JANUARY 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE – Selecting a Charter School – A Parents First Hand Account – DC Charter Schools Directory – PK-12 and Adult Education
DCCharterSchoolsMag.com
LAUNCH ISSUE
ON & O s S l o o G h N c I S M r e O t r C ha C c n i l o b i t u i P d E C D ps m a C r e m m u S 4
hoon M e c n i r 1 0 ontact: P .com 2 c e s y a a e l M rtise p olsmag o h c s r To adve e t ar Find us on pmhoon@d6c2c5h 4 202.422. Facebook and Twitter www.dccharterschoolsmag.com
★ ★ ★ PUBLISHER'S NOTE Welcome to the January 2014 Launch issue of DC Charter Schools Magazine (DC CSM)!
JANUARY 2014
Publisher Prince A. Mhoon Editorial Director Abena Lewis-Mhoon, Ph.D. Director of Advertising Prince A. Mhoon Creative Director Darlene Jones Powell Executive Design Consultant Jason Charter Cover Editor Amari Mhoon Online Director/Web Designer Jamal Pope Green Light Design Studios
Editor Amira Khari Mhoon Feature Article Contributors Abena Lewis-Mhoon, Ph.D. Anita Walls For subscription/circulation information contact: pmhoon@gradschoolsmag.com DC Charter Schools Magazine® is published by Full Moon Media, LLC Copyright© 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography, or illustration without express written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Correspondence: On matters concerning the magazine, write to: DC Charter Schools Magazine®, 2720 7th Street NE, Lower Level, Washington, DC 20017; www.gradschoolsmag.com; 202.422.4625. Send address changes to: DC Charter Schools Magazine®, Circulation Department, 2720 7th Street NE, Lower Level, Washington, DC 20017. All inquires regarding subscriptions should be directed to: DC Charter Schools Magazine®, Subscription Services, 2720 7th Street NE, Lower Level, Washington, DC 20017. Opinions expressed within are not to be considered official expressions of Full Moon Media or DC Charter Schools Magazine® The publisher and Full Moon Media assume no responsibility for errors and omissions appearing within. The Publisher and Full Moon Media reserve the right to accept or reject all editorial, advertorial and advertising matter. Neither the publisher nor Full Moon Media assumes any liability for unsolicited, manuscripts, photographs, or artwork.
The core objective of DC Charter Schools Magazine is to provide its readers with a wealth of information about charter schools in Washington, D.C. and assist parents in the decision-making process. In addition, DC CSM provides a vehicle for charter schools in the District of Columbia to reach potential students by highlighting the features and benefits of their respective schools. With the growing number of charter schools in the District--- charter education has become a viable alternative to private and traditional public education. With additional educational options it is imperative that parents gather as much information as possible to make the best decision for their children’s future success. Inside this issue you will find a comprehensive directory, feature articles from some of the leading schools in the District and A Parents Firsthand Account in selecting a Charter School. Use DC Charter Schools Magazine as an informational tool to help you navigate your school selection process. More information can also be found at www.dccharterschoolsmag.com.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Prince A. Mhoon Publisher DC Charter Schools Magazine
Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
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JANUARY 2014
LAUNCH ISSUE
Bridges Public Charter School . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Paul Public Charter School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Ceasar Chavez Public Charter Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Sela Public Charter School . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Center City Public Charter School . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Excel Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 FEATURES: Friendship Public Charter School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Selecting A Charter School; A Parent's First Hand Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Inspired Teaching School . . . . . . . . . . . 16 DC CSM Directory Of Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
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| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
★ ★ ★ ADVERTORIAL
PAUL PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Experience It All At Paul! Paul Public Charter School, located in Northwest Washington, DC, serves students in middle and high school from grades six to ten, expanding to serve through grade twelve by school year 2015-2016. The mission of Paul Public Charter School is to educate our students and to develop in them the capacity to be responsible citizens, independent thinkers, and leaders. Paul offers the distinctive “Triple A Program: Academics, Arts and Athletics,” which provides comprehensive programming for a diverse student population. By integrating arts and athletics into the school’s rigorous academic program, students become more engaged and motivated to learn. Through arts and athletics integration, students’ academic content takes on deeper meaning and relevance. Paul provides a positive and supportive school culture. The foundation for the school’s culture is rooted in the character education program. It provides the framework for model behavior, so that students strive to become M.E.R.I.T. Scholars. Students learn to be “Motivated, Educated, Responsible, Independent Thinkers.” We believe that this holistic approach to education rounds out the young learner for success in secondary and higher education. To support the transition to middle school in the sixth grade, Paul provides a nurturing and supportive structure for its youngest scholars, coined “Paul Prep.” Paul Prep 4
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
motivates, supports and encourages scholars to transition smoothly and successfully into middle school and thrive immediately. Seventh and eighth graders take on additional leadership roles, take an additional core course and have an opportunity to exercise more independence and empowerment. After middle school, Paul scholars matriculate and flourish in our Cecile R. Middleton Ninth Grade Academy, the freshman component of the Paul International High School, where they begin to delve into the global issues that impact their lives and their communities. High school students develop global competencies through a global studies course scheme, community service and leadership opportunities, study abroad and international travel, and through completion of a culminating capstone project. “At Paul International High School, I’m looking forward to studying abroad and being a part of the first graduating class of 2016.” Aireon Boone, 10th Grade Scholar. It’s clear that our scholars are already motivated to achieve at the highest level. Overall, Paul is a family that bridges generations of M.E.R.I.T. Scholars, educators and leaders. Open our doors and you will discover an exciting educational community dedicated to taking students to the next levels of academic achievement, leadership and character development through discipline and diligence. As you walk our hallways, you will see ac-
“At Paul International High School, I’m looking forward to studying abroad and being a part of the first graduating class of 2016.” – Aireon Boone, 10th Grade Scholar.
