The Education Edition August 2011

AUGUST 2011

THE EDUCATION EDITION

“In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a pre-requisite.”

-President Barack Obama

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HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

Sousa Middle School ENROLL TODAY! Quality School • Safe & Structured Environment Openings available for students entering 6th, 7th & 8th grade next year Fall 2011 Sousa Middle School, an Arts Catalyst School, is exceeding all odds, with 30 point gains in math, and 20 points in reading within the past two academic years. As a Full Service School located in Southeast, Washington, DC, Sousa is dedicated to providing the highest level of education and social-emotional supports to all students by setting the standard of excellence.

Prospective parents are welcome to stop by anytime to meet the principal, teachers and for a school tour.

Call or vist the web to learn more. http://www.sousamiddleschool.org 202.729.3260 • 3650 Ely Place, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20019

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS THE EDUCATION EDITION • AUGUST 2011

Making Middle Schools A Priority...

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The District of Columbia’s sixth, seventh, and

eighth graders – and their families – desperately need our help. / Kwame Brown, Chairman, DC City Council

Bilingual Schools in DC...

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Outside the U.S., most children learn a second

and even third language from a young age. Washington

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Yu Ying is a fine example of integrting language into the curriculum. / Alice Olstein

SEED School of DC...

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What does it take to get our kids into college?

With 96% of its students accepted to four-year colleges, SEED School in Southeast DC seems to have found the answer. / Jamaal Abdul-Alim

LEARNING RESOURCES 16

Briefs on top schools in the District.

HILL RAG • MIDCITY DC • EAST OF THE RIVER FAGON COMMUNITY GUIDES THE EDUCATION EDITION CHAMPS CAPITOL HILL MAP Capital Community News, Inc. 224 7th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003 202.543.8300 • www.capitalcommunitynews.com

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HILLRAG - EDUCATION EDUCATION EDITION ● SPECIAL AUGUST●2010 AUGUST 2011

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We offer Preschool – 8th Grade college-preparatory education, emphasizing rigorous academics, character and leadership.

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Free and Open to All DC Students!

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EDUCATION EDITION ● KWAME BROWN LETTER

hope to increase our high school and college graduation rates, and to create schools that work for our students and families, we need to take a good, hard look at education in the middle grades.

For the past few months, I have been carefully examining the issues facing middle grades students (I say “middle grades” instead of “middle school” because some students are in traditional middle schools serving grades 6-8 and some in Pre-K through 8 or grade 6-12 programs). I have been meeting with parents of current and future middle grades students and local and national experts in the field, and working with our agency and community partners to collect student data – all with the goal of drafting legislation that will dramatically transform the education of our

From Chairman Kwame Brown: Making the Middle Grades a Priority

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Kwame Brown, Chairman, City Council

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he District of Columbia’s sixth, seventh, and eighth graders – and their families – desperately need our help. Whether they attend DC Public Schools or public charter schools, very few are learning the skills needed to be successful in high school, college and beyond. Every year, families scramble to find spots in the few middle schools that offer a glimmer of hope. In order to find better options for their children, those who can leave DC altogether often do.

As the parent of a daughter about to start sixth grade, I feel that no child should have to win a lottery in order to attend a quality school. As Chairman of the DC Council, I know that if we ever

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

middle grades students.

I have learned that interventions at the high school level are too late; we need to focus on getting our eighth graders ready for high school and identifying those who are at risk of dropping out. Research from ACT shows that eighth grade academic achievement is the best predictor of college and career readiness.

Grades six through eight are an exciting developmental time for students, during which their brains experience some of the most significant growth since birth. Rather than warehousing our students, hoping that they’ll somehow acquire the skills that they need, we must challenge them with a rigorous curriculum, engage them in project-based learning, and expose them to the opportunities that await them in college and careers. And we need to identify funding to support promising, innovative programs that are already demonstrating success with middle grades students.

Like all students, sixth through eighth graders need strong school leaders and support from their parents. But middle school students also need special help to prepare for the transition to high school. They need teachers with the skills to teach the middle grades effectively, and an in-depth knowledge of the subjects they teach. Schools need to identify students who are falling behind and provide extra support, like after-school and summer tutoring.

I hope that you will join me on September 7th, when the DC Council’s Committee of the Whole hosts a roundtable on “Middle Grades Education in the District: Preparing our Students for Success in High School and Beyond.” I invite you to be a part of exploring the District’s current approach to educating students in grades 6-8 and best practices for moving forward.

We’ve made real progress toward providing our students and families with quality educational options in elementary and high school.

