Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys
A Sense of Belonging
To learn and excel, children need to feel secure, understood, and loved. In these pages, we offer a glimpse of how, in everything we do at BWS, we show each student that he belongs and he matters.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
African proverb
“That was the first time that my son saw teachers— educators—that looked like him.”
Crystal Day, parent of BWS alumnus
A Culture of Trust and Respect
Trust grows when students are supported by adults who look like them and believe in their potential. At BWS, 100% of our educators are Black and Brown. Nationwide, fewer than 2% of elementary school teachers are Black men. At BWS, it’s 30%. This representation matters deeply: When boys see themselves reflected in their teachers, they can better envision their own possibilities.
Respect flows both ways at BWS. Teachers respect students as whole individuals, listening carefully and responding thoughtfully to each child. Respect also shows up in the BWS approach to discipline: Rather than employing a consequences-based model, BWS uses restorative practices, turning a moment of conflict or disruption into an opportunity to understand choices and responsibilities.
Boys learn to support one another, as brothers, in a predictable environment where everyone’s confidence can grow.
Ways to Give
As a tuition-free independent school, BWS relies entirely on philanthropic support. To fulfill our mission of offering an independent education to boys east of the Anacostia River, our governing board determined that the inability to pay tuition should not be a barrier to attendance.
For information on planned giving, stock transfers, or wire transfers, please contact: Eva Headley, Development Manager 202-678-1515 eheadley@bishopwalkerschool.org
Gifts can be made by check mailed to the school or by credit card online at: www.bishopwalkerschool.org/onlinegiving