tive classroom learning – students translating a rigorous text in Spanish, digesting a complex science concept, practicing a new instrumental selection, or mapping out a new modern dance routine. For over a decade, Paul PCS has developed M.E.R.I.T. scholars that have successfully excelled and gone on to graduate high school leaving ready to succeed in college and prepared to be leaders in the global community! We invite you to help to continue our mission and join us as we prepare our M.E.R.I.T. scholars to thrive in middle school, high school, college, and in life. Be sure to visit our website at www.paulcharter.org for more information. Our goal is to ensure our scholars “Experience it all at Paul! We are currently accepting applications for grades six through ten. Apply today - spaces are limited! Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
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★ ★ ★ ADVERTORIAL
Why Do Parents Choose Friendship? In 1997, Friendship Public Charter School was founded as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. Today, it is one of the largest public charter school systems in the United States. Friendship’s mission is to provide a world-class education that motivates students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning and develop as ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens that contribute actively towards their communities. Friendship’s classes are challenging and provide rigorous academic programming that fully prepares its
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| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
students to graduate from college. High academic standards begin in Pre-school 3, where our early elementary school students are provided with a strong educational foundation and understand that they will be successful in life. We expect all students to work hard, model our core values, and master standards. We also provide extra time for students who need extra help. At the middle and high school level, students will explore science and technology and have access to Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and our Early
College preparatory program. Through these courses students earn up to two years of college credit while completing high school at Friendship. Over the past five years, Friendship students who were graduated have received over $50 million in scholarships to highly selective colleges and universities. A few highlights: • Twenty five $140,000+ Posse Foundation
scholarships • Over 600 - $50,000 DC Achievers scholarships • Three $500,000+ Gates Millennium scholarships • Sixteen College Board’s AP scholars • Fourteen OSSE scholars to Boston University,
Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Smith College, Syracuse University, Duke University, and Stanford University
Friendship Public Charter School has a 95% graduation rate, higher than many District of Columbia public or public charter schools. Friendship’s provides some of the most exciting enrichment and after school activities to students. Campuses offer high quality programs that support academic instruction and enrich the development of the whole child outside the regular school day. Friendship operates licensed before and aftercare services and about 25 extracurricular activities and clubs on its campuses. For more information on Friendship Public Charter School, please attend one of our open houses this month. To RSVP, please to www.friendshipschools. org or call your school of interest.
Thursday, January 16, 2014 TIME: 9:00am-11:00am (202) 572-1070 Friendship Chamberlain Elementary (Pre-school - 8) Monday, January 13, 2014 TIME: 10:00 am-11:00am (202) 547-5800 Friendship Collegiate Academy (9-12) Thursday, January 16, 2014 TIME: 10:00am-1:00pm (202) 396-5500 Friendship Southeast Elementary Academy (Pre-school - 5) Thursday, January 16, 2014 TIME: 8:30 am - 9:30am 202-547-5800 Friendship Tech Prep Academy (6-12) Thursday, January 16, 2014 TIME: 8:30 am-9:30am (202) 562-1681 Friendship Woodridge (Pre-school - 8) Wednesday, January 15, 2014 TIME: 8:30am -9:30am (202) 635-6500.
Friendship Blow Pierce Academy (Pre-school – 8) Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
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★ ★ ★ DCCSM FEATURE
Selecting a
CHARTER SCHOOL
A Parents firsthand account by Anita Walls
Visit us online at www.dccharterschoolsmag.com |
9
Every parent wants the best education possible for their children. Public charter school choices increase across the country every day, allowing parents and students the opportunity to find a program that will fulfill the academic needs of their family. When selecting a charter school research is the key. Visit school websites to learn about the mission and focus, talk to currently enrolled students and their parents, set up a school visit during school hours, and interview the principal and teachers. Consider the following questions during your search: 1. What educational need does a particular charter school meet that the others don’t? 2. What is the class size? 3. What is the particular type of curriculum and learn format? 4. What is the level of teacher interaction? 5. Most importantly during your search eliminate any schools that do not meet your child’s academic needs. Remember, brochures and test scores do not tell the whole story of any school.
Personally I find the benefits of a public charter school education priceless. My children are currently enrolled in Community Academy Public Charter School – Online campus (CAPCS-Online). The online campus of the charter school balances the importance of academic rigor with my children’s desire to explore additional outside activities during school hours. Each day the educational goals of my children are presented to me through the online school (OLS) and I, along with their teachers, oversee the mastery of the topics for each subject. The K12 curriculum used by CAPCS-Online is a rich, challenging program that allows my children to be motivated and engaged. Home education with accountability has been our academic reality for seven years, allowing my children to flourish intellectually. Because of the flexibility of our schedule they participate in an afternoon pottery/ceramics class, in which they explore their creative passion. Through CAPCS-Online we attend local museums and theater performance field trips with other CAPCS-Online students. Through K12 they have also participated in online clubs, online summer camps, The Winterland Competition (Gingerbread house building) and the wonderful Advanced Learner Program (ALP) where my children have participated in gardening,
"Anita Walls has been with CAPCS Online for 8 years. She is very familiar with K12’s signature program which includes an individual learning plan for each student. She is a knowledgeable and dedicated learning coach who works hand-in-glove with the teachers in our school. She is an excellent role model for anyone who desires to be successful in this virtual school model. In a nutshell, Anita is awesome!” - CAPCS Online K-4 Teacher Suzanne Conway
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| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
cooking and book club in past years, connecting with other online learners across the country. It is great for parents to have the option of a virtual charter school, like DC CAPCS-Online, because all children learn differently and thrive in different environments. Being able to create that environment at home, and know that K12 has the ability to customize a program according to my students’ needs, frees me to educate my children in a one on one situation. Weekly class connect sessions (online class with teachers) for my children and conferences with the teachers (who monitor the in-
dividual student’s needs) means there is someone to help troubleshoot any problems we may have. The one word that comes to mind is… Awesome! K12 through my virtual charter school is a quality program offering a quality curriculum and excellent certified teachers. Charter schools like CAPCS-Online offer a choice to parents and students who are looking for the right fit academically, to help them soar. For information and to learn more: 866.339.8742 K12.COM/DC Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
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★ ★ ★ ADVERTORIAL
EXCEL ACADEMY
Washington’s First Public Charter School for Girls As the first all-girls public charter school in the Dis-
Housed in one building, our school supports three
trict of Columbia, , Excel Academy provides pre-
campuses, creating a sense of a small family and
school through eighth grade girls a solid academic
community: DREAM (preschool-prekindergarten),
foundation and enrichment opportunities to succeed
ACHIEVE (kindergarten-third grade), and LEAD
in high school and college and to develop the skills
(fourth-fifth grade). Two highly qualified teachers
and confidence they need to make healthy, positive
are assigned to each classroom through first grade.
