National Child Research Center

Nevertheless, interest in child study and parent education led representatives of eight organizations to obtain a three-year grant from the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial to begin what was then known as Washington Child Research Center. When the grant ended in 1931, parents were faced with losing their children's school.

On behalf of the whole NCRC community, I am excited for you to explore our website and learn about our exceptional preschool, a center of excellence in early childhood education. Founded in 1928, National Child Research Center is the oldest continuously operating preschool in the District of Columbia.

NCRC stands on its pillars of inclusion, diversity, and equity and is committed to creating a diverse and respectful community, modeling empathy and civil discourse for all. By acknowledging, identifying, and celebrating our diversity, we can ensure children learn to respect and value difference from an early age.

National Child Research Center is a diverse, vibrant community that challenges our students to be curious, compassionate, and confident. The school is committed to employing faculty, staff, and administrators who lead by example in our community by striving to uphold the school's mission. Our staff and faculty arrive each day eager to learn and to teach, bringing their broad experiences and professional expertise with them.

Families interested in the current 2020/2021 school year should contact the Admissions team directly. Please note that our online Inquiry Form is not an application - it is a helpful first step in getting to know families interested in learning more about NCRC. Submit Developmental Supporting Documents and Reports (Required of Applicants with Documentation).