Washington Tennis & Education Foundation: Empowering Youth Through Tennis and Education at the East Capitol Campus
The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) is dedicated to building life champions through tennis and academic excellence. WTEF works to give underserved kids a safe environment they trust and where they can excel. It empowers its students to achieve their highest potential by developing meaningful values and critical life skills that will lead them to success. WTEF is the premier nonprofit educational and athletic organization for children and youth living in Washington, DC’s low-income, high risk neighborhoods. It provides high quality afterschool academic, tennis and wellness programs in a safe, trustworthy environment. The organization's East Capitol Campus serves as a cornerstone for these efforts, offering a comprehensive approach to youth development.
A Hub for Holistic Growth
The East Capitol Campus of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) is more than just a tennis facility; it’s a full-service community hub for growth, both on and off the court. With nine outdoor courts and six climate-controlled indoor courts, the center provides year-round access to top-tier playing conditions. East Campus indoor courts are climate controlled for year round use and are enhanced with PlaySight smart court technology.
Located at 200 Stoddert Pl SE, Washington, DC 20019, the East Capitol Campus opened in November 2012, stands as a state-of-the art facility boasting six indoor and nine outdoor tennis courts, three classrooms, a computer lab as well as counseling and meeting space.
Comprehensive Programs at the East Capitol Campus
WTEF’s programs are designed to offer some of the District’s poorest children one-on-one academic help from D.C. Tennis Association certified instructors, plus match, local and sometimes national tournament play. All instruction and coaching is free.
The new facility will be home to the foundation’s Center for Excellence, which prepares kids in grades 1-12 for college, as well as its Arthur Ashe Children’s Program, which goes into 24 elementary and middle schools in Northeast and Southeast and teaches academics, tennis and life skills.
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WTEF is especially known for its commitment to youth development. Kids enrolled in programs here receive high-quality tennis instruction alongside academic support, tutoring, and even STEM-based enrichment activities. Parents regularly praise the caring, dedicated staff and the positive atmosphere that keeps young players excited to come back.
Center for Excellence: This year-round program serves students in grades 1-12, five days a week; the summer highlight is a trip to a national tennis tournament where children play in matches and visit colleges in the tournament host city.
Arthur Ashe Children’s Program: This afterschool program serves elementary and middle school students at more than 20 DCPS schools in Wards 5-8 four afternoons a week. Children spend two afternoons on their school tennis court with WTEF coaches and two in the classroom with WTEF teachers; all students receive at least 45 minutes of homework help each day.
Tennis Tots: This flagship Community Program. Through partnerships with 18 preschools located near the East Capitol Campus WTEF provide free weekly tennis classes to 350 children ages 3-5.
Community Programs: These include free programming for children and adults at the East Capitol Campus. In addition to the Tennis Tots classes, WTEF provide free instruction to students at the SEED Public Charter School and to local homeschooled students, provide tennis and fitness classes to adults, host community health outreach services, and provide space for community groups.
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WTEF enhances the health, safety and academic performance of elementary school students every school year. It provides academic, tennis, and life skills instruction to students after school within schools in Washington, DC’s under-resourced neighborhoods. WTEF provide a healthy snack as and if needed.
After School Academic and Tennis Program (AACP)
AACP runs currently within DCPS/DCPCS school calendars between September and June. The AACP curriculum challenges students through individual and team competitions which enhance, rather than duplicate, how they learn during the school day. For the 2020-2021 school year, AACP will usher in a hybrid version of its programming with academic programming occurring virtually two days a week and in-person at the East Capitol location as well as other outdoor locations. The AACP academic component is taught by DC Public and Public Charter School teachers within schools where AACP operates. The teachers are provided with guidance and support to deliver an educational component that is in concert with the student’s grade appropriate curricula. AACP academic curriculum is implemented. Academic Competitions for schools are arranged between October through January and teams comprised of students from AACP schools compete multiple times before a panel of judges accumulating points for each victory. Following the Academic Competitions, AACP schools participate in the WTEF’s Life-Skills Skit Competition February through March. Coaches prepare students for Team Tennis competitions April through June where the undefeated advance to playoffs.
