Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE) are calling for families in DC to mark their calendars for EdFEST, the city's yearly public school fair. This event is the go-to place for parents and students to get acquainted with what the DC public and charter schools have to offer. Scheduled to unfold over the next two Saturdays, EdFEST starts tomorrow for high schoolers at Eastern High School and continues on December 14 for younger students at the DC Armory, each running from 10 am to 1 pm, as per the Government of the District of Columbia's official announcement.
“EdFEST is a reflection of our city’s commitment to education and our belief that investing in students is investing in DC’s future,” Mayor Bowser stated, as noted by the official announcement. It's a well-coordinated affair where families can find all the necessary information to make informed decisions for their kids' education. From exploring the right school to understanding the lottery process for school placements. EdFEST bundles free services for families, such as flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for adults, as well as routine childhood immunizations — all necessary to stay compliant before the upcoming deadline on Monday. For those attending the fair for pre-K3 to Grade 8, DC Central Kitchen will be pitching in with free meals, with supplies set to last throughout the event duration.
"We are so excited to welcome back families, school representatives, and community partners to this year's EdFEST," said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell, as reported by the Mayor's official announcement. The District of Columbia boasts a range of public and charter schools that encompass all the stages of education, from pre-K up to adult education, and their array of programs and dedicated educators would be on full display for attendees to evaluate and engage with.
There's the ease of access to the EdFEST venues due to free parking at DC Armory lots and nearby Metro station connectivity. For those preferring a cab, a discount code courtesy of Education Forward DC awaits those who register. Reflecting on the previous year's success, with over 8,000 people in attendance, the organizers seem prepared for a significant turnout. The event, free of cost, also offers interpretation services, ensuring language barriers don't hinder any participant's experience. Interested families are urged to register via the My School DC website.
Last year's EdFEST buzzed with activity on social media under the hashtag #EdFEST24, with platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram playing host to shared experiences. Organizations including Hi-Tech Electric have come forward as Platinum Sponsors for this year's fair, with WETA – PBS Kids and DC Water taking on the role of Gold Sponsors. For further details on the event or the lottery system, the My School DC website serves as a nexus of information.