lifestyle choices.
We support a student to teacher ratio that allows
Why choose an All-Girls School?
teachers to deliver instruction appropriately suited
An all-girls school can reach students more comprehensively and intensively with instructional programming specifically tailored to meet the needs of girls. While there are no innate differences in what girls and boys are capable of learning, boys and girls do develop and learn differently. Girls think, interact, display leadership, and make decisions in a way that is unique both developmentally and psychologically. Many studies indicate that male-based models prevalent in most coeducational schools do not fit
Excel Academy firmly believes that an outstanding education prepares girls to effectively compete, achieve, and succeed in the larger society. We are a no excuses learning environment: there are “no excuses” for accepting anything other than excellence both from our scholars and staff. Excel Academy provides scholars with a strong standards-based academic program, gender specific teaching and instruction, leadership opportunities, and extracur-
the way girls learn best.
ricular enrichment programming. The results we
The Excel Academy Public Charter School story
comes and build the ambition, discipline, and confi-
Strategically located in Ward 8, Excel Academy opened in 2008 with 134 girls. Now in our sixth
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to individual student needs.
deliver encompass improved student academic outdence of our girls.
We Provide:
year, we serve more than 615 preschool through
A Unique Single Gender Model: Excel Academy’s
grade 5 scholars and will increase enrollment each
single gender environment is supported by extensive
year through eighth grade.
research and rooted in high academic achievement
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
and learning for every student that permits staff to
icant student achievement in reading, writing, and
focus teaching strategies on the learning needs and
math.
styles of girls.
Early and frequent assessments: Excel Academy
An Early Educational Intervention Program: Start-
recognizes the efficacy of assessing student prog-
ing with students who are three years old, Excel
ress and using data to track student performance. We
Academy offers an instructional program to pro-
identify students’ academic needs early and adjust
mote school readiness in literacy, math, and social
teaching strategies accordingly.
and emotional development.
A Team of Highly Qualified Teachers: The Excel
More Time on Task: Students are in an academical-
Team receives ongoing professional development to
ly rigorous learning environment for longer school
build skills and create and maintain community of
days and an extended school year. A relentless focus
respect and collaboration.
on the details allows students and teachers to spend more time on task. A Standards Based Curriculum: Our academic pro-
A Continued Community Partnership: We embrace students’ parents and guardians as essential partners in the education of their children. We engage
gram is research based and has demonstrated signifVisit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
13
Holton Arms, IBM, The Madeira School, National Cathedral School, An Open Book Foundation, Price Waterhouse Cooper, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, and We Read DC A School-wide Character Development Program: Excel Academy scholars live and work by a set of core values represented by IDEALS: Integrity, Discipline, Enjoyment, Achievement, Leadership, and Sisterhood. Before and After School Care and After School Enrichment Opportunities: School opens at 7:00am Monday-Friday and programming continues until 6:00pm to provide extended enrichment experiences for scholars and accommodate our working families. On-Site Kitchen: We serve 3 meals and 2 snacks daily to our scholars. Meals are freshly prepared and cooked on-site.
Enroll at Excel Academy We are aware of the challenges facing public schools and are concerned with improving educational exfamilies and the wider community to support Excel Academy scholars. Varied Co-Curricular Programming: A well supported co-curricular program includes full time teachers in P.E., art, music, Latin, and Health. Rich Extra Curricular Activities: We offer female mentorship opportunities and monthly Saturday
perience in schools. As parents, we are looking to expand the educational choices for girls and young women in Washington, DC. As educators, we are committed to our students making significant academic gains and progress. As professionals and active citizens, we are determined to create a generation of globally conscious, highly skilled young women who have the ability to lead and direct with responsibility.
Academy for additional enrichment and field trip experiences. Our community partners, vested in the
Join us for Open Houses 9am and 5pm ev-
success of our girls, include DC United, Jumpstart,
ery
Girls on the Run, Georgetown Women’s Basketball,
Contact info@excelpcs.org for more information.
Wednesday
in
January
and
2501 Martin Luther King Jr .Ave SE | Washington, DC 20020 14
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
February.
How will you Excel?
Excel Academy is an academically rigorous school that provides a vibrant and supportive learning environment. We empower young Girls to become inspired, engaged students and confident, compassionate leaders. With unrelenting determination, the Excel Team prepares Girls with a solid academic foundation, provides enrichment opportunities, and teaches 21st century skills to ensure success in high school and college.
