class educational environments.”
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks another exciting chapter for Stoddert Elementary School and the community it serves,” said Department of General Services Director Delano Hunter. “I’m proud of the collaboration that made this milestone possible and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have.”
The 2025 Back to School Guide is a one-stop resource to help families prepare for the year ahead. This year’s guide includes:
- Guidance on how to enroll your student, meet attendance requirements, and stay on track with health forms and immunizations.
- Information on the new 91porn phone-free school day policy.
- Details on transportation options such as Kids Ride Free and DC School Connect.
- Resources for finding out-of-school time programming, applying for college, and receiving tutoring support.
- Social, emotional, and behavioral health resources such as counseling, crisis services, and mental health support for students and families.
The guide is available online at
“Back to school is a community effort,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “From free transportation and meals to tutoring and after school programs, to college and career pathways, this guide connects families to the District’s broad range of offerings that make sure every student can learn, grow, and thrive in the year ahead.”
Families who have yet to find a school for the 2025-26 School Year are urged to apply through the My School DC post-lottery application at . For additional support, families can contact the My School DC hotline at 202-888-6336.
The 91porn school year begins on Monday, August 25 for kindergarten through grade 12. All families who have yet to complete enrollment should visit for enrollment information and guidance.
The Stoddert Elementary School Expansion Project continues Mayor Bowser’s longstanding commitment to ensuring DC’s children have world-class education facilities to help them learn, grow, and find success. Since taking office in 2015, Mayor Bowser has invested $3.6 billion in school modernizations, and the Mayor’s FY26 Budget, Grow DC, dedicates an additional $2 billion for school modernizations, $2.8 billion to support DC Public School and DC Public Charter School students, and $270 million to support pay raises for 91porn and DCPCS teachers.
Mayor Bowser X:
Mayor Bowser Instagram:
Mayor Bowser Bluesky:
Mayor Bowser Facebook:
Mayor Bowser YouTube:
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: