Calle Ocho Growth

Calle Ocho Growth

Since its opening, the Calle Ocho campus has grown alongside its students—adding one grade level each year. As of 2024, the campus now serves students from PreK through 5th grade. This consistent growth reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of our learning community.

Looking ahead, the Calle Ocho campus is undergoing an exciting transformation. With the addition of the property at 817 Varnum Street NE, Mundo Verde will complete the replication of its academic program from the J.F. Cook campus by Summer 2026. This expansion will:

  • Accommodate more students

  • Create purpose-built, sustainable spaces

  • Enhance opportunities for academic achievement, play, and community connection

Construction Updates

Stay up to date with the latest progress as we move through the phases of construction. This carousel will feature photos and key milestones as they happen.

  • June 2025

    Building demolition with a large construction excavator on site and trucks hauling off debris.

  • April 2025

    Soft mobilization of demolition with small equipment.

  • March 2025

    Design finalized and construction permits received.

  • Fall 2024

    A new commercial kitchen to cook fresh, healthy meals on-site.

  • Summer 2024

    Upgrades to existing Calle Ocho building.

  • 2023

    DC Public Charter School Board approved the opening of a second building. Purchase of the property at 817 Varnum Street NE.

  • 2019

    Calle Ocho Campus opens its doors serving grades PreK and Kinder.

Our Vision for Growth

At Mundo Verde, growth is intentional. It means expanding access, deepening impact, and designing spaces that reflect our values. The addition of the Varnum Street building is a bold step forward—one that brings our vision to life through thoughtful design and purposeful expansion.

By the 2026–27 school year, the new facility will fully replicate Mundo Verde’s academic programming for PreK through 5th grade at Calle Ocho. This next phase of growth will include:

Learning Environments That Inspire

  • Flexible classrooms with indoor-outdoor connections that support academic and creative learning

  • Nature-centered play spaces designed to foster exploration and physical development

  • A multi-purpose room and full-service kitchen that expand learning beyond the classroom

Community-Centered Design

  • Expanded community gardens that build hands-on connections to nature

  • Nature play areas open to the public during non-school hours, increasing neighborhood access

  • Versatile spaces for learning, community events, and outdoor exploration

Sustainability in Action

  • A living sustainability demonstration site that models eco-conscious learning

  • Stormwater management systems that capture 100% of run-off and protect the environment

  • Restored forest and eco-friendly landscaping that enhance both beauty and biodiversity

Project Timeline

The expansion at Calle Ocho is underway, with key milestones leading to the full opening of the new Varnum Street facility in the 2026–27 school year. While timelines are subject to change due to permitting and construction variables, here’s the anticipated path forward:

  • Summer 2025: Construction begins on the Varnum Street building

  • School Year 2025-26: Construction will continue at the Varnum Street site. All new PreK students will attend classes in swing spaces located at the J.F. Cook campus.

  • Spring 2026: Targeted completion of core construction phase.

  • School Year 2026–27: Students previously assigned to swing spaces will attend classes at the new Calle Ocho facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our new building will be dedicated all to PreK. There will be eight PreK classes. Moving PreK to the new building will provide more space to the rest of the grades.

  • Yes. For the 2025–26 school year, all new PreK students will begin the year at swing spaces located at the J.F. Cook campus. Once construction at the new Varnum facility is complete, students will transition to the permanent site.

  • We will prioritize keeping families with currently enrolled siblings at the same campus. All new students placed in swing spaces will be guaranteed a return to Calle Ocho once construction is complete.

  • We will prioritize accommodating all families with currently enrolled siblings at Calle Ocho campus to ensure families are not placed at two different campuses. However, once the facility is completed, all students accepted to Calle Ocho campus and placed in the swing space will be guaranteed a space at our Calle Ocho facility.

  • Our current Calle Ocho building will operate normally during the construction period, and our students will not be affected.

  • The Calle Ocho facilities project is underway, but slightly delayed due to typical construction, permitting, and contracting challenges. We are expecting the next phase of demolition on the existing site to begin in mid-to-late April and new construction in early June.

  • Trailers will not be used. Three swing spaces at the J.F. Cook campus will serve new PreK-3 and PreK-4 students for the 2025–26 school year. Current Calle Ocho students will remain at Calle Ocho. Families with currently enrolled siblings at Calle Ocho will be prioritized for placement together. All students assigned to swing spaces are guaranteed a spot at the new Calle Ocho facility once construction is complete.

  • We have been able to arrange that siblings are co-located at Calle Ocho. Families should not be split therefore no transportation is required.

  • If you have any questions related to the actual construction, please contact Project Manager John Breyer at jbreyer@mundoverdepcs.org.