Excel Academy
2501 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE
Washington’s First Public Charter School for Girls
202.373.0097
Washington, DC 20020 excelpcs.org
Step
Accepting applications for age 3 through grade 6 for the 2014-15 school year. Apply online at
into a new school that cultivates intellect, making the highest test score gains in DC in 2013.
Open House Dates: Saturdays at 10 AM -Jan. 18 -Feb. 22 -Mar. 1
MySchoolDC.org.
Reach for your imagination in our inquiry-based integrated arts curriculum that sparks the joy of learning.
Leap
Inspired Teaching School
into an inclusive community built on integrity at a school that welcomes all.
202-248-6825 1328 Florida Ave. NW Washington, DC 20009*
www.InspiredTeachingSchool.org
*Moving to NE for 2014-15 school year!
★ ★ ★ ADVERTORIAL
INSPIRED TEACHING SCHOOL
Inspired Math “It’s fascinating that the school with the biggest gains teaches more joyfully (and, evidently, more powerfully) than teaching to the test.” -Steve Coleman, Director of Washington Parks and Recreation and founding ITS parent The secret to ensuring students’ success while nur-
4-year olds showing at least a year of growth on the
turing their desire to learn is to make education
Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment.
meaningful for them. Starting at preschool, our students learn to associate meaning to numbers. In one
Inspired Teaching School is also proud to be rec-
lesson, our youngest students ranked healthy foods
ognized for the highest average gains in DC CAS
they sampled by assigning them values to correspond
scores in the district, with the percent of Inspired
with their taste preferences. In another, they worked
students scoring proficient or advanced increasing
together to make a class graph of their names based on length, simultaneously building letter and number sense. Our students are always looking to the real world--in their environment, in books, and in daily conversation--to spot mathematical patterns, and the same philosophy is applied at each grade level as students’ understanding of math becomes more complex. By fifth grade, our students are planning financial budgets for families of different sizes
by 41.8 percentage points. In the 2012-2013 school year, Inspired Teaching School’s 3rd and 4th graders scored above public and public charter school state averages. How do we attain high performance without stamping out the joy of learning? Let’s take a look at the other three Is in practice.
and different needs. Percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced on the DC CAS, 2013
The Inspired learning experience is built on 4 Is-Intelligence, Imagination, Inquiry and Integrity. Through examples of math instruction across the
70%
grades, this article illustrates how these four Is lay
60%
the foundation for a rigorous and meaningful educa-
50%
tion for our students.
Intelligence For the past two years, our early childhood learners exceeded math learning goals, with 99% of 3- and
40%
DC Public Schools
30%
DC public Charter Schools
20%
Inspired Teaching School
10% 0% Math
Reading
Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
17
Inquiry Our teachers encourage our students to ask thoughtful questions at every age, and to apply critical and creative thinking to uncover the answers. In the fall, pre-kindergarten students applied their understanding of measurement, probability, ratios, and time by working with pumpkins and pumpkin seeds. By comparing rows of different numbers of seeds, students were able to see the relationship between length and number. Questions they explored included, “How soon will the pumpkin decompose?” and “Based on the number of seeds I will plant, how many will sprout?” To answer the second question, they presented probability in the form of a ratio, eg. “more than half” or “less than half” of the seeds. They will be testing their predictions this spring.
Integrity Imagination Developing kids’ imagination at Inspired Teaching School is as much about promoting out-of-the-box ideas in the face of real-world problems as it is giving kids the space to create unique projects that integrate learning across content areas. Preschoolers used parts of their bodies as measuring tools to sort found objects and rank them using comparatives such as “taller than” and “smaller than”. They then created artwork based on the found objects they classified, which they presented at the Learning Showcase, a night where families come together to see their children shine. Third graders synthesized literacy and math skills by publishing math storybooks in which their characters had to face real-life math problems to reach the resolution of their story. 18
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
In the fourth grade, students have been monitoring their own learning by graphing their performance in morning “math sprints”. By creating a visual representation of their own progress, they build intrinsic motivation for learning while giving themselves an honest assessment of their learning.
Beyond the classroom Our parents can attest to the excitement students bring home each day from school as they make connections between what they are learning and the real world. One parent reflected on how her child now “sees math everywhere”. This level of understanding is the aim of our interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to Inspired Math. By joining Inspired Teaching School, your child will not just be another number; he or she will be a member of a community of learners committed to building intelligence, imagination, inquiry and integrity.
★ ★ ★ ADVERTORIAL
SELA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Getting Immersed in Sela PCS At SELA, my daughter is singing again. For my
and pictures the kids have created, you can hear the
family, this meant something was going right at her
bilingual learning going on in the classrooms.
new school. She had music weekly in her old school but she wouldn’t participate. Hearing her sing again meant that SELA’s teachers and staff had created the safe and comfortable environment necessary for my daughter to take risks and belt it out again. Even better — she is singing in Hebrew and taking new joy
In the Pre-K classrooms, a majority immersion model is used for teaching, where most activities take place in Hebrew. Each early-childhood classroom is staffed by two teachers and is organized as a primarily Hebrew environment, with the majority of the
in teaching us what she is singing about.
content and activities in the classroom focusing on
SELA is a new Public Charter School whose mis-
ciency in Hebrew to prepare them for kindergarten.