Now I need the help of everyone in the District to ensure that our middle grades students are prepared for the brilliant futures that they deserve, and from which our entire city will benefit. Can I count on you?

Kwame R. Brown is the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia. For more information, see www.dccouncil. washington.dc.us or call 202-724-8032. ✔

www.atlasarts.org | 202.399.7993

Afterschool programs at the Atlas

Photo credit: Enoch Chan

Auditions for

AMERICAN YOUTH CHORUS 2011-2012 Concert Season

After-school music program for ages 8-14 from DC, MD & VA An outreach program of the Congressional Chorus Auditions & weekly rehearsals at Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC * Performances at The White House, Kennedy Center, US Capitol, Inaugural Ball, Smithsonian Folklife Festival and for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton To schedule an audition, email Debby_McConnell@CongressionalChorus.Org or call 202-399-7993, x 182 For more information, visit our website at: www.americanyouthchorus.org

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EDUCATION EDITION ● BILINGUAL SCHOOLS in DC

Teachers use song and dance to help the students learn key vocabulary.

Expanding Horizons with Bilingual Education At Yu Ying PCS, bilingualism is central to learning article by Alice Ollstein | photos by Steward Davis

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utside the U.S., most children learn a second and even third language from a young age. And while school districts here slash language instruction during a budget crisis, countries overseas prioritize it as part of the core curriculum.

“In nearly all other countries, learning a second language is not considered an extra,” says Julie Shuggerman from the Center for Applied Linguistics. “It’s assumed that you’ll learn two or three languages.”

In a globalized world, more and more U.S. parents feel their own children should do the same.

“I think American parents have finally gotten the message about the importance of language for international competitiveness,” said Shuggerman.

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“It’s a really great skill to learn as an American student, and it’s good for capabilities of our country.”

Bilingual education is just as important, if not more so, for English language learners.

Though conventional wisdom calls for total immersion as the best way to learn English, several studies prove otherwise. A report from the National Academy of Sciences says limited-English proficient students in bilingual education programs make greater academic gains in content areas, like math, than students who receive all instruction in English.

“It’s an asset for a child to retain their native language, or the language spoken at home,” said Shuggerman. “Maintaining your native language helps with you English development in the long-run,

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

and immigrant students who have a bilingual education actually do better in English.”

If bilingual education spells success for both native English speakers and English language learners alike, why have some states sought to ban it? Shuggerman says the backlash over bilingual education is often tied to anti-immigrant and nativist sentiment that comes from a lack of understanding.

“Some communities are really welcoming, and see the value of multilingualism, but there are a lot of ideas about what bilingual education is for that aren’t true,” she said. “In an environment hostile to bilingual education, like Arizona, it’s been difficult to legally keep those programs going. We have to get past those feelings and explain that the point of bilingual education is to learn English!”

Strategic Choices While the vast majority of bilingual education options in the US—and here in DC—focus on English and Spanish, other options do exist. As China becomes a major world power, parents across the US are looking for ways to give their children all the cultural and career benefits of learning Chinese. A 2010 study by the Center for Applied Linguistics found that around 1,600 American public and private schools are teaching Chinese. Here in the District, Yu Ying Public Charter School in Brookland offers a fully bilingual education experience—helping students become fluent in the challenging and complex Chinese language.

Executive Director and founder Mary Shaffner, who does not speak Chinese, explained why she decided to start

A bilingual sign marks this Yu Ying classroom as a Chinese room.

a Chinese bilingual school. “China is a growing world power, and Chinese is a language of the future,” she said. “Learning Chinese provides opportunities in business, science, politics, and education.”

Other Yu Ying parents agreed. “It’s a strategic language to choose,” said Betsy Clyde Centofanti, president of the Parents Association. “There will be a lot of opportunities for my daughter that she wouldn’t have otherwise.

And at some other point in time, she could study another language, and it will be easy for her.”

Ursula Richelieu, whose daughter just finished her third year, looked at several other education options before choosing Yu Ying.

“I always wanted my kids to be bilingual, but Chinese was not on my list at all,” she said.

“We thought Spanish would be our choice, but when I started researching Chinese, I learned that it’s a Level 4 language. Since it’s harder, this is a prime age for my daughter to learn it.”

Global realities also factored into her decision. “We have this relationship with China that’s both good and bad, but the importance of China is really growing,” she explained.

“There is a great future knowing Chinese, and I’m looking out for what’s best for my kids.”

Opportunities and Resources At Yu Ying, students have alternate English and Chinese days, learning entirely in one language on a given day. They also move between separate Chinese and English classrooms. All capitalcommunitynews.com

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Young Yu Ying students learn their first Chinese characters.

teachers are native speakers, either from China’s mainland or Taiwan. As Yu Ying works toward becoming an International Baccalaureate “World School,” the school combines regular academics with a focus on world affairs, culture and language. “It really engages the children in their learning. All the subjects are tied around the theme of Chinese,” said Shaffner.

“It’s academically challenging,” added Centofanti. “There’s an inquiry-based approach, and it’s more hands-on than a traditional school. It really teaches children to value learning.”

The there are also opportunities for the students to practice outside the classroom, on various field trips and special events. In January, Yu Ying students were invited to the White House to greet Chinese President Hu Jintao during his official state visit. “The students were very excited to see their language in action,” said Shaffner.

Since the majority of Yu Ying’s parents are not Chinese speakers, the school has to provide extra resources for families.

“Many parents can’t help their kids with Chinese homework, so we had to figure out how to make parents more

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comfortable with Chinese,” said Shaffner.

The school provides a special Internet portal for families, including Chinese “readers”—a book in PDF form with Chinese voiceovers, to help with reading and pronunciation. There is also an aftercare program with homework help for students, and a free class two afternoons a week for parents. This class is taught by a Yu Ying parent who happens to be the voice of the Mandarin Rosetta Stone language program. For parents, these resources are crucial.

“The school website is really rich,” said Centofanti. “There are a lot of audio files we can access, and the school has Chinese CDs and books available too. Since I speak German, not Chinese, all I can do now is sit with her and do exercises on the computer.”

Richelieu and her husband, like many Yu Ying parents, have enjoyed learning basic Chinese along with her child. “We had no Chinese whatsoever, but now we know how to count, name the colors, and say ‘Hi’ and ‘Thank You.’ But it’s hard! When kids are that age, their brains are like sponges. My daughter’s brain is coming uphill and mine is going downhill.”

Bright Future Yu Ying, which opened in 2008, will have 360 students this coming fall—from kindergarten through fourth grade. The school draws families from nearly every ward of DC. About half are African-American, a third are Caucasian, less than a quarter are Asian and just 4 percent are Hispanic. The school will add a grade each year until they have a full pre-K through 8th grade student body.

This fall, Yu Ying will move to a brand new building right around the corner from their current campus. Parents raised over $50,000 to build a stateof-the-art playground. Shaffner calls it “a permanent home, a comfortable

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

Bilingual Public Schools in DC DC offers several other options for parents seeking a bilingual education for their children: Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB) A dual language (Spanish/English) immersion Montessori program beginning at ages 3-4 years of age and currently continuing through 5th grade.

1375 Missouri Avenue, NW, 202.726.6200, www.lambpcs.org DC Bilingual Public Charter School Students divide their day between English and Spanish classrooms, from preschool through elementary school.

1420 Columbia Rd, NW, 202.332.4200, www.centronia.org Oyster-Adams Bilingual Elementary School This DCPS neighborhood public school goes from pre-K to eighth grade, and offers a dual-language immersion environment, with equal weight given to learning in English and in Spanish.

2801 Calvert Street NW, 202-671-6130 www.oysterbilingualschool.com Sacred Heart Catholic School A dual language education in English and Spanish within a Catholic elementary and secondary setting.

1625 Park Road, NW, 202-265-4828 http://sacredheartschooldc.org Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School New this fall, this school will focus on sustainability and English/Spanish bilingualism. Initially preschool (3 year-olds) through kindergarten and will add an additional grade each year through 8th grade.

2001 S Street NW, (202) 630-8373 www.mundoverdepcs.org

home.” She is also optimistic about the growing student body.

“We have a lot of interest and a lot of applications,” she said. “We’re growing by leaps and bounds.”

The name Yu Ying translates to “nurturing excellence,” a concept that explains why many parents who have no connection to China have chosen a Chinese bilingual education for their child.

“Everyone wants a school that will give their kid a leg up,” said Richelieu.

“All the parents here are looking at the bigger picture. Having a bilingual kid these days is the way to go.” ✔

National Collegiate Prep‌ A Global Presence in the Heart of the District National Prep offers: College Preparatory and Pre- International Baccalaureate educational Program-Study abroad with service learning projects- 9th 10th and 11th grad honors classes- World Language Studies-small classroom sizes- International Studies programs and so much more!

Summer OfďŹ ce Hours 9a-4p Spaces available for the 9th and 10th Come tour the campus meet faculty and administration and learn about our exciting and competitive program.