Junior Tennis Programming
WTEF’s Junior Programming offers an extensive and inclusive tennis pathway for youth of all ages, abilities and levels. Sessions take place Monday through Friday in the evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes are designed to build player competency along a pathway through red, orange, green and yellow ball levels. The priority is the technical and athletic development of players to ensure player competency. To that end, class entry is dependent on both age and skill level and all new players will be assessed by a coach to determine session placement. Classes are tier based beginning with Red Ball I for beginner players and progressing through to Performance level. To reach the second tier of a class a coaching assessment is required to make sure that players have obtained the necessary skills to progress. Classes are either “open” to players in the age range or restricted pending coaching assessment during their first practice. If assessment is required you will be able to register for the class, but to remain in the session, a coach must approve the player’s entry. If a player needs to be shifted to another group, WTEF will assist in rescheduling them to the appropriate class.
The junior program encompasses various levels, each tailored to specific age groups and skill sets:
Red Ball I (Ages 4-6 Open): An introduction to the sport for the youngest tennis players. In this class, the focus is on the FUNdamentals. Players will develop their ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) while learning basic racquet and ball control. There will be an introduction to serving, rallying, and scoring. This class is team based and players are encouraged to develop character traits such as listening skills, responsibility and honesty.
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Red Ball II (Ages 6-8 and/or by assessment): A continuation of Red I for players who have already developed and passed a coaches assessment in Red I AND/OR players new to the sport who are 6-9 years of age. In this class, the focus will remain on the FUNdamentals. Players will continue to develop their ABCs (Agility, Balance, and Coordination) while learning basic racquet and ball control. There will be an introduction to serving, rallying, and scoring.
Orange Ball I (Ages 9-11 Open): Beginner Orange Ball Foundational Drilling. In this class, players will continue to build on their foundational skills by drilling technique and mechanics. Players will begin to take ownership of their tennis development and are encouraged to compete in team and tournament formats of play!
Orange Ball II - Intermediate (Ages 9-11 pending assessment): Orange Live Ball. In this class, players will continue to build on their foundational skills but will transition to live ball play with orange balls. Players should be able to hit consistently with an orange ball from the service line, baseline, and net, as well as serve and compete in match play. Players will begin to take ownership of their tennis development and are encouraged to compete in team and tournament formats of play! WTEF will foster an environment where players are encouraged to develop character traits such as responsibility, leadership and resilience.
Junior Beginner - Junior Beginner Orange/Green Ball Foundational Drilling (Ages 11-18 Open): In this class, players will develop their foundational skills by drilling technique and mechanics. Players will begin to take ownership of their tennis development and are encouraged to compete in team and tournament formats of play!
Green/ Yellow (Ages 11 - 18 pending assessment): Players will be challenged to learn and improve their stroke mechanics, movement, balance and coordination. This group will be introduced to competition and tactics. WTEF will encourage players to develop their technique and consistency across their game. Players will be encouraged to experiment with different tactics and strategies, understand areas of strength in individual games and the development of game style.
Intermediate / Advanced (Ages 12-18 pending assessment): This program is designed for intermediate level players . Clinics are designed to help every participant reach their full potential by bringing together the most skilled and hard-working players in the area to compete against and support one another. Coaches will encourage proper footwork, shot selection, situational point-play, focus and maximum effort at all times. Players are grouped on court based on effort, focus, commitment and skills as well WTN/UTR.
Performance (Invite Only): Must be approved by the Tennis Director. This program is designed to cultivate players’ passion for the game of tennis, define their athletic goals, increase confidence and resilience. The goal of our performance program is to develop players’ weapons, situational awareness, shot selection and quality decision making. Additionally, we will aim to increase players’ power, variety and quality movement. Tactically, we will emphasize the importance of knowing themselves, using their strengths and understanding their opponents.
