WBL Academy — Words Beats & Life Inc.

Open the doors of creativity with our arts education curriculum

Students innovate and excel with our free after-school art classes for youth and young adults ages 8 to 18. From creative skills for elementary, middle school and high school to college prep, we help your child craft a better future, through hip-hop!

Our academy is the premier destination for innovative, creative, and inspiring after-school education. We provide students with the opportunity to excel in their education and pursue their passions with the help of our principal artists and industry leaders. Our culturally relevant curriculum engages students through hip-hop arts and history, building skills across multiple disciplines.

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Register Free DJ Hip hop Classes in DC Ages 8 to 18 — **Register for Winter 2026 Academy Classes in Washington, DC**

Our **Winter 2026 semester** runs from **January 8th to April 12th, 2026** and **registration is now open**! Classes are available for **students ages 8–18** in **Washington, DC**. Explore a variety of **academy programs and courses designed for youth and young adults**. Check out the **full list of Winter 2026 classes** below and **register today** to secure your spot for the semester!

Register Now

**DCPS Students: Join Academy After-School Classes**

Sign up for free after-school Academy classes in **Songwriting, Fashion Design, Stop Motion Photography, DJing, Face & Body Painting, Graffiti, Beat Production, and Podcasting**. Explore your creativity, learn new skills, and express yourself.
**Available for students at:** Kelly Miller, Sousa, Johnson, Hart, Anacostia High, KIPP, and DC Prep.

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WBLit Mag Issue 003

Explore the minds of our Fall 2023 academy students in this literary review of poetry, artwork and more.

Read now

Academy Location & Directions

Our offices and classrooms are located in St. Stephens Church

Address: 1525 Newton St., NW Washington, D.C. 20010

Bus: H8, S1 & S2 stops at 16th St & Newton St NW directly in front of the Academy

Train: Green Line Columbia Heights stop is an 8-minute walk from the Academy

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After-School Academy Information 2025–2026

Cost: Free
Location: Washington, D.C.

Classes by Age Group

Elementary School: ages 8 to 11

Middle School: ages 12 to 13

High School: ages 14 to 18

College Prep: 14 to 18

2025–2026 Session Dates

Fall ’25 Session: September 11 – December 15

Winter ’26 Session: January 8 – April 12

Spring ’26 Session: April 22 – June 14

Summer ’26 Session: June 29 – July 31

School-Year Class Schedule

Monday, Tuesday
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Elementary and Middle School Students (Ages 8 to 13)

Wednesday
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
High School Students (Ages 14 to 18)

Thursdays
3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Apprentice Level Students, Youth Poet Laureates, Slam Team

Summer 2026 Academy

Grades/Ages: Ages 8 to 18
Elementary, Middle, High School and College-age
Days: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Includes summer book club