Call and enroll your child today. Only a limited number of 10th grade and 11th grade seats available

For more info. on our International Studies College Prep program call 202-832-7737 or visit us online www.nationalprepdc.org

The Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School With a French and Spanish immersion program and a dual focus on academic excellence and community service, Stokes School prepares culturally diverse elementary school students to be leaders, scholars, and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice.

www.ewstokes.org 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE | Washington, DC 20017 | 202.265.7237

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EDUCATION EDITION ● SEED SCHOOL OF DC

The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. Commencement Ceremony, June 11, 2011

SEED School of DC Sends More Students to College

by Jamaal Abdul-Alim

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hen Erica Cohen, an unemployed single mother of two from Southeast, decided to enroll her daughter DaShawn at SEED School of Washington, D.C. for the upcoming school year, she did so with hopes that it would lead to a better life than hers.

“My scope is limited. I only have a high school diploma. There’s not that many jobs that I can get,” said Cohen, who recently lost her job as a kitchen aide at an area nursing home and subsequently experienced a bout of homelessness.

“I want her to get everything she can out of her education so she won’t have to struggle like I’m struggling now,” Cohen said.

It was with that in mind that Cohen found herself amid the maroon,

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gold and pearl white balloons that filled the SEED school gymnasium this past May, when school officials -- as required by law -- held a public lottery to determine which of the 150 students whose parents applied to SEED for the 20112012 school year would get one of the school’s 52 open seats.

In a scene similar to the ones depicted in Waiting for Superman -- the controversial 2010 docu-film that extolled SEED and several other public charter schools over regular public schools -Cohen ultimately got her wish.

As a pair of SEED sixth-graders pulled plastic white balls from a set of golden bingo cages on stage, Cohen and DaShawn anxiously awaited as a school official called out the numbers that represented a guaranteed spot.

Cohen’s number -- No. 52 -- was the last number called for the 26 num-

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

bers in the girl’s half of the lottery.

“I was a little nervous,” Cohen said.

“Then she said the last number. I was like, ‘Oh, God.’” Of course, merely being admitted to SEED -- or any other school, for that matter -- is not the only way for DaShawn or other children from tough economic situations to access higher education.

At the same time, from a strictly odds perspective, it appears to be more likely at SEED, where statistics show that 96 percent of SEED graduates from 2004 through 2010 have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

Research Explores the Charter School Difference Though SEED officials are loathe to attribute its success to its status as a charter school as opposed to its own

2011-2012.

Head of School Charles Barrett Adams, The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. Commencement Ceremony, June 11, 2011

style of delivery as a boarding school, a small but emergent body of research suggests that enrollment in charter schools, such as SEED, does make a difference in terms of college enrollment.

For instance, a 2008 RAND Corporation study, titled “Going Beyond Test Scores: Evaluating Charter School Impact on Educational Attainment in Chicago and Florida,” found that among students who attended a charter middle school, those who went on to attend a charter high school were 7 to 15 percent more likely to earn a standard high school diploma than those who transferred to a public high school, and that those who attended a charter high school were 8 to 10 percent more likely to attend college.

Which perhaps partially explains the high college enrollment rate at SEED: Transfer to a different high school is essentially a non-issue because it is a boarding school that only accepts sixth graders, such as DaShawn, and educates them through the end of high school.

Though SEED has only followed one class through college graduation -- the Class of 2004 -- it boasts that, so far, its college graduation rate is triple that of neighboring schools. Spokespeople at the D.C. Public School system failed to return repeated requests for interviews regarding post-secondary activity of its students.

The lottery through which DaShawn got admitted was an important step in her SEED experience, but as Melissa L. Bradley, CEO of TIDES, a New York- and San Francisco-based philanthropic foundation, said during the 2011 graduation commencement ceremony at SEED: “Rest assured, (the lottery) is where luck stops and that day one at SEED is where your hard work and tenacity and intelligence begin shifting the paradigm that you will make it by chance.”

Those thoughts are echoed by SEED graduates themselves.

“SEED school is going to be what you make

Ms. Shannon Dunne Irish Dancing Classes for Children Play in a Day Program

Classes in Seán-nos “Old Style” Irish Dance

DCPS and St Peter’s days off, half days and breaks

shannondunne.com

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Class of 2011, The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C., June 11, 2011

it,” said Jonathan Jones, a 2006 SEED graduate who is currently majoring in Pan-African studies with a minor in creative writing at Kent State University.

At the same time, based on interviews with Jones and other SEED alumni, students, and school officials, as well as a series of visits that East of the River paid to the school in the spring of 2011, the portrait that emerges is that of an institution that is as deliberate as it is dynamic about instilling the idea that college is the destination.

For instance, in the school cafeteria, there is a “college corner” where students get information on deadlines for college applications, scholarships and the like.

There’s also a “college cafe” where the walls are bedecked with college pennants. During junior year students go on college tours, and several students have participated in study abroad programs that took them overseas.

SEED Curriculum Focuses on College On a deeper level, college preparedness is a big part of the curriculum. Whereas Advanced Placement classes, or AP classes, are scarce in many urban schools, at SEED they are commonplace.

“Most students in my class have two

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to three AP classes on their transcript,” said Ty’Ronn Spriggs, the president of the Student Government Association at SEED. “I had four.”

The fact that SEED is a boarding school also helps prepare students for life on campus, school officials say.

The boarding school aspect of SEED is what Jones, the 2006 alumni, said helped prepare him for college more than anything else. Whereas he has friends from Southeast who fell victim to the perils of the streets, he credits his boarding school experience at SEED, and particularly a residential advisor, with filling certain voids and enabling him to learn important skills.

“I never had a consistent male figure in my life,” Jones said. He said his residential advisor at SEED filled that void and helped him with time management skills and study habits. He said: “It was the residential side that got me ready for college.”

Kennetth Campbell, president of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, a Washington, D.C.-based charter school advocacy group, says the deliberate nature in which college prep schools such as SEED get students oriented toward college is what sets them apart.

“They have a college expectation for

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

these kids, and everything they do -- from the moment that kid is in the 5th grade -- is: ‘How do we get this kid involved in good colleges so they can be competitive, get in and get through and graduate?’” Campbell said.

“When you have the end in mind and those explicit goals, it’s much easier to get there.

He added: “You would think that all (schools) have destinations in mind. The reality is they don’t.”

SEED School of Washington, D.C. was founded in 1998.

It is open to graduating 5th graders throughout the District, but the majority of its students are from Wards 7, 8 and 5. Roughly three-fourths are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and 85 percent of the students do not have a parent with a college degree.

Charles Adams, Head of School at SEED D.C., said while SEED has done a good job of getting its graduates into college, its focus now is to make sure they get through college. To that end, school officials keep in contact with graduates to offer whatever assistance they can.

“I don’t want to be part of a team that ends up just introducing families to the idea of college,” Adams said. “The focus and our energy is really about graduating from college.”

He added: “College isn’t the endgoal. It is being a healthy, productive citizen.”

Cohen said although she will miss spending time with her daughter, the anticipated outcome is worth it.

“I’m going to miss her, because that’s my baby,” Cohen said. “But I’m willing to sacrifice my time that I put in with her on an everyday basis so she can get a good education.”

Jamaal Abdul-Alim is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer who specializes in covering higher education. He resides in NW D.C. with his daughter, Hadiyah, age 10, who is an aspiring attorney. He is an avid chess player and can often be found at one of D.C.’s chess hot spots. ✔

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award-winning K12 curriculum, support from highly qualified state-certified teachers, co-op options, a supportive community, and extracurricular activities. CAPCS Online helps students achieve their highest personal potential, tuition free. Get more information at K12.com/ DC, 866.339.8759

LEARNING RESOURCES

www.americanyouthchorus.org American Youth Chorus is Congressional Chorus’ after-school program at the Atlas for students ages 814. Founded on the belief that all children deserve a high-quality music education, AYC offers students a performance-based choral/musical theatre program that encourages young people to develop their voices, creativity and self-esteem.

Arts & Technology Academy PCS www.dcata.org Are you looking for a safe, nurturing, arts-based and academically positive educational experience for your child? Located in Ward 7, the Arts & Technology Academy offers you that option. ATA has an outstanding early childhood education program beginning at age-3 which is designed to lay the foundation for a successful school experience. Contact us today on 202-398-6811.

Atlas Performing Arts Center www.atlasarts.org The Atlas is a multi-space venue which is home to a variety of arts organizations including Joy of Motion Dance Center, American Youth Chorus and the Capitol City Symphony. The Atlas presents the annual Intersections: A New America Arts Festival which highlights where the arts merge and cultures meet.

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School www.beauvoirschool.org The School was founded in 1933, is a primary school dedicated to educating a diverse student body in a caring and creative environment. Beauvoir nurtures the spiritual, ethical, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development of children. We seek to foster a spirit of inquiry and a joy in learning.

Burgundy Farms Country Day School www.burgundyfarm.org Each diverse child is respected as an individual.

