Activities & Resources

The DCJCC, as it's better known, offers a plethora of family activities. Family swim and gym times, playgroups, and special holiday activities make this a great place to be and belong.

Programs for children include infant and toddler classes, chess club, group and private swimming lessons, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, birthday parties, and after-school care.

The Washington DCJCC Preschool, for children ages two to five, is open year-round from 7:30am-6pm. The school begins accepting applications one year in advance of the desired start date. Call 202.777.3278 or visit washingtondcjcc.org/kids-and-parents for more information.

The Parenting Center offers networking opportunities, resources and programming for pregnant couples and for babies, toddlers, young children, and their parents.

Summer camp programs are available for children in grades Pre-K through 12.

getting there:

Take the Red Line to Dupont Circle. Exit at Q Street (North Entrance to the Metro). Walk east, crossing over Connecticut Ave. The Center is located four blocks away, at the corner of 16th & Q Streets, NW.

rate and review this attraction:

reviews: 6 reviews

At the J, we pride ourselves on our commitment to educating children in a warm, nurturing environment that celebrates and respects the diversity of all of our families in every definition of the word. I encourage you to come for a personal tour!
Sarah Rabin Spira, Early Childhood Director
(202) 777-3278, sarahr@washingtondcjcc.org

sarahrabinspira

added: 09/07/2011

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I'm shocked to hear the story by the anonymous commenter. I've been going to the JCC for three years and have always had wonderful experiences with all of the staff, especially the front desk staff, who are some of the nicest folks around. I would hate for people to think that this is somehow the norm. It certainly is not. I also have several African American friends who go here for preschool and for the gym facility and they all love it too. I've never heard them say anything negative about the staff. I hope the person gives the JCC another chance. I can't recommend the preschool enough. We've loved it. My daughter is graduating from the Pre-K program this year and we'll be sad to leave.

kerridavis

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To the anonymous commenter--THANK YOU for sharing your story. I appreciate your honesty. I too am African American and seeking options for various children's programs; I was wondering about this center because they've received such great reviews otherwise. However, I refuse to expose my child to such ignorance and discrimination. I realize you cannot shield your children from such behavior forever but I'm going to do my best for as long as she's in my immediate care. It's a shame in this day and age people are so ignorant. I live in DC because of the diversity of the city. It's especially interesting that the low-level staffer at the front desk thought enough of herself to be the judge of you.

eastoftheriver

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Unfortunately, the review posting below on 08/19/09 did not include my contact information although there was a field for it. It is Margaret Hahn Stern, Chief Operating Officer, Washington DCJCC, (202) 777-3252. Look forward to hearing from the Anonymous reviewer of 06/19/09.

Margaret Hahn Stern

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I just saw this review and encourage the "anonymous" parent to come back and give us another chance. I regret that this particular front desk staff person behaved so uncharacteristically of the rest of the Washington DCJCC staff who pride themselves on creating a welcoming place and a neighborhood resource for everyone. Please come see me and I assure you I'll make good on that claim.

anonymous

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"I feel ignorant for not assuming that the Jewish community center is only a place for the "Jewish in the community". I am an African American living 3 blocks away from the center, and I decided to drop in with my baby to take a tour of the facility, and see what they have to offer children. I was questioned for 5 minutes at the door as to why i was there, then I was told that 1st Baptist church down the street was much cheaper, and when asking specific questions about the childrens classes, I was told to refer to the website! ahhh the website...LOL! I READ the website, which is why I came in! AND, thanks for making assumptions about my monthly income! I do well for my self thank YOU! They should have just told me at the door "no blacks allowed" "

anonymous

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