Adult Tennis Programs
The Washington Tennis & Education Foundation offers a vibrant adult tennis program designed to cater to participants of all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a novice looking to learn the basics or an experienced player seeking competitive opportunities, the year-round offerings ensure there’s something for everyone.
Beginners can kickstart their tennis journey with "Let’s Get it Started" classes, focused on fundamental skills and building confidence on the court. For intermediate players, dynamic "Live Ball" sessions provide a perfect blend of instruction and gameplay, enhancing strategic thinking. In addition to skills-focused classes, the program features Cardio Tennis, a high-energy workout combining tennis drills with cardiovascular exercise, perfect for improving fitness while enjoying the sport. For those interested in team play, USTA Team Practices offer structured training sessions tailored to prepare players for league competition, fostering camaraderie and skill development within a supportive environment.
Let’s Get it Started! Designed for new players or those returning to the game after a lengthy break, this class is perfect for you! Weekly clinics teach players the fundamentals of the game: groundstrokes, volleys and overheads, serve and return, as well as general rules of play.
Live Ball: Live Ball is the tennis workout that tries to check all the boxes: Fitness. Fun. Action. Camaraderie. High energy continuous-play tennis games! Live Ball offers fun and competitive situational point play that will improve fitness, footwork, reaction time and net game. With no downtime between points, there are no breaks between offense and defense.
Overcoming Adversity: A Testament to WTEF's Impact
Kevin Tindle's story exemplifies the transformative power of WTEF. Growing up in Ward 8, Tindle faced serious threats, including gang violence. Luckily, though, Tindle had friends looking out for him. He credits WTEF with changing his life. “This is a program that truly changed my life,” Tindle said. His journey from a vulnerable teenager to a successful young adult is a testament to the safe environment, mentorship, and opportunities that WTEF provides.
WTEF and DPR Partnership
Discover the dynamic partnership between WTEF and DPR, bringing tennis and enrichment programs to Washington D.C. at Takoma and Kenilworth Recreation Centers. Our mission is to inspire and empower D.C.
A Network of Support
WTEF is sustained by financial support from a wide range of sources, including foundations, corporations, and individuals, as well as earned income from our Northwest Campus tennis programs. This support enables WTEF to continue providing vital services to the community.
Beyond the East Capitol Campus: A Citywide Impact
While the East Capitol Campus serves as a central hub, WTEF's influence extends throughout Washington, D.C. The organization's programs reach into schools and communities across the city, providing access to tennis, education, and life skills development.
Other Tennis Programs in D.C.
Washington, DC might be known for politics and monuments, but it’s also home to an impressive range of tennis programs for players of all levels.
MyTennisLessons: In a city as busy and spread out as Washington DC, MyTennisLessons makes it easy to find private instruction that fits your schedule and your skill level. This online platform connects players with certified local coaches who offer lessons at a wide range of public and private courts throughout the District. The platform is a great fit for anyone looking for flexibility. You can browse instructor profiles, compare pricing, and book sessions based on your availability. MyTennisLessons works well for total beginners, casual weekend players, and even more advanced athletes looking to sharpen their game without the commitment of a traditional club membership.
Fitzgerald Tennis Center: Best known as the home of the Citi Open, Fitzgerald Tennis Center is one of the most prominent public tennis venues in Washington DC. When the tournament rolls through each summer, the energy is electric, with top-ranked pros taking the court and fans filling the stands. Outside of that spotlight, the center offers a quiet and accessible place to play, with well-kept hard and clay courts nestled inside Rock Creek Park. Private lessons are available with experienced instructors, and players often note big improvements in their game thanks to the focused, technique-driven coaching offered here. Whether you’re rallying on the red clay or looking to sharpen your strokes on a hard court, Fitzgerald provides a solid all-around tennis experience.