Each child’s innate curiosity is nurtured into a love of learning. Academic excellence grows through work, exploration and play. Children become confi dent students and collaborative citizens. Explore.

Learn. Grow.

Community Academy PCS K12.com/DC Community Academy Public Charter School (CAPCS) Online of Washington, DC, is a tuition-free online public school serving grades K–8 that offers the

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Friendship Public Charter School

www.dcprep.org DC Prep is changing public education in Washington. With a program of rigorous academics and character education we prepare Preschool through 8th grade students for success in college prep high schools, college, and life.

www.friendshipschools.org Friendship PCS has a college preparatory focus that serves students in grades Pre-Kindergarten 3 & 4 years old through the twelfth grade. Friendship’s comprehensive curriculum prepares students for college and career throughout their matriculation tenure with Friendship. Students benefit from broad offerings in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), Advanced Placement/Honors courses, Career Certificate courses providing pathways in Allied Health, Pre-Law Communications and the Arts.

DC Youth Orchestra Program

Hospitality High School

www.dcyop.org Let’s Play! DC Youth Orchestra Program offers comprehensive music education serving young people in the DC metro area. Instruction is available for all orchestra and wind ensemble (band) instruments; beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, ranging in age from 41/2 to 19. We provide affordable, accessible, high-quality music instruction & performance opportunities.

www.washingtonhospitality All rising 9th and 10th graders enroll today! Hospitality High School, an accredited college preparatory school, offers small classes, college and life skills counseling, hands on business industry exposure, internship opportunities, and college scholarships! Visit our website at www.washingtonhospitality.org or call us on 202-737-4150 for more information.

District of Columbia Public Schools

Imagine Hope PCS

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is implementing new rigorous academic programs, expanding early childhood education, preparing students for college, and initiating new catalyst programs this school year, 2011-2012. Enroll your child today and come join the DCPS family! Check out dcps.dc.gov or call 478-5738

www.hopecommunitycs.org We provide students with an integrated education that emphasizes arts, music, and literature, as well as the traditional core subjects. Our mission is to shape our students by providing them with a rigorous, content rich curriculum, an environment in which character is modeled and promoted, and a community in which to build trusting relationships with others.

DC Preparatory Academy PCS American Youth Chorus

know how to learn, and succeed in leading high schools area-wide.

Edmund Burke School www.eburke.org Burke is a small, urban, diverse, challenging, coed day school for 300 students in grades 6 through 12. Located two blocks south of the Van Ness metro station, Burke offers a challenging and engaging academic program, exceptional arts programs, and integrates service learning into classrooms at all grade levels.

Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School www.ewstokes.org EWStokes prepares culturally diverse elementary school students to be leaders, scholars and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice.

Stokes teaches children to think, speak, read, write and learn in two languages: English and French or English and Spanish. Pre-School through 6 grade we have a dual focus on academic excellence and community service.

Friends Community School www.friendscommunityschool.org Friends Community School is a K-8 Quaker School that nurtures young people to be life-long learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. We welcome students of all backgrounds, and offer developmentally appropriate, experiential, and vigorous curricula. Our students love to learn,

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

Kid Power DC www.kidpowerdc.org Kid Power is a civics-based organization that provides academic, nutritional, and service-learning opportunities for 350 youth in under-served DC neighborhoods. Major programs include the Citizenship Project (civic education and service-learning), VeggieTime (urban gardening and nutritional service projects), CookieTime (social entrepreneurial enterprise in partnership with CakeLove); and the Summer Leadership Academy.

Joy of Motion Dance Center Atlas www.joyofmotion.org Joy of Motion Dance Center (JOMDC) is a nonprofit dance education organization offering classes to adults and children 7 days a week throughout the DC region. Recognized in 2009 with the Mayor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education, JOMDC lives its motto “Dance Is for Everyone.”

Lieutenant Joseph P. Kennedy Institute www.catholiccharitiesdc.org We believe that children are born with dignity, inner wisdom and peace. Our mission is to nurture their potential to live meaningful lives in the community. Every child is the architect of his or her

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own knowledge. We strive to create an environment that supports that child’s active engagement in the creation of opportunities to learn, communicate, and live in harmony.

National Collegiate Preparatory PCHS www.nationalprepdc.org Be a part of a wonderful academic community! National Prep is a college prep high school located in Washington, DC. We offer small class sizes, an international study focus with a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for college. Space is available for 9th grade. Contact us about our exciting program.