sion is to offer children of all ethnic and socio-
Approximately 10-15% of the day in pre-kindergar-
economic backgrounds, from pre-K to 5th grade,
ten is set aside for English literacy, to ensure that the
the opportunity to achieve academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment that focuses on Hebrew Language Immersion, promotes the value of diversity and provides skills for taking action in the
helping children acquire the vocabulary and profi-
children are ready to enter kindergarten with skills for early literacy in English. The Kindergarten and upper grades use a 50:50
world. Over the past few months, our family has ex-
model of one-way immersion in which students
perienced unexpected joys, a new community, and
spend equal study time in English and Hebrew with
a dedication to learning with the teachers, staff and
native speakers in both languages. Other content
families of SELA.
areas, such as math, social studies and science are
SELA means “rock” or “foundation” in Hebrew, and a walk through SELA reveals the foundations of a new learning community. A giant tree has been cre-
taught in both languages. SELA academic days are longer to accommodate the bilingual learning as well as other subjects.
ated in the central atrium with branches that stretch
At SELA, it is striking to see the English and He-
toward colorful art covering the walls. Who knew
brew classrooms side-by-side—they could be half a
that first-graders could use pastels in the style of
world apart, but here, they share the same students.
Kadinsky, or that my daughter could make brush
It is even more striking for me to see my daughter
strokes like Van Gogh? Past the mobiles, paintings Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
19
asked a math problem in English and answer in Hebrew. Hebrew is an entrée to other Semitic languages such as Arabic and Amharic. We also appreciate the cognitive development involved in our daughter learning a non-Latin alphabet. But SELA immerses students in more than just Hebrew. When we enrolled our daughter in SELA last year, we were committed to getting her a bilingual education, since we are only native English speakers at home. We expected that her language skills would blossom and they have. But we had no idea that her new school would propel her learning and development forward in other areas, from math to physical fitness. Here are highlights of her achievements so far this year:
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• She has found sportsmanship. • She does not leave without helping to clean up. • She knows to check her work and ask how to correct mistakes. • She has a diverse group of friends who embody the world we live in. • She can shoot a basketball Another aspect of SELA PCS that works for our family is the free before- and after-care. This has helped our family financially and allowed us to connect more with other families at SELA. I was recently told that one parent has to call and check the
Her best day was when the older students com-
aftercare schedule so as not to miss dramatic play.
plemented her work.
Our daughter only lets us pick her up early for her
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
The First Hebrew Language Immersion Public Charter School in DC
Accepting Applications for SY14-15 Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2
weekly ballet class. The day always ends with hugs for teachers, staff and other students. At SELA, the students are having fun from the moment they sing each other to their classrooms in the morning, to when they play volleyball late in the afternoon. They are finding joy in their learning and progressing academically, socially and developmentally. My child’s universe is expanding at SELA to include a diverse group of friends and families making her better prepared our globalized world. I invite you and your children to come and join our journey at SELA. Visit Sela to see for yourself and follow my child’s school on Facebook.com/SelaPCS
ay every Tuesd from ld e h s e s u o n Open H Thursday afternoo d morning an ecember-March D To apply visit: myschooldc.org
*With the new common application, families must rank order their school choices. Each child will only receive one offer of admission in the lottery. If Sela PCS is your family’s first choice, you should rank order Sela PCS FIRST Application Deadline: March 3, 2014
FREE Before and After School Program Small Class Sizes with 2 teachers in each classroom Student Shuttle available with stops at: Eastern Market, 16th and Q, Ft. Totten Metro
Learn more: SelaPCS.org 6015-17 Chillum Place, NE Washington, DC 20011 202-670-SELA (7352) Follow us: @SelaPCS
Like us: SelaPCS
Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
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★ ★ ★ DC CSM FEATURE
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Ward
Campus Street Address
Main Number
Grade Level Range
Achievement Prep Academy PCS - Middle
8
908 Wahler Place, SE 20032
Main: 202-562-1214
4-8
Achievement Prep Academy PCS - Elementary
8
1500 Mississippi Avenue, SE 20032
Main: 202-562-1214
K-3
AppleTree Early Learning PCS Southwest [Amidon]
6
401 I Street, SW 20024
Main: 202-646-0094
PK3 - PK4
AppleTree Early Learning PCS Columbia Heights
1
2750 14th Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-667-9490
PK3 - PK4
AppleTree Early Learning PCS Southeast [Douglass Knoll]
8
2017 Savannah Terrace, SE 20020
Main: 202-629-4525
PK3 - PK4
AppleTree Early Learning PCS Lincoln Park
6
138 12th Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-621-6581
PK3 - PK4
AppleTree Early Learning PCS Oklahoma Avenue
7
330 21st Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-525-7807
PK3 - PK4
Appletree Early Learning PCS Southeast [Parkland]
8
2118 Ridgecrest Court, SE 20020
Main: 202-506-1890
PK3 - PK4
AppleTree Early Learning PCS -Southwest [Riverside]
6
680 I Street, SW 20024
Main: 202-646-0500
PK3 - PK4
Arts and Technology Academy PCS
7
