Advertisement

Washington Christian Academy

Private | K-12 | 310 students

We are best known for Reformed Christian Education.
 
 

Living in Olney

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $385,000. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,700.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 23 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

39 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted April 23, 2013

WCA is absolutely fantastic. I've been going here since kindergarden and I've loved every minute of my time here. As a senior, I feel more than prepared for college


Posted April 23, 2013

Washington Christian Academy is a great Christian school. I would definately recommend it to friends and family. Their are great kids and teachers and it is a wonderful enviroment for your children.


Posted April 23, 2013

Washington Chistian Academy is a wonderful school, where teachers do more than just teaching a subject. Teachers are caring and understanding and instill the love of learning in students. The environment in our school is unique, Students have the opportunity to interact with each other in the many extracurricular activties provided by the school.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted April 23, 2013

I remember going to this school for my first year in 5th Grade. I didn't know anybody, and nobody knew me, but right off in one week many people became my friends, and we always hung out together, and even now we do. There are a lot of fun things to do at Washington Christian Academy, and it is really exciting to get to know all the new people that come by to our school. WCA has a lot of fun activities like a wide variety of sports, clubs, and thrilling festival days occasionally throughout the year! I recommend this school as one any student could come to, and it will change your life.


Posted April 22, 2013

I have been attending WCA since Kindergarten, and now I am in 11th grade (12 years). I could not have been more happy and more blessed to be in an environment such as WCA. It's really great to be connected with your teachers on a personal level, yet also have great opportunities such as athletics and arts to get you prepared for college. There are SO many ways I have thrived in my talents and interests. If you're looking for a school, stop the search now and enroll at WCA! I wouldn't be happier anywhere else.


Posted April 22, 2013

2 of my children have graduated from WCA and 1 is currently enrolled. The academic environment far exceeds that of any public or private school we know. There is plenty opportunity for each student to thrive with the various clubs, extra-curricular activities, and small class size. The school is also very diverse. It is located on a beautiful 60 acre semi-wooded lot in a very convenient location right off the InterCounty Connector.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2013

Washington Christian Academy is a school full of christian spirits. I have been going to WCA since Kindergarten, the journey since has been tremendous. Moving from building to building, but finally finding our own building in Olney, Maryland. People make sure you feel included and they are great to be around. The teachers are always fun and make sure you understand the material they are teaching. Also, the actives the school hosts are extremely fun and creative. It is great to know that students get to have a say in what the school can do make things more fun. This year I am in 8th grade, and I hope to continue going to WCA for High School.


Posted April 22, 2013

I am a student at WCA in the sixth grade. I love this school. I get to play on every sports team. The teachers are very nice and they teach in a very kind way. They help you till you get how to do the concept. The teachers are always smiling and are very nice.


Posted April 15, 2013

This is an amazing school. Both my children have thrived academically & spiritually and the quality of the teachers is unsurpassed. Our family feels cared for and teachers are always there to help out when needed. The quality of the after school enrichment program is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 24, 2013

I have two daughter that are 7 years apart in age. One began their school curriculum in seventh grade and the other began in first. It has beena a great experience for our family. The combination of their growing relationship with God and their pursiot of academic excellencs has been impressive. Each of them are eager to go toschool each day which is a blessing in itself. The overall living environment present in the school encourages this trpy of attitude. I am also impressed with the variety and content of classes offered. We have been veryhappy with all of their teachers as well. I would higly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2013

WCA has been my home since Kindergarden and I have loved every moment of it. WCA has been a very influential part of my life. It has helped me learn so much about myself, God, and my relationship with him. WCA has one of the best curriculums out there. It challenges the student to do the best that they can. WCA has improved my study habits and given me life lessons that I believe no other school could. When you get a chance come to an open house to learn more!


Posted January 31, 2013

I can't imagine a better Christian school. Our kids have been in three Christian schools (one in NY and two in MD) and WCA is by far the best. Certainly our children were well prepared academically. They all got into great colleges and recieved scholorships. Most importantly they learned how to think, decide and act biblically. As they've entered college (all in public non-christian colleges) they are firm in their beliefs and have not abandoned them for the pressures of the world. WCA is an authentic, grace-filled Christian community. It is not "behavior school". Certainly there are rules, but the kids challenge each other to live biblically. And encourage each other when mistakes are made, as they alwasy are. I am confident that our children are well prepared for whatever God calls them to in life and we are SO GRATEFUL for the committed teachers, staff and parents at WCA.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2013

I have 2 daughters in the lower school and we have been abundantly blessed during the past 4 years here at WCA. My girls are surrounded by Godly men and women daily that reinforce the values and beliefs that are being taught at home. The academics at this school are excellent and I am constantly amazed and what my girls are learning. The teachers are loving, passionate 100% invested in each child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 30, 2013

We have 2 children (boy and girl) at WCA (Middle School and Upper School) and could not be more satisfied with the school. Over the past 5 years at WCA we have seen our children develop and excel in a challenging and supportive environment. The school's administration, teachers, student body and parents have have blessed us with many examples over the years of Christian love and character. WCA has taught our children how to think critically and to develop a Christian faith that is their own. We highly recommend WCA!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 29, 2013