Our Lady of Victory www.olvschooldc.org Our Lady of Victory has long been noted for academic excellence, superior staff, small student/ teacher ratio, well-rounded graduates, and its Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award. This year, our principal was recognized for outstanding leadership receiving both the Archdiocesan Principal of the Year and Washington Post’s Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.

Paul Public Charter School www.paulcharter.org Paul offers an extensive liberal arts and character development curriculum designed to meet the needs of every student through the Triple “A” Program, combining Academics, Arts and Athletics. Our students have a firm foundation to enter college preparatory high schools. We are accepting applications for grades 6 and 7.

Potomac Lighthouse PCS www.lighthouse-academies.org Potomac Lighthouse Public Charter School will serve students in grades Pre-K through 6 for the 201112 school year. The focus on college preparation starts in Kindergarten. The arts-infused program and small school environment along with looping, longer school year and days, after school care, and free transportation make PLPCS unique.

Randolph Macon Academy www.rma.edu Randolph-Macon Academy (grades 6-12) is America’s oldest co-ed boarding school with Air Force JROTC. R-MA provides small classes, mentoring, and supervised study. R-MA offers AP and college courses, varsity sports, flight program, music, art, and drama. 96% of graduates attend a four-year college or university. United Methodist Church-affiliated. (800) 272-1172.

Richard Wright PCS www.richardwrightpcs.org/ Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts (RWPCS) is a new unique high school offering students, beginning with grade 8, the opportunity to explore high school while focusing on their areas of interest within journalism and media arts. RWPCS’s educational focus is to create great writers, journalists and productive citizens.

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SEED Public Charter School www.seedschooldc.org A public college-preparatory boarding school whose primary mission is to provide an outstanding, intensive educational program that prepares children, both academically and socially, for success in college. 96% of all SEED graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

Shining Stars PCS www.ssmapcs.org Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS is still accepting applications for this Fall. We provide a unique program, combining Montessori methods with a culturally empowering curriculum for children ages 3-6. Shining Stars is proud to offer a nurturing, diverse, and inspiring academic experience, FREE to District residents. Visit www.ssmapcs.org or call (202) 319-2307 for more information.

The Inspired Teaching School www.inspiredteachingschool.org The Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School is focused on developing students’ Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity. The school is centered around the belief that children have an innate desire to learn, that every child can be successful in a school context, and that children’s energy and individuality are assets, not obstacles.

Saint Anthony Catholic School www.stanthonyschooldc.org Conveniently located two blocks from the Brookland/ Catholic University metro station. Entering its 90th year of serving students in Pre-Kindergarten3 through the eighth grade. The school’s mission is to prepare servant leaders whose lives are modeled on Jesus Christ. We offer an affordable and academically rigorous program where you child can succeed. We are proud to share that 100% of our students are accepted into Catholic and private high schools. Opportunity Scholars are welcome to apply.

Shannon Dunne www.shannondunne.com Ms.Shannon Dunne offers performing arts project camps, such as Play in a Day, IrishWeek, Circus Camp and Film Week. She also offers classes in Sean-nos Irish dance for Pre-k to middle school.

Sousa Middle School www.sousamiddleschool.webs.com Sousa Middle School, an Arts Catalyst School, is exceeding all odds, with 30 point gains in math, and 20 points in reading within the past two academic years. As a Full Service School located in Southeast DC, Sousa is dedicated to providing the highest level of education and social-emotional supports to all students by setting the standard of excellence.

St. Anselm’s Abbey School www.saintanselms.org Since its founding in 1942, St. Anselm’s has remained true to the 1,500-year-old Benedictine tradition of educating the mind, body and spirit. The school is located on the grounds of St. Anselm’s Abbey, offering a spiritual setting that is condu-

HILLRAG - EDUCATION SPECIAL ● AUGUST 2011

cive to reflective practice and a rigorous classical education. The schools welcomes students of other faiths as we seek to build an inclusive community in the spirit of Saint Benedict.

St. Francis Xavier Academy St. Francis Xavier Academy, Middle States accredited, offers small classes in a safe and nurturing Christian environment. Students, ages 3-7, experience the Early Learning Initiative called Castle in the Classroom - emphasizing emergent guided reading.

Students, grades 3-8, have a rigorous instructional program which includes Algebra I and Spanish.

The Field School www.fieldschool.org The Field School (6-12) focuses on skills rather than memorization—dialogue, inquiry, problemsolving, writing, creativity, and analytic thinking.

Every student plays sports and takes arts classes.

We send students to the finest colleges without draining them of a love of learning. Field is school the way it ought to be. 202-295-5800.

The Washington Middle School for Girls The Washington Middle School for Girls is a private school serving girls who live in Anacostia. WMSG is dedicated to providing an exemplary education featuring programs such as: Extended Day, Graduate Support, Summer Camp, and Parent Involvement.

WMSG has two campuses: THEARC, grades 6-8 and TheVIEW, grades 4 and 5.

Two Rivers Public Charter School www.tworiverspcs.org Active Learning Through Exploration A small parent-supported school with an interactive learning approach. Project-based, hands-on learning, arts-based instruction, integrated Spanish instruction. Preschool - 8th grade. Free and open DC residents. The school focuses on the whole child, recognizing the importance of character education and the social-emotional needs of children while helping them achieve academic excellence.

Washington Math Science and Technology Public Charter High School www.wmstpchs.org WMST is an open enrollment charter high school that provides a rigorous standards- based academic program that integrates mathematics, science and technology throughout the curriculum. WMST specializes in preparing students for higher education, leading to rewarding careers. The program prepares students to meet high academic standards by giving them exceptional learning experiences.

Washington Yu Ying PCS www.washingtonyuying.org.

Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School combines Chinese language immersion with the inquiry-based curricula of the International Baccalaureate Organization. We serve Pre-K to 3rd grade. We will continue to serve up to 8th grade by 2015.There is a structured before and after care program available.

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Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School Free To Excel!

Small Classes / Individualized Instruction / AP & Honors Courses SAT Preparation / National Honor Society / Air Force JROTC MOS Certification Center School Highlights: •

Accreditation by Middle States Association

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99% College Acceptance Rate

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Ranked by Newsweek in top 3% of the Nation’s 14,000 High Schools

Visit Our Website at www.wmstpchs.org WMST is located at: 1920 Bladensburg Road, NW Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 636-8011 Fax: (202) 636-8022

Now Enrolling for 2011-2012 School Year ABOUT US: •

Founded in the fall of 1999

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Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

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3 year old Pre-K– Grade 5

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Independently run with a strong Board of Trustees

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Recognized by US Department of Education as Outstanding Charter School

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Challenging Curriculum

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Exciting Creative Arts and Technology Program

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Positive school culture

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Open to all DC Residents

Pre-school 3 – 5th Grade Open to all DC residents

5300 Blaine Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-398-6811

Please visit us at www.artstechacademy.org capitalcommunitynews.com

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GRAT

!

FREE

IS!

Kennedy Institute NOW ENROLLING

INSCRIBASE AHORA

We specialize in working with children with disabilities.

Early Head Start (Home Base) Program for District of Columbia Residents

Programa de Early Head Start (inicio base) para personas que viven en Washington (Districto de Columbia)

Kennedy Institute – 801 Buchanan St. NE, DC 20017 Please contact Ms. JoAnne Ransome 202-281-2784 What is Early Head Start?

The EHS program enhances children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development and assists pregnant women with prenatal and postpartum care through home visits

Who is Eligible?

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Pregnant women and children ages 0-3 who meet income guidelines or who have special needs.(Example: TANF, WIC, other Supplemental income)

What Services Does The Program Provide?

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Parent/Child Activities/ Parental Education Support for children with disabilities Access to Occupational/Physical and Speech Therapy Child Health and Developmental Screenings Referrals for health care and other social services resources Social activities “twice per month” with other children and parents in large and small groups

Kennedy Institute – 801 Buchanan St. NE, DC 20017 Contacte por favor con Sra. Violeta Gonzalez 202-281-2729 ¿Qué es Early Head Start (EHS) ?

El Programa Early Head Start enriquece el desarrollo fisico, social, emocional e intellectual del niño a traves de visitas peronalizadas con un Educador de Familia capacitado; ayunda a mujeres embarazadas acceder a cuidado amplio tal como cuidado durante el embarazo como posparto; apoya a los padres en el papel de ser padre Y los ayuda a empezar a lograr la autosuficiencia a traves de visitas en sus casas.

¿Quién es elegible?

Mujeres embarazadas y niños con edades de 0-3 anos quienes cumplan con los limites de ingresos o tengan necesidades especiales; Familias que reciban: WIC, TANF, u otro programa suplemntario

¿Cuiles servicios prove el programa?

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Actividas para padres y sus hijos/Educacion para padres Apoyo para niños con discapacidades acceso Acceso a Terapias Fisicas/Ocupacionales y Terapia del Habla Evaluaciones de salud y desarrollo para el niño Referencias para cuidados medicos, servicios sociales y otros recursos comunitarios Actividades sociales “dos veces al mes” en grupos grandes y pequenos con otros niños y padres.