Draft Student Brochure

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Chamberlain Elementary (Pre-kindergarten-5) One of the strongest school performance records in the District of Columbia.

Southeast Elementary Academy

Woodridge Elementary and Middle

(K-6)

(Pre-school-8)

New, technology-rich SmartLab™ where students can learn about art, electricity, robots, and more.

Students exceed the District’s standards for reading and math standards by more than 10 percent.

Graduation 92 percent graduate, and most are accepted to college.

Blow Pierce Junior Academy (4-8) Intensive Pre-Early College curriculum.

Collegiate Academy (9-12) Two years of college credit available.

Friendship Academy of Engineering and Technology (6-12)

Friendship Academy of Science and Technology (6-12)

FRIENDSHIP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL A World-Class Institution for Elementary and High School Students

IMAGINE.

Imagine attending a school where…

•• Students’ test scores are the strongest in the District of Columbia.

•• You can learn surrounded by vaulted ceilings, bright light fixtures, red and ivory hallways, shiny new textbooks and laptops •• Seventy percent of fifth graders receive honors in one or more subjects.

•• You can use a technology-rich SmartLab™ to program robots, make movies, manage ant farms, structure electricity, draw or paint, build a car, and more.

•• You can earn up to two years of college credit, starting in ninth grade.

•• Ninety-two percent of students graduate, and most of those go on to college.

Imagine walking across a stage, shaking the principal’s hand, and proudly accepting your high school diploma.

And imagine your first day in college, the pride and excitement that come with it—and the knowledge that you are fully prepared.

These are more than flights of fancy at Friendship Public Charter School—they are dreams come true.

Donald Hense Chairman of Friendship Public Charter School

Why Friendship Public Charter School?

In 1997, Friendship Public Charter School was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Today, it is the largest charter school provider of public education on the East Coast. Nearly 4,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade attend its elementary, middle and high school campuses in the District and Baltimore.

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 to their communities.

Friendship is tuition free to anyone who lives in the District, and it does not discriminate for any reason. Virtually all of Friendship’s students come from Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 of D.C. If you are a student at Friendship, you will receive innovative, challenging classroom learning experiences and extended learning programs. What you learn from this experience will turn what now you can only imagine—dreams of college, of a career, of success in the world—into reality.

Imagine...

Getting an “A” in a Challenging Class.

Friendship’s classes are challenging. The school prides itself on a rigorous academic program that fully prepares students to do well in college.

You will be held to high academic standards beginning in elementary school—and your teachers will help you to succeed. Students attending Friendship’s original two elementary schools have not only exceeded state academic requirements for the past six years, but also are equaling or outpacing students at similar public and private charter schools in Washington, D.C. At the middle school and high school level, you will explore science and technology and have access to the first Pre-Early College and Early College college-preparatory programs in D.C. You may earn up to two years of college credit while completing high school at Friendship. A full slate of advanced placement courses are available, including Literature, Calculus, Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Biology, Art History, Music Theory, and more.

You will have the full support of Friendship’s teachers and staff throughout your journey—so you can build on your natural strengths and excel.

Imagine...

Using Cool New Technology in Class.

At Friendship, you can learn by using state-of-the-art technology. Special carts with wireless laptops allow you to analyze information and to learn Internet research.

At each school, you also have access to Creative Learning “SmartLabs.” SmartLabs are desks equipped with computers, technology-based learning tools, and a special curriculum.

You can take the SmartLabs’ special classes to reinforce your skills in critical thinking, communication, and technology, or to learn science. Friendship also uses SmartLabs as part of its after-school programs. SmartLabs have played a part in developing competitive robotics teams on two campuses, in creating a television network, and in forming a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

Imagine…

Being a Journalist.

If you dream of working in media and are between 11 and 18 years old, you’re welcome on the Friendship News Network. This yearround program lets you produce your own magazine, TV show, or radio show.

For example, you could contribute to Rated-T Magazine, which shares news from the teen point of view. If your work is among the best, it could be printed in local newspapers, on the News Hour Extra Web site, and on WashingtonPost.com.

At FNN TV, you can produce your own television feature news stories, commercials, and public service announcements.

Joining the RADIO FNN team lets you produce Teen2Teen, a onehour monthly talk show on WOL 1450 AM Radio, as well as feature news stories, commercials, and public service announcements.

In the past, Friendship News Network’s student reporters have covered local and national elections, examined Martin Luther King’s legacy, and interviewed Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates’ father. You could, too!

Imagine...

Broadening Your Horizons.

Enrichment and after school activities let you explore a world of interests. Singing in the choir, playing in a music ensemble or jazz band, and joining the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are but a few of the many examples.

Friendship has partnerships with a multitude of prestigious area organizations—such as NASA, the Kennedy Center, and the National Symphony Orchestra. These partnerships are your ticket to engineering, theater, dance, spelling bee, arts, and poetry programs, and to fascinating museums.

Student clubs and associations let you engage in science, debate, foreign language, drama, and art. Through additional student clubs, you can be part of student government, work on the yearbook, do community service, and more. You also could be tapped to join the regular or junior chapter of the National Honor Society.

Unique opportunities abound. For example, you can join a Robotics team that competes in national championships or attend Saturday Learning Camps. Sign up for the French Club, and you could tour French-speaking cities in Canada. Join the Leadership, Character & Justice Program to learn about law and public safety professions.

If you want to learn about it, you probably can through Friendship.

Let your imagination run wild!

Imagine‌Becoming an Athlete.

Playing sports not only keeps you active, but also teaches you to work well with others. At Friendship, you can choose from a wide array of sports—baseball, basketball, football, tennis, track and field, soccer, and volleyball. You may also join a step team. You may choose from boys-only, girls-only, and co-ed teams.

As a student, you will spend at least 45 minutes a day in physical education. Younger students also will complete the Butterflies and Joey program, which teaches you to take care of your body, to eat healthy food, and to manage your weight.