School Campuses

J.F. Cook Campus

  • J.F. Cook consists of a renovated historic Elementary School (la casa) and the early childhood building (la casita), certified LEED Gold and Platinum.

  • The school was named after the Reverend John F. Cook (1810–1855), an educator and clergyman who was instrumental in the institution of free schools in the early 19th century.

  • J.F. Cook School, part of a virtual campus in the early 20th century, was a key educational institution for post-Civil War African American settlements in the First, N, O, and P streets area, attracting African American students from across the District of Columbia.

  • Renovation and construction of J.F. Cook buildings prioritized sustainability, reusing salvaged materials for landscaping and architectural elements while converting asphalt areas into play spaces and school gardens.

  • A rainwater harvesting system was implemented, conserving over 300,000 gallons of water annually by repurposing gray water for school use instead of sending it to the water treatment facility.

  • The vision for J.F. Cook was a sustainable school where students engage as scientists, urban planners, historians, and activists, solving real community issues collaboratively and finding purpose in their education.

Calle Ocho Campus

  • Mundo Verde sought campus locations to meet growing demand and foster a sense of belonging for its diverse community in D.C.

  • The vision for Calle Ocho was to replicate Mundo Verde’s academic programming and provide high-quality education to more D.C. students.

  • Our Calle Ocho campus, located at 4401 8th Street NE, opened its doors for the 2019-20 school year, serving grades PreK and kindergarten.

  • Originally named the "Ward 5 campus" by the PCSB due to its location, the school later adopted the name "Calle Ocho," meaning "8th Street" in Spanish. The name signifies its permanent location and pays homage to a celebrated Miami neighborhood known for its vibrant Latin American music and artistic heritage.

  • Calle Ocho consists of a renovated elementary school and a second building, the Varnum Building, which is currently being renovated.

  • Both buildings were originally educational facilities run by nuns before becoming dorms for Catholic University: 817 Varnum = Shields Hall, and 4401 8th Street = Brady Hall.

  • The Varnum Building was named after Rev. Shields, founder of one of the Catholic sisters' colleges.

  • The Calle Ocho campus continues to grow with the addition of the second building across the street on Varnum.

Growing With Our Students

With the addition of the property at 817 Varnum Street NE, by Summer 2025 Mundo Verde will complete the replication of its academic programming, encompassing students in PreK through 5th, at the Calle Ocho campus. 

  • Additional space for classrooms

  • Flexible spaces for play and learning, community events, and opportunities to physically experience the outdoors

  • Enhanced nature play

  • Expanded urban farm and community gardens

  • Improved carline and parking

  • A full-service commercial kitchen, starting in the Fall 2024

Quick Updates

5-24-2023: Mundo Verde purchases the property on 817 Varnum St., securing an incredible financial plan with an interest fee fluctuating between 3.69% - 3.39% for the next 20 years.