5300 Blaine Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-398-6811
PK3 - 5
BASIS DC PCS
2
410 8th Street, NW 20004
Main: 202-393-5437
5-9
Booker T. Washington PCS
1
1346 Florida Avenue, NW 20009
Main: 202-232-6090
9 - Adult Ed/GED
Bridges PCS
4
1250 Taylor Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-545-0515
PK3 - PK4
Bridges PCS
4
4300 13th Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-545-0055
PK3 - 1
Briya PCS
1
2333 Ontario Road, NW 20009
Main: 202-797-7337
PK3 - Adult Ed/Family Literacy
Briya PCS
1
1755 Newton Street, NW 20010
Main: 202-797-7337
PK3 - Adult Ed/Family Literacy
Briya PCS
4
3912 Georgia Avenue, NW 20011
Main: 202-545-2020
PK3 - Adult Ed/Family Literacy
Capital City PCS
4
100 Peabody Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-808-9800
PK3 - 4
Capital City PCS - Middle School
4
100 Peabody Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-808-9800
5-8
Capital City PCS - High School
4
100 Peabody Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-808-9800
9 - 12
Carlos Rosario International PCS
1
1100 Harvard Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-797-4700
Adult Ed/GED - Adult Ed/GED
Carlos Rosario International PCS
5
514 V Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-797-4700
Adult Ed/GED - Adult Ed/GED
Cedar Tree PCS
8
701 Howard Road, SE 20020
Main: 202-610-4193
PK3 - K
School/Campus Name
22
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Ward
Campus Street Address
Main Number
Grade Level Range
Center City PCS
4
6008 Georgia Avenue, NW 20011
Main: 202-723-3322
PK4 - 8
Center City PCS - Capitol Hill
6
1503 East Capitol Street, SE 20003
Main: 202-547-7556
PK4 - 8
Center City PCS - Congress Heights
8
220 Highview Place, SE 20032
Main: 202-562-7070
PK4 - 8
Center City PCS - Petworth
4
510 Webster Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-726-9212
PK4 - 8
Center City PCS - Shaw
6
711 N Street, NW 20001
Main: 202-234-1093
PK4 - 8
Center City PCS - Trinidad
5
1217 West Virginia Avenue, NE 20002
Main: 202-397-1614
PK4 - 8
César Chávez PCS for Public Policy - Chávez Prep
1
770 Kenyon Street, NW 20010
Main: 202-723-3975
6-9
César Chávez PCS for Public Policy - Capitol Hill
6
709 12th Street, SE 20003
Main: 202-547-3424
9 - 12
César Chávez PCS for Public Policy - Parkside Middle School
7
3701 Hayes Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-398-2230
6-8
César Chávez PCS for Public Policy - Parkside High School
7
3701 Hayes Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-398-2230
9 - 12
School/Campus Name
Community Academy PCS
4
1300 Allison Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-723-4100
PK3 - 5
Community Academy PCS Amos 2
5
33 Riggs Road, NE 20011
Main: 202-723-5136
PK3 - K
Community Academy PCS Amos 3
5
1400 1st Street, NW 20001
Main: 202-234-2122
PK3 - 5
Community Academy PCS Butler Global
5
1400 1st Street, NW 20001
Main: 202-234-2122
PK3 - 5
Community Academy PCS CAPCS Online
N/A
5 Thomas Circle, NW 20005
Main: 540-788-1492
K-8
Community College Preparatory Academy PCS
8
2405 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE 20032
202-610-5780
Adult Ed - Adult Ed
Creative Minds International PCS
1
3224 16th Street, NW 20010
Main: 202-588-0370
PK3 - 3
DC Bilingual PCS
1
1420 Columbia Road, NW 20009
Main: 202-332-4200
PK3 - 6
DC Prep PCS
5
707 Edgewood Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-635-4590
PK3 - 8
DC Prep PCS - Benning Elementary
7
100 41st Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-398-2838
PK3 - 3
DC Prep PCS - Benning Middle
7
100 41st Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-398-2838
4-4
DC Prep PCS - Edgewood Elementary
5
707 Edgewood Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-635-4411
PK3 - 3
DC Prep PCS - Edgewood Middle
5
701 Edgewood Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-832-5700
4-8
DC Scholars PCS
7
5601 East Capitol Street, SE 20019
Main: 202-559-6138
PK3 - 4
E.L. Haynes PCS
1
3600 Georgia Avenue, NW 20010
Main: 202-667-4446
4-8
Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
23
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Ward
Campus Street Address
Main Number
Grade Level Range
E.L. Haynes PCS - Kansas Avenue (High School)
4
4501 Kansas Avenue, NW 20011
Main: 202-706-5838
9 - 11
E.L. Haynes PCS - Kansas Avenue (Elementary School)
4
4501 Kansas Avenue, NW 20011
Main: 202-706-5828
PK3 - 3
Eagle Academy PCS - New Jersey Avenue
6
1017 New Jersey Avenue, SE 20003
Main: 202-459-6825
PK3 - 2
Eagle Academy PCS - Eagle Center at McGogney
8
3400 Wheeler Road, SE 20032
Main: 202-544-2646
PK3 - 3
Early Childhood Academy PCS
8
4025 9th Street, SE 20032
Main: 202-373-0035
PK3 - 3
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS
5
3700 Oakview Terrace, NE 20017
Main: 202-265-7237
PK3 - 6
Excel Academy PCS
8
2501 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE 20020
Main: 202-373-0097
PK3 - 5
Friendship PCS - Community Office
5
120 Q Street, NE Suite 200 20002
Main: 202-281-1700
N/A - N/A
Friendship PCS - Blow-Pierce Elementary & Middle
7
725 19th Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-572-1070
PK3 - 8
Friendship PCS - Chamberlain Elementary & Middle
6
1345 Potomac Avenue, SE 20003
Main: 202-547-5800
PK3 - 8
Friendship PCS - Collegiate Academy
7
4095 Minnesota Avenue, NE 20019
Main: 202-396-5500
9 - 12
Friendship PCS - Southeast Elementary Academy
8
645 Milwaukee Place, SE 20032
Main: 202-562-1980
PK3 - 5
Friendship PCS - Technology Preparatory Academy
8
620 Milwaukee Place, SE 20032
Main: 202-562-1681
6 - 11
Friendship PCS - Woodridge Elementary & Middle
5
2959 Carlton Avenue, NE 20018
Main: 202-635-6500
PK3 - 8
Hope Community PCS - Lamond
4
6200 Kansas Avenue, NE 20011
Main: 202-722-4421
PK3 - 6
Hope Community PCS - Tolson
5
2917 8th Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-832-7370
PK3 - 8
School/Campus Name
24
Main: 202-737-4150
Hospitality High PCS
1
1851 9th Street, NW 20011
Howard University Math and Science PCS
1
405 Howard Place, NW 20059
Main: 202-806-7725
6-8
Ideal Academy PCS
4
6130 North Capitol Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-729-6660
PK3 - 8
Imagine Southeast PCS
8
3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE 20032
Main: 202-561-1622
PK3 - 6
Ingenuity Prep PCS
8
4600 Livingston Road, SE 20032
Main: 202-374-8458
PK3 - PK4
Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS
1
1328 Florida Avenue, NW 20009
Main: 202-248-6825
PK3 - 5
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
9 - 12
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Ward
Campus Street Address
Main Number
Grade Level Range
IDEA PCS
7
1027 45th Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-399-4750
9 - 12
KIPP DC - AIM Academy PCS
8
2600 Douglass Road, SE 20020
Main: 202-678-5477
5-8
KIPP DC - College Preparatory PCS
8
2600 Douglass Road, SE 20020
Main: 202-678-2527
9 - 12
KIPP DC - Discover Academy PCS
8
2600 Douglass Road, SE 20020
Main: 202-678-7735
PK3 - K
KIPP DC - Heights Academy PCS
8
2600 Douglass Road, SE 20020
Main: 202-610-5323
1-3
School/Campus Name
KIPP DC - Grow Academy PCS
2
421 P Street, NW 20001
Main: 202-986-4769
PK3 - K
KIPP DC - LEAD Academy PCS
2
421 P Street, NW 20001
Main: 202-223-4505
1-2
KIPP DC - WILL Academy PCS
2
421 P Street, NW 20001
Main: 202-328-9455
4-8
KIPP DC - KEY Academy PCS
7
4801 Benning Road, SE 20019
Main: 202-582-5477
5-8
KIPP DC - LEAP Academy PCS
7
4801 Benning Road, SE 20019
Main: 202-582-5327
PK3 - K
KIPP DC - Promise Academy PCS
7
4801 Benning Road, SE 20019
Main: 202-582-1390
1-4
KIPP DC - Connect Academy PCS
5
1375 Mount Olivet Road, NE 20002
Main: 202-396-5477
PK3 - PK4
KIPP DC - Spring Academy PCS
5
1375 Mount Olivet Road, NE 20002
Main: 202-397-5477
K-K
Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS
5
1800 Perry Street, NE 20018
Main: 202-726-6200
PK3 - 5
Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS
4
1375 Missouri Avenue, NW 20011
Main: 202-726-6200
PK3 - 3
LAYC Career Academy PCS
1
3047 15th Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-319-2228
Age 16 - Age 24
Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS
5
1404 Jackson Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-459-4710
PK3 - 8
Maya Angelou PCS - Evans High School
7
5600 East Capitol Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-379-4335
9 - 12
Maya Angelou PCS - Evans Middle School
7
5600 East Capitol Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-232-2885
7-8
Maya Angelou PCS - Young Adult Learning Center
7
5600 East Capitol Street, NE 20019
Main: 202-289-8898
Age 17 - Age 24
Meridian PCS
1
2120 13th Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-387-9830
PK3 - 8
Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS
1
3220 16th Street, NW 20010
Main: 202-630-8373
PK3 - 2
National Collegiate Preparatory PCHS
8
4600 Livingston Road, SE 20032
The Next Step/El Pr贸ximo Paso PCS
1
3047 15th Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-319-2249
Age 16 - Age 24
The Next Step PCS [Night School]
1
3047 15th Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-319-2249
Age 18 - Age 24
Main: 202-832-7737
9 - 12
Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
25
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS Ward
Campus Street Address
Main Number
Grade Level Range
Options PCS [Academy]
6
702 15th Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-232-4627
6 - 12
Options PCS
6
1375 E Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-547-1028
6 - 12
Paul PCS - Middle School
4
5800 8th Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-291-7499
6-8
Paul PCS - International High School
4
5800 8th Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-291-7499
9 - 10
Perry Street Preparatory PCS [Lower School]
5
1800 Perry Street, NE 20018
Main: 202-529-4400
PK3 - 8
Perry Street Preparatory PCS [Upper School]
5
1800 Perry Street, NE 20018
Main: 202-529-4400
9 - 12
Potomac Lighthouse PCS
5
4401 8th Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-526-6003
PK3 - 8
Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts
6
770 M Street, SE 2nd Floor 20003
Main: 202-388-1011
8 - 11
Roots PCS
4
15 Kennedy Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-882-8073
PK3 - 8
SEED PCS of Washington, D.C.
7
4300 C Street, SE 20019
Main: 202-248-7773
6 - 12
Sela PCS
School/Campus Name
26
4
6015-17 Chillum Place, NE 20009
Main: 202-670-7352
PK3 - 1
Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS
1
1328 Florida Avenue, NW Annex 20009
Main: 202-319-2307
PK3 - 2
Somerset Preparatory Academy PCS
8
3301 Wheeler Road, SE 20032
Main: 202-562-9104
6-8
St. Coletta Special Education PCS
7
1901 Independence Avenue, SE 20003
Main: 202-350-8680
Ungraded
Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS
8
2427 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE 20020
Main: 202-563-6862
9 - 12
Tree of Life PCS
5
2315 18th Place, NE 20018
Main: 202-832-1108
PK3 - 8
Two Rivers PCS [Elementary Facility]
6
1227 4th Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-546-4477
PK3 - 5
Two Rivers PCS [Middle Facility]
6
1234 4th Street, NE 20002
Main: 202-543-8477
6-8
Washington Latin PCS - Middle School
4
5200 2nd Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-223-1111
5-8
Washington Latin PCS - Upper School
4
5200 2nd Street, NW 20011
Main: 202-223-1111
9 - 12
Washington Mathematics Science Technology PCHS
5
1920 Bladensburg Road, NE 20002
Main: 202-636-8011
9 - 12
Washington Yu Ying PCS
5
220 Taylor Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-635-1950
PK4 - 6
William E. Doar, Jr. PCS for the Performing Arts
5
705 Edgewood Street, NE 20017
Main: 202-269-4646
PK3 - 8
YouthBuild PCS
1
3014 14th Street, NW 20009
Main: 202-319-0141
Adult Ed/GED (Age 16) - Adult Ed/GED (Age 24)
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program
Information / Open House Sessions on the Following Thursdays*: • December 5 & 12 from 9:30 am-10:30 am • January 23 & 30 from 9:30 am-10:30 am • February 20 & 27 from 9:30 am-10:30 am *You must register to attend, limit of 20 people per session. Call (202) 545-0515 to register.
Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org • Application deadline March 3, 2014.
Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Voted Best Preschool in DC, City Paper Readers Poll 2013!
• Before & After Care • Small classroom size and well trained staff • Individual planning for each student • Hands-on and project-based curriculum Free and open to all DC residents. Tuition paid by non-residents.
www.bridgespcs.org 1250 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011 p: 202.545.0515 e: info@bridgespcs.org
★ ★ ★ ADVERTORIAL
BRIDGES PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Bridges PCS is an expanding elementary school Building on our strong foundation as an early childhood program Bridges Public Charter School was founded in 2005 as a preschool program and in 2012 was approved by the DC Public Charter School Board to expand into an elementary school. Located in the Petworth neighborhood in Ward 4, the school has been providing the District of Columbia with high quality educational slots for the past eight years. Voted the “Best Preschool in DC” by the City Paper Reader’s poll for 2013, the school has strong support from its current families as well as the families of graduates. Bridges’ mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes students with special
28
| DC Charter Schools Magazine – January 2014
needs. Bridges is unique in the DC education landscape; working to educate the full range of students – typically developing students and students who need high-level special education support. Currently serving 211 students in grades Pre-K 3 through 1st grade, the school’s student population is 70% typically developing students and 30% students with special needs. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Independent Schools and has both inclusion and high level special education classrooms. The school will grow to serve 400 students in grades Pre-K 3 through 5th by 2017. With a highly qualified teaching staff, a hands-on
“Readers say: This ‘truly diverse school’ is ‘a gem,’ ‘one of a kind,’ ‘a really special place’ with an ‘open and nurturing living environment where everyone thrives.’” — The Washington City Paper investigative curriculum and strong student support services Bridges’ educational approach nurtures students and provides a strong foundation for life-long learning. The school day is from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm with a half day on Wednesday (1:00 pm dismissal). The school offers before care starting at 7:30 am and after school care until 6:00 pm. Fees for before and after school care are on a sliding scale, base on income. Join the Bridges learning community! Become a founding member of our elementary school program and grow with us! Spaces are available for the 2014-2015 school year in grades Pre-K3 through 2nd grade. To learn more about the school visit our website, www.bridgespcs.org or attend an Information / Open House Session. To apply complete the on-line common application at
www.myschooldc.org. The deadline to complete the application for the lottery is March 3, 2014. Applications completed and received after March 3, 2014 will be place on a waiting list. During the school year when spaces become available the school admits students from the waiting list. Information / Open House sessions are from 9:30 am – 10:30 am on January 23 & 30 and February 20 & 27, 2014. You must register to attend a session. Please call (202) 545-0515 to register, a limit of 25 people per session. “An inclusive learning community builds bridges of understanding, awareness, and support by connecting children and families with a variety of different needs, cultures, and backgrounds.” Visit us online at DCCharterSchoolsMag.com |
29
CHANGE TOMORROW
ENROLL TODAY NOW ENROLLING GRADES 6-10
PREPARING SCHOLARS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS
A RE Y O U L O OKI N G F O R…
a school that will nuture your child?
WE F O C U S
on the whole child Are you looking for a school for your child that will develop and nurture their unique talents?
fast facts
Are you looking for a safe, small school with individualized instruction that won’t let your child fall through the cracks?
Small Nurturing Campus Environment
Center City Public Charter Schools (Center City PCS) educates students throughout the nation’s capital. With a focus on the communities we serve, our six campuses are named after their neighborhoods: Brightwood, Capitol Hill, Congress Heights, Petworth, Shaw, and Trinidad. Our students represent the diversity and character of Washington, DC. Our families speak multiples languages and come from various backgrounds. We offer a structured and disciplined learning environment that provides opportunities for our students to perform artistically, physically, and academically. Our hands-on curricula provides students with opportunities to learn in new ways and in small groups. Learn more by attending an open house! Call 202-589-0202 for more information or go to our website at www.centercitypcs.org.
• 200–250 students per campus • 20–25 students per classroom • Principals know each scholar
and family personally
• 2 instructors per early childhood
class (PreK-2nd grade)
PreK-Eighth Grade • Extended School Day • Enrichment for all students in
all grades – art, music, dance, PE, and Spanish
• Rigorous high school placement
program (SSAT and HSPT offered)
• Focus on character, excellence,
and service
900 2nd Street, NE, Suite 221 Washington, DC 20002 p (202) 589-0202 e info@centercitypcs.org www.centercitypcs.org
DC Charter Schools Magazine is currently accepting article submissions from education specialist, parents, teachers, and administrators. For more information e-mail pmhoon@dccharterschoolsmag.com
Visit us online at : DCCharterSchoolsMag.com