Southeast Tennis & Learning Center: The Southeast Tennis & Learning Center is one of DC’s best-kept secrets when it comes to quality courts and community-driven instruction. Located near Oxon Run Park, the facility offers 14 well-maintained courts, including eight indoors and six outdoors, making it a reliable option in all seasons. The indoor courts are clean, bright, and even have spectator seating for each court, while the outdoor courts are well lit and surfaced to a high standard. What really sets SETLC apart is its dedication to youth programming and family engagement. From after-school lessons to summer camps, the coaching staff is known for being thoughtful, encouraging, and focused on making tennis accessible and fun. Adults are welcome too, with weekend lessons and open court times available throughout the year. Cost: Private lessons are $92 per hour; semi-private lessons are $54 per person per hour.
Rock Creek Tennis Center: Rock Creek Tennis Center is a staple of DC’s tennis scene, tucked into the wooded landscape of Rock Creek Park. While the facility may appear a bit worn from the outside, it offers solid court conditions and a surprising amount of options. With both outdoor courts and a seasonal bubble that goes up in the colder months, players can enjoy year-round access. Private lessons and camps are offered throughout the year, and court reservations can be made online. It’s a popular spot, especially during peak seasons, so booking ahead is recommended. The staff runs a range of programs for adults and juniors, and the pricing is fair for the level of access and location. Rock Creek Tennis Center5220 16th St NW, Washington, DC, 20011Private lessons are $92 per hour; semi-private lessons are $54 per person per hour.
TGA Premier Tennis: TGA Premier Tennis has earned a devoted following across the DC area thanks to its energetic, encouraging coaching style and strong focus on fundamentals. With programs for both kids and adults, TGA brings lessons to convenient public court locations around the city, including Northwest DC and beyond. The coaching team is known for being patient, enthusiastic, and able to tailor instruction to each player’s level. Parents consistently praise the youth programs for striking the right balance between skill-building and fun. Kids come away not only improving their technique but also excited for their next session. Adults appreciate the flexible scheduling and positive coaching atmosphere that makes learning feel approachable and rewarding.
The Vern Tennis Center at GW: Located on George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, The Vern Tennis Center is a well-maintained facility with 12 outdoor courts and lighting for evening play. While a few courts could benefit from resurfacing, the majority are in good condition and available to the public for recreational use and lessons. The center is known for having a solid lineup of pros and organized coaching, though all lesson inquiries and scheduling are handled directly through the Director of Tennis Operations.
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center is a go-to spot in Northeast DC for locals who want reliable courts and a wide range of recreational amenities. The facility features six well-kept hard courts that are open to the public, along with a swimming pool, gym, basketball courts, playground, and even a splash pad for the kids. While there’s no formal tennis academy or lesson program on-site, private coaches can often arrange to meet students here for lessons. The courts are usually available without long waits, especially during off-peak hours, and the overall environment is welcoming and low-key.
St. Albans Tennis Club: Set on the picturesque grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, St. Albans Tennis Club offers one of the most peaceful and polished outdoor tennis experiences in the city. The facility includes seven clay courts, well-maintained locker rooms, and even rooftop spectator seating, creating a charming and relaxed setting for players of all levels. Private and semi-private lessons are available, with flexible pricing depending on group size and membership status. Whether you’re looking to book a solo session or rally with friends in a group clinic, the coaching staff brings a professional yet approachable style to every lesson. With its elegant atmosphere and high-quality instruction, St. Cost: Private lessons start at $115/hour for members and $130/hour for non-members.
Yates Field House: Part of Georgetown University’s Campus Recreation program, Yates Field House offers tennis lessons and court access as part of a broader commitment to health, wellness, and community. The facility serves students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local residents through a variety of fitness programs, including racquet sports. Pricing is structured by group size, with one-on-one sessions starting at $95 per hour for members and discounted rates for half-hour and group formats. Though tennis isn’t the sole focus here, Yates provides a polished, welcoming space to train, stay active, and connect with others in a low-pressure campus setting.
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