WCA has wonderful teachers that care so much about educating their students. This school has strong principles and strives to lead your child in doing the best they can. My son loves going to school and loves his classmates and teacher :)
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 28, 2013

My son is in the lower school of WCA. He attended another Christian preschool before joining the WCA. All I can say is we are really thankful for God leading us here. All the teachers we met are very passionate and professional. I volunteer a lot at school because I am a stay-home-mom. Teachers I met love those kids and love their job. My very shy son learned to open up himself more and enjoy his daily activity at school. More importantly (at least to us), they don't just teach Christian value, they live it out. The models my son have had shaped him into a better person each day. I'm also amazed by the academic excellence that they are doing. Just at Kindergarten, my son could do a grade 2 Brain Quest by himself (and he is not the smartest kid in his class). I seems to me that they are learning really a lot faster than the schools in my area. However they are not stressed to drill on homeworks. My son comes home smiling everyday. All the administrative staffs are very friendly and the school officials is very willing to communicate with all the concerns that we have. This is actually quite uncommon amoung my friends who go to other private school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2013

My family has been connected to WCA for over twenty years. My mother was a teacher who recently retired, and I have had three children attend the school. My oldest attended from K-9, and left only because of his desire to play football which WCA does not currently offer as a sport. My daughter has attended her whole school career and will graduate in a few months. My third child attended K-3, and left more because the fit wasn't the best for him, as his personality tends to be a bit of a challenge. I have been impressed with the school in terms of the high academic standards. My kids know that much will be expected of them, and they learned to appreciate their being pushed to excellence. The most important thing to me though is that the students are taught to really know who God is. They don't just memorize scripture, but dive into the study of God's word, especially as the kids get older. The school has plenty of extra curricular activities, and I like how they have begun a house program within the last few years that creates special bonds of friendship, and is also a lot of fun. I feel the school's desire is to help mold well rounded students. We feel blessed by WCA.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 26, 2013

We cannot speak highly enough about WCA's preparation of our daughter, both academically and personally. She was challenged to pursue academic excellence, develop a strong work ethic, and to be well-rounded through the many extra-curricular opportunities and class enrichment activities. Today, she successfully balances the rigors of studying engineering (biomedical), competing as an NCAA athlete for her university, and working 10 hours/wk on campus. Perhaps as important, she has developed many quality relationships at college. This relationship building environment was modeled at WCA with the warm reception and inclusion she received from WCA students when she transferred to WCA at the beginning of her junior year. Thank you, WCA faculty and staff, for the strong sense of community and support for our next generation of leaders!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 23, 2013

We have 2 sons at WCA, and plan for them to complete High School there. High academic standards and a Christian world view are priorities for us, underpinning the way we raise our children at home. The teachers are dedicated, responsive and open to receive and give feedback. The homework load is heavy, but we prefer the children to be pushed rather than becoming complacent about achievement. When I drop the children at school in the morning, I experience a sense of peace knowing that my sons are in a beautiful environment with teachers that truly seek their individual well being. We have lived in several countries and experienced many schools, and can say without reserve that WCA comes out on top.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 17, 2013

We have 3 children at WCA and this is the only school they have attended. We have always been impressed by the teachers, not only by their ability to teach at the highest level, but also the personal interest and caring they have for the students. You can tell teaching is more than a job for the staff, it is a calling. All our kids have been academically challenged in the school. They have also been encouraged to not be afraid to share their faith. The school provides a very nuturing enviroment, teaches values consistent with our Christian beliefs at home, and provides many opportunties for parental involvement. I can't imagine our kids going to any other school.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

We currently do not have any test score information for this school. Unlike public schools, private schools are not always required to report data about their schools or not required to take the same tests as public schools. Many private schools take different standardized tests; however, that information is often made available only to families of enrolled students. We strive to acquire additional private school data whenever available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school
White 52%
Black 33%
Hispanic 11%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0%
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

College readiness and student pathways

Colleges most students attend after graduation University of Maryland
Georgetown University
Grove City College
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 10N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Technology club

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Rock band
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production
Clubs
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language and culture club

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Girls on the run

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Advanced placement courses
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00 am
School end time
  • 3:00 pm
School Leader's name
  • David Hawes
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Boarding options
  • Day school
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Affiliation
  • Christian
Associations
  • CSI
Fax number
  • (240) 559-0115

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Core knowledge
  • Direct instruction
  • Independent Study
  • Internships
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Religious
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • None
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • None

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Career/college counseling
  • Remediation
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Cafeteria
  • Chapel/spiritual reflection center
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Rock band
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
Media arts
  • Video / Film production

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Book/reading club
  • Foreign language and culture club
  • Game club
  • Girls on the run
  • Model UN
  • National Honor Society
  • Student newspaper
  • Technology club
  • Upper School Music Guild
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

What does it cost?

Tuition range for the 2012-2013 school year
$7000 - $17000
Vouchers accepted
No
Financial aid offered
Yes.

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
University of Maryland
Grove City College
Penn State
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
Community college courses
SAT/ACT prep classes
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Visiting teachers or lecturers from colleges
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

16227 Batchellors Forest Road
Olney, MD 20832
Website: Click here
Phone: (240) 390